Chapter 04: Teasing game

ELLIE

On Friday, after a tiring week of work, we were gathered at Anna and Will's house, this time playing Truth or Dare. In fact, our game could be called Truth or Truth, because nobody played Dare. The game boiled down to guys asking embarrassing questions to each other, girls to girls, or their respective partners.

But this time, Ethan was there. I knew he would be present before even coming, so I mentally prepared myself for any games, but I wasn't prepared for that. The question that had just come out of his mouth. I looked at the faces as shocked as mine. "Vanilla sex or wild sex?" he asked, serious as if he were asking if I preferred coffee or tea.

"I... I think it depends," I finally answered, wondering if there was any other interest beyond provocation and trying to embarrass me behind the question. I was honest in my response. I preferred wild sex, but making love with someone you're in love with could be hot and mind-blowing, at least that's how I imagined it.

"No scientist. You have to choose one or the other."

"Okay. Wild sex. And that's my cue to go get another drink. Any takers?" I got up and headed to the kitchen.

"I'm also going to get another drink."

"Ethan..." I heard Bennett warn.

"I'm just getting a drink, little brother, relax."

He followed me into the kitchen.

"Bennett's worried you'll try to touch me under my skirt without my permission," I said before turning to face him. He smiled, sexy as a demon.

"I'm glad you're in a good mood. I think he's more worried you'll fall in love with me, and I'll end up breaking your heart."

"I'll reassure him because that wouldn't happen in a million years."

"Keep pretending you're not attracted to me."

"You're so presumptuous."

"I have mirrors at home," he shrugged. I had to restrain myself from rolling my eyes.

"Right. You can be attractive, but the attraction has different levels of significance for people. It must be something very significant for you, as I classify you as a superficial person." His smile grew wider. "What I mean is that you may be attractive to me, but I've been attracted to many jerk guys with whom I avoided any kind of contact."

"You talk about common things like a scientist, it makes you even sexier."

"If all this is part of some plan to try to get me into your bed, give up. It will never happen."

"We'll see."

"You're such a bastard!" The cad kept smiling.

"Do you have a problem with sex?"

"No. Although that's none of your business."

"I thought someone like you would understand that sex can be just a pleasurable experience between two consenting adults."

"I understand."

"It doesn't seem like it."

"Let me be clear. Casual sex isn't the problem exactly. It's you."

"Me?" He frowned, indignant.

"Yes, I'm not interested in sleeping with someone who will pretend I don't exist the next day because they're too much of a jerk."

"So, you want a boyfriend?"

"Don't put words in my mouth. My personal life is not the issue here. I'm just explaining why nothing will ever happen between us."

"You're not being reasonable. It's just sex. And you wouldn't deny it if you knew what you were missing." God! He was so arrogant!

"Have you ever considered that maybe you overestimate your abilities? I need something stronger than beer to put up with this." I groaned in frustration. A mischievous smile appeared on one side of his mouth. "What are you thinking?"

"You said something stronger..."

"Stop it. You're really a pervert."

"Whiskey... that's an acceptable answer since you want to play the Puritan."

"Puritan? Is that what you call women who reject you?"

"This game has just begun, and soon it will be you begging me to touch you."

"In your dreams."

"In my dreams, you do more than beg." Damn it. I was trying to avoid letting his words affect me. It was something I shouldn't even be thinking about. Shit. It's just the alcohol, Ellie. "Did I leave you speechless, scientist?"

"I was looking for the right words, and I think they are... You'll have to settle for your dreams."

"Don't worry... when it happens, I'll remember you like it rough." He winked before heading back to the living room. God! I took a deep breath, trying to push the image that came to my mind away.

What was his goal? To drive me crazy? He was succeeding. And why the hell was my body responding to his provocations? Now I'm even thinking about him, saying he dreams about me. Was it true?

It doesn't matter, Ellie, just forget he exists. You don't need a man like him in your life, you've already had your share of jerks.

"I can see smoke coming out of your ears." Anna approached. "What did he say?"

"Just trying to provoke me, as always."

"I'm starting to think you guys like that."

"Oh please! He's the biggest bastard of them all."

"Do you know what they say about love and hate?"

"If you keep going, I swear I'll break this bottle over your head." We both laughed.

"Have you been thinking about him a lot?"

"Anna, don't start."

"I'm your best friend. Be honest."

"I'm trying not to think, but I do the opposite when you ask me these kinds of questions."

"It's weird, you know, he seems like the type of guy who's extremely serious about work, but as soon as he's near you, this other side comes out."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I don't know. You know... maybe a little sex wouldn't hurt you."

"I can't believe you're saying that."

"He's not as bad a guy as we thought. Maybe we misjudged him. I'm starting to like him."

"That's because he didn't just talk a bunch of bullshit to you."

"I'm just saying that..."

"I'm not going to have sex with him. End of story."

Later that night, it was hard to sleep. I had a particularly steamy dream about a certain someone. He was getting into my head. I couldn't stop thinking about what he had said. 'When it happens, I'll remember that you like it rough'.