The Playboy Plaything

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

(Allison's Pov)

I quickly took the glass from his hand and thanked him, walking back to the counter, I poured myself a glass of orange juice.

Trying to regain my composure, I took a sip of the juice while avoiding Ash's eyes. We stood in silence for a moment, the tension in the air palpable. Then Ash spoke up, breaking the silence.

"I hope I didn't scare you earlier," he said, a hint of concern in his voice, "I didn't mean to startle you"

I finally found my voice, shaking off my initial shock. "It's okay," I replied, forcing a smile. "I just wasn't expecting to see you there."

Ash nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, I'll make sure to make some noise next time," his tone light-hearted.

I chuckled softly, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. "That would be helpful," I replied, feeling more at ease.

Ash glanced at the clock, following his gaze, I didn't realize how late it was. "I should probably get some rest," I said reluctantly

Ash nodded, understandingly. "I should probably do the same," he said

A small smile appeared on my lips as I headed back upstairs, feeling his presence behind me.

I quickened my pace and swiftly unlocked my door, leaning against it once I was inside.

I heard him chuckle as he walked past my room towards his own.

Ash's room was just two doors down from mine. It made me uncomfortable, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why. This was meant to be a summer getaway, not a time for romance or complicated emotions.

***************

I received a text from my mother but ignored it and set my phone on the bedside table. My job interview was scheduled for 8:00 am, and I was trying my best to prepare for it. I laid back and tried to relax.

My peaceful summer wasn't going according to plan. First on my to-do list: find a good summer job with decent pay.

I needed to be prepared for college, and although my parents could afford everything I needed, I wanted to be independent. Plus, I didn't want to be alone in this big house.

Now that there were more than three of us, I didn't feel comfortable being here alone, especially with Ash around.

I could sense trouble from him the moment I laid eyes on him. My number one rule was to stay away from unnecessary drama, and he seemed to be the epitome of that.

I got out of bed and headed into the bathroom. After getting ready and stepping out, I stared at my suitcase, contemplating what outfit would make the best impression.

I decided on a spaghetti-strap sunflower crop top and a pair of blue jeans. I grabbed my black-heeled boots, confident that they completed the look. It took me 30 minutes to get ready, and then I made my way downstairs.

As I entered the dining hall, all eyes turned to me. Justin, Cara, and Ash were all seated at the table, observing me curiously.

"I thought you weren't interested in working anymore," Cara teased, showing me the time on her phone.

"I still have time," I replied simply, flashing her a smile.

"A rebel worker on her first day, I like that," Justin chimed in, beaming at me.

I couldn't remember the last time I had seen Justin, but he still looked incredibly handsome. His ocean-blue eyes, which he and Cara both inherited, made me wonder if they were royalty in their past lives.

My gaze shifted to Ash, who sat there staring at me. His eyes looked different from last night. Today, they were expressionless and cold.

His green eyes made my stomach churn strangely.

"So, what's for breakfast?" I asked, trying to shift my focus and distract my thoughts. They were heading in the wrong direction.

"Chef Lupita mentioned an American breakfast," Cara answered, unsure, and then turned to face Justin. "Right?"

"Yeah, I was tired of eating Mexican food. I threw up last night after a bite of Ash's tacos," Justin joked, playfully rubbing his stomach.

Cara rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Are you sure it wasn't from last night's clubbing?" she teased, making fun of him.

I smiled, enjoying their banter. They were my favorite siblings to have around.

Ash's phone chimed, and he glanced at it with a smirk on his face before standing up, ready to leave.

"Aren't you staying for breakfast?" Cara asked.

"I'll eat out," Ash replied.

Sensing that Ash had somewhere to be, Justin walked up to him and put his arm around Ash's neck, whispering something in his ear.

Ash shrugged him off, giving him a grin, and then walked out of the room. I slowly turned back and stared at him, before he was out of sight.

I felt a strange sense of disappointment. I couldn't understand why I cared whether or not he stayed for breakfast.

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on my breakfast. Chef Lupita had prepared a delicious spread of eggs, toast, bacon, and fresh juice. I filled my plate and turned to Justin and Cara.

"I hate this," Cara said. Justin, whose eyes were fixated on his phone, now stared at his sister.

"What?" He questioned, and I desperately waited for her answer too.

"Why do you have to work?" Cara cried out playfully, holding my hand.

"Jeez, are you for real?" Justin replied annoyed, his eyes slowly meeting mine before quickly looking away.

I shrugged off the feeling and fully focused my attention on Cara. "I just want to do it. I can't be indoors all summer," I managed to say.

"Who said you'll be indoors? We could go out, to the beach, clubbing. Come on, you know there are plenty of things to do in Anna Maria," she bickered.

I smiled, knowing Cara hated being alone. "Cara," I called her name softly.

"Please, I'll pay you for your time. It won't be like you're wasting your summer," she quickly added.

I knew Cara's parents were rich, and she and her brother liked spending money like it was nothing. But I wasn't comfortable with the idea of being paid without doing anything.

"You know I won't accept that," I politely told her, taking a bite of my toast.

Justin softly tapped Cara's arm. "Let her be, Cara. At least she wants to be independent, unlike someone I know. Go get a job, Cara."

"Oh God, never. Jobs are for poor people," Cara blurted out, realizing what she had said. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her gaze fixated on me, along with Justin's.

Jokes on them, though. My parents were good salary earners. Although they might be having personal issues currently, they are living well.

"Allison, I didn't mean to..." Cara tried to explain.

I smiled. "It's okay. But I don't think poor people are the only ones who work, Cara. Your parents work hard to provide you with the life you're currently enjoying. I guess that makes them poor too," I said.

Her expression changed. She might be my best friend, but she sometimes overstepped her boundaries with her words.

Justin sensing the tension, pulled me up unexpectedly by the shoulder. "I'll drop you off for your interview," he said.

My eyes never leaving Cara, I sighed and picked up my bag, following Justin out.

As we stepped out, I tried to brush off any feelings of anger that were boiling inside of me.

"You know how Cara is sometimes. You shouldn't take what she said to heart," Justin said, unlocking his car door for me as I stepped in.

He got into his seat and urged me to put on my seatbelt, which I did. "Thank you," I managed to say.

He smiled, his eyes brightening. He was different from Cara. Although he partied a lot and had multiple girlfriends, he was nice, caring, and oddly reliable.

"You didn't have to," I said.

He looked at me curiously. "I didn't have to what?"

"Drive me there. I could have taken a taxi," I finally said.

"I wanted to," he said, his eyes holding such yearning that I couldn't help but sway with.

I gave him a small smile as he drove off.

******************

I needed to cool off, and I knew the mansion had a built-in hot water cave. I trailed off, trying to find it. Cara had mentioned it was next to the bar room. Unlocking the door, I stepped in. It looked serene. I undressed from the nightgown I was wearing and stepped into the warm water.

Taking in the heat and peacefulness, I closed my eyes and leaned my head backward.

When I opened my eyes, I realized I had company in the water. Ash sat down at the further end. Feeling uncomfortable, I shrugged. How did he get in without me noticing? I was naked, and my nightgown was nowhere in sight. I turned to stare at him.

"Can I ask you a question?" He spoke his voice like a thunderous storm.

Not saying anything, I stared at him, hoping he would make whatever he wanted to say quick and snappy.

"Can I f**k you?"

Words left me...