Carnal House

Fresh hell.-Ryker

I woke with a start that turned into fear when I didn’t recognize where I was, or the warm weight on my hip. The events of last night hit me hard and the idea of facing Fox after doing what Ash and I had done last night had my heart racing.

“Good morning, kitten.” Ash said squeezing my hip. I look over his shoulder at the clock on his bedside.

“More like good afternoon. I should get up and get out of here before Fox gets back.” I said, moving to sit up. Ash’s arm comes around my waist as he hauls me to his chest.

“I don’t think I want to let go of you just yet. What do you say we have a late breakfast and hang around?” His voice is rough with sleep, and I would love nothing more than to bask in the lie, but I can’t.

“Fox told you not to let me leave, didn’t he.” I didn’t phrase it like a question because I already knew the answer.

“Yes, he thinks it is too dangerous and after seeing those messages last night I’m inclined to agree with him.” I appreciated his honesty but still, I wanted to go home and avoid the interaction with Fox all together.

“Yeah, I’m getting up and getting dressed. Is it cool if I borrow the shirt?” I asked, trying to hold on to my last thread of dignity. This time he let me up off the bed.

“Keep it, looks better on you anyway, especially right now.” He said, eyeing me up and down. I honestly couldn’t tell if he meant it or if he was just saying it to be nice. Either way I ignored it, making a beeline for the bathroom.

“Thanks.” I said, shutting the door behind me. Everything but the shirt Caleb tore was folded neatly on the counter, freshly washed from the smell of it, which I also appreciated. It gave me something to think about other than what happened last night.

I dress quickly, hoping that when I come out Ash will be gone, though I have no such luck as he is sitting on the edge of his freshly made bed, holding a glass of orange juice.

“Wanna tell me what is on your mind?” He asked, holding out the glass to me. I give him a noncommittal smile.

“Not really.” I don’t take the juice, instead turning to leave.

“Ryker.” I stop with my hand on the knob, hating how much I love the sound of my name when he says it. “What is wrong?”

“Nothing.” I lied. I don’t see him move, but I can feel him behind me as he sets the glass on his dresser.

“Then why won’t you look at me?”

“Just trying to save whatever dignity I have left for the walk of shame I have to do in front of Fox.” I tried to make light of it, but the sting of a pity hangout day post amazing orgasm still smarts.

“Did you enjoy what we did last night?” He asked in a tone that conveyed that he knew the answer.

“Yes, I did, but-”

“And are you ashamed of what we did last night.” And now he isn’t even asking a question.

“No, but-” How the hell am I supposed to navigate this if he is going to keep on interrupting me?

“OK then, it-”

“Meant nothing, I know, can I please just go now?” I tried to pull open the door, he pressed his back to mine and shut it before I could make my escape.

“Look at me, kitten.” I take a deep breath and steel myself.

“Please don’t call me that.”

“Why not?”

The front door slams loud enough to hear all the way up here and I feel relieved.

“Only Fox can slam a door loud enough to be heard on the third floor.” Ash’s hand is still braced against the door. “Let’s get this over with. Please.”

His hand drops and I’m out the door before he can say anything and thankfully, he doesn’t follow me.