Page 77 of Make You Beg
I was getting into a routine, meeting friends, and now I’m starting over from zero. Again.
That’s it. I need to relax.
Our home library is the perfectly cozy place to do so—with multiple options for entertainment—so that’s where I head. Shutting the door behind me, I admire the room.
It’s wide and spacious. There is a long black leather sofa in the middle, bookshelves surrounding it with both real books and mock-ups for decoration, a flat screen TV with a decent collection of movies right in front of the sofa, and even a small fridge with refreshments and snacks.
I grab a bag of popcorn from the drawers next to the fridge and move on to drinks.
After scanning the mini fridge, filled with different types of sodas, a better idea pops into my head.
I know Lucas keeps alcohol hidden here.
There’s plenty to show off on his cabinets in the living room, but he’s got an unhealthy taste for it. He keeps some here, too. I found out when one day I saw him picking up one of the mock books from a shelf, and the bookshelf opened like a door—revealing a cabinet filled with alcoholic goodies.
I can’t quite remember which bookshelf it was. But I remember it being the row of books in the middle. So, I try both sides and pick up the mock books on the left side of the sofa first.
It’s when I move on to the right that I pick up a book, and an automatic sensor opens the door hidden behind it. Inside, the biggest selection of alcohol I’ve ever seen. There is a whole row of whiskey and wine, another of rum, and cans of beer.
I settle for something strong. Whiskey.
I grab one of the numerous bottles and shut the cabinet door.
With popcorn in one hand and the bottle in the other, I make myself comfortable on the sofa. Woo-hoo—I’m home, comfortable in my pajamas, no bra, hair in a ponytail, no makeup, in my most unapologetic form, about to have my own girls’ night.
Another idea pops into my head. I pick up Kayden’s red puck from its usual spot on the bookshelf closest to the door and swing the door open, placing the puck on the floor outside. A sort of ‘do not disturb’ sign. Kayden did say I could use it whenever I needed a break, too, not only for talking purposes. And right now, I need a break from him. He should get the hint.
Sitting down on the sofa again, I open the bag of popcorn and grab a handful, pressing it into my mouth.
I chew the salty popcorn pieces while twisting the whiskey cap open.
It takes me a few tries, but once it clicks, I press the bottle to my mouth and take a sip.
The alcoholic beverage burns my insides right away.
I wince and inhale another handful of popcorn.
Leaning back, I turn on the TV and browse through the library of movies until I find something fun to watch.
Before I realize it, I’ve been browsing for over an hour, half the popcorn is gone, and I’ve taken a few good sips of whiskey. My vision is becoming blurry, and my head’s spinning, but my body’s ticklish as I will myself to decide on a movie. Why am I so indecisive?
The door creaks, and a head pops in between the gap, prompting me to spin around.
“What do you want?” I spit, seeing Kayden.
He’s dressed in casual gray sweatpants and a black T-shirt that accentuates his wide shoulders. His hair is dancing in his face, and he brushes it back with his palm.
In his other hand is the red puck, and he stretches it my way, an eyebrow lifted.
“I don’t want to talk. Leave, please. And put that back where it was.”
His blue eyes squint, and an amused half-smile paints his lips. “I’m confused. Why are you leaving red pucks on the door of the library for everyone to see?”
“That’s supposed to mean I need a break, remember? A break from you.” I point at him. “Besides, I thought you didn’t want to talk. That’s why you’ve been avoiding me.”
“You’re right, I don’t want to fucking talk.” He changes his whole demeanor, stepping inside the room and closing the door behind him. “I want to drink.” He points at my booze.
“Well, you can’t. It’s mine.” I take the bottle’s mouth, taking a long pull that I’m already regretting as it burns through my chest.
