Page 61 of Unbidden

“Let’s have another shot and make it interesting. We can keep score. Two points for a truth, five points for a dare, ten points for a double dare. Winner gets to ask the other two to do something for them and they can’t say no.”

I groan but walk over to her. We each grab a shot, tapping the glasses together before knocking them back. I relish the warmth it brings to my body.

“Come on. It’ll be fun. Nothing too crazy.” Tinsley gives me that sweet innocent look, but somehow, I don’t believe it this time.

“Fine. Why the hell not,” I grumble, obviously the more reluctant one.

“Yay! You can go first. Me or V?”

I narrow my eyes at both of them as I take a seat on the floor. “Come on, Tins.”

She claps her hands together in excitement as she also sits on the floor, with Victoria following her.

“Dare, of course.” Her smile is infectious, and I feel one of my own spread across my face.

I think for a moment about what I could have her do. I glance around the room, tapping my finger on my chin.

I glance over and spot a book on her nightstand.

“I dare you to read chapter ten of that book”—I point to it—“out loud and act out whatever it says.”

She blushes a little but jumps up. “Done.”

Grabbing the book, she starts reading. Victoria and I smile as she makes her way through the chapter. She’s doing great acting out the parts in the book. That is, until she gets to one particular spot.

“I can’t hold back anymore, Reba. I must have you.” She’s beet red now as she acts out a man kissing a woman on an invisible figure. “Jack, we can’t be doing this. We’re too different.”

A giggle bursts free when I realize where this is going.

“Differences don’t matter when you love someone. I love you, Reba.” She mimics a hand sliding up a leg. “Give me some sugar.”

She continues to pretend to kiss, but I finally stop her, rolling on the floor in laughter. “Enough! I can’t. I’m going to die.”

She drops the book on her bed and joins us on the floor. “Two points to me! Victoria, you’re next.”

We go on like this for an hour, each taking turns. Alternating between truths and dares, we learn a lot more about each other. I now know that Victoria is terrified of clowns while Tinsley is afraid of snakes.

The little things make me feel a little bit closer to them. For the first time since I arrived here, I consider staying. The bond forged tonight makes me want to give up my plans and give this place a real chance.

Chapter Thirteen

I’ve been lying here for an hour trying to sleep. I look over at Tinsley and Victoria, noticing they’re sound asleep.

Must be nice.

Sighing, I get up quietly, tiptoeing out of the room. Once in the hall, I take my time maneuvering through the house down to the kitchen, where I grab a glass and turn to fill it with water.

I gasp and almost drop it when I notice a figure in the doorway.

“What are you doing down here?” Reed asks.

“I’m so tired of you always questioning me. Doesn’t it ever get old?”

He walks closer before taking the glass from my hand and opening the fridge.

“Nope.” He doesn’t elaborate.

He turns around and hands me a glass full of cold water. I take it and meet his eyes.

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