“No—it was banned because Button likes sneaking hotels from the bank.”
“Aaron Archer! Come here. Darian—let me have at him. Just this once.” Darian’s laughing at me as I squirm—my face certainly red.
“I think we should let him try.” Josh offers in my defense, earning a glare from Aaron.
“I wouldn’t. I’ve watched Bear almost drown Aaron in the pool before.” Amber reveals, which earns a shocked and appalled gasp from Jenna.
“It was justified.” When everyone stares at me and waits for that justification, I sneer. “He was being a fucking bitch.”
“No—he has a point.”
“Alright Josh—you and me then.” Aaron stands up, pointing at him. A couple of the people around the table groan and stand as well—prepared to grab if needed.
“Is the prize Bear? I’m in.”Aaron lunges across the table, knocking over Cammie’s houses.
“Hey! Asshole.” She complains as Kade and Alex pull Aaron back—laughing at the whole ridiculous event.
“Listen!” I yell. “Let’s circle back to the matter at hand. Aaron—baby—give me my fucking money back. Iknowyou took it.” Slowly, so sweetly, he grins at me from across the table. “Alright!” I’m on the table—Darian having loosened his grip while watching the boys bicker. Everyone’s cackling at us but I’m totally beating his ass and Aaron knows it. That’s why he runs.
After clearing the table, I get him cornered in Felix’s bedroom—blocking the exit and glaring at him.
“I didn’t take it.” He says, hands up defensively.
“Then why are you running?” Aaron looks at me like a wolf who led a bunny right into his trap.
“Because you get scary when you’re mad at me.”
“I feel like you’re being a bit condescending right now.” He’s getting closer and closer.
“I wouldnever, baby. You know I wouldn’t.” I scoff, letting him wrap an arm around my waist as I glare up at him. “Here—I’ll pay you back.” Aaron kisses my neck—my cheeks, my forehead, my collarbones. Then—finally—my mouth. He licks into me, hand in my hair to keep me against him. He’s trying to eat me again—just as he always does, and I’m tryingnotto get hard at my best friend’s house.
“Aaron?” I use my best whiny, horny Benjamin voice, praying it works.
“Yeah, baby?” Aaron leans back—kissing my temple, hands on my hips. I have a guess as to where the money is and if I’m wrong, I’ll be very embarrassed. But if I’m right….
I shove a hand into his back pocket, feeling the two bills. Ripping them out I run, swinging the door open andbooking it. I skid to a stop in the dining room, and everyone looks at me—quiet and confused.
Slowly—I grin—raising the two fake hundred-dollar bills.
“Holy shit! He actually had it!” Angie yells, pointing at me.
“I thought they were fucking.” Josh laughs out, shaking his head.
Aaron walks in—hands raised in defense.
“He seduced me and shook me down. Played very dirty.” I turn to where he’s taking his seat and pin him with a glare.
“Stealing is a crime,Aaron Archer.” Darian makes theohhhsound you make when the teacher calls you to the office.
“You’re in trooooublee.” He sings. Aaron groans, dropping his head onto the table.
About thirty seconds after I sit and rearrange my money, I hear Amber whisper to our friends—
“Aaron most definitely got caught on purpose. Kinky bastard.” The end of the table chuckles. And I look at Aaron who’s grinning right at me.
???
“Baby—I wouldneversteal from you just so you’d fuck my face!” Aaron tails me as I walk through the living room, dropping my wallet and phone on the couch and heading to our room.
