Wrong Intentions

Chapter Ten

Aubrey

I had been enjoying the night. Everett hasn’t bothered me too much, but his eyes have been on me most of the night. My only regret is I have drunk too much. I am a lightweight when it comes to alcohol. I shouldn’t have had more than a couple.

The best thing for me to do is find somewhere else to go on the property and stay out of the way. I don’t want to embarrass Erica or Hugo in any way. I sneak away while everyone is preoccupied. I grab a bottle of water and walk away. I walk away from the backyard.

I stroll down the long path, and I reach the lake behind the house. I take a seat at the end of the walkway, my feet dangling over the water. It’s both beautiful and peaceful. There is not a single soul in sight. The noise from the party is barely audible. If I hadn’t been drinking, I would have gone for a swim. That lake is privately owned. Each home in the area has a stake in it.

There is a little light left. Darkness will fall soon. I will head back to join everyone before that occurs. I wouldn’t want to be down here, alone in the pitch dark. You never know who or what is lurking in the shadows. I wouldn’t put myself at risk. I want a little time to let the effects of alcohol fade.

The boards behind me creak. Panic sets in, and I freeze. The closer the footsteps get, the more anxious I become. Who is that?

“Don’t worry, it’s just me.”

The sound of Everett’s voice stops me from panicking. Why is he here? Did he come down here after me? He appears next to me and takes a seat.

“Why are you here?”

“I noticed you slipping away. Aubrey, it’s unsafe for you to be alone down here. What if you fell in, or someone is creeping around?”

I roll my eyes, “I am a big girl. I can swim, so I would be fine if I fell in.”

“Just because you can swim, it doesn’t mean you would be okay. If you were to fall into the water, especially after drinking alcohol, it would be dangerous.”

“I am fine. You can leave now.”

Of course, he doesn’t listen. Instead, he scoots closer and places his hand on my knee. I hate myself for shuddering under his touch.

“No. I’m staying right here with you until you come back to the party.”

God, this man is infuriating. “Fine! But only if you don’t talk to me. I am enjoying the peace and quiet.”

He’s not disturbing my peace.

“Yes, ma’am.” He chuckles.

I shake my head and focus on the view. I can see him watching me from the corner of my eye.

“Quit staring at me. It is creepy.” I huff and turn to face him.

He smirks. “What is creepy about it? I am admiring you.”

I roll my eyes, “How cheesy. Shouldn’t you be with your date and not here, annoying me?”

Everett shrugs, “Tara is fine. She isn’t the one sitting here alone.”

His hand slides up my leg to my thigh. He draws circles on my skin with his fingers. His touch makes it grow warm, and I let out a soft moan.

“You don’t need to be alone,” he says.

I swallow hard. “I want to be.”

I attempt to dismiss the thoughts in my head. Giving in to these urges would lead me to do something regrettable and foolish.

“If you change your mind, you have my number.” He squeezes my thigh and pulls away.

“Hitting on me isn’t right, especially since you came with someone. Casual or not. It is wrong.”

I jump to my feet and turn to walk away. He rapidly closes the distance between us. He grabs my hips from behind and swings me around to face him. He pulls me tightly to his chest. I gasp at the closeness, and my arm automatically encircles his neck.

“What if I told you I only brought her to make you jealous?” he asks.

“I would say it didn’t work. I don’t play stupid games.”

Did he really bring her here to try to get to me?

“I think it did, but you are too stubborn to admit it.”

I remove my arms from around his neck and take a few steps back.

“No, it really didn’t. Leave me alone.” I sigh and walk away.

I can’t deal with him any longer. He is too much for me to handle.

I return to everyone. Everett arrives a minute later. Hugo glances between us, a suspicious look on his face. He comes towards me.

“Is he bothering you?” he asks.

I shake my head, “No. He just came to make sure I was okay since I sneaked off.”

I don’t want to lie to him, but I also don’t want to cause trouble.

“Nothing more?”

I smile, hoping he doesn’t realize I am lying. “Nothing more. I promise.”

“Okay. Are you alright?”

“Yes, fine. I am going to head home. I’ve had more than enough to drink. I am tired, and my head is starting to hurt.”

“You can stay here if you want,” he suggests.

“Thanks, but I would rather go home to my bed.”

I am not too tired, but I need to get away from Everett. Plus, I’ve had enough socializing for the night.

“If you are sure. I will book an Uber for you.”

I thank him. I make my way around to say goodbye to everyone. I decide to head outside to wait for it. It shouldn’t be too long.

“I don’t get a goodbye?” I hear a familiar voice say from behind me.

“Goodbye,” I say.

Everett appears in front of me.

“I don’t even get a goodnight kiss?” he smirks.

“No, or any kiss, for that matter.”

He closes the space between us once again. “Text me when you get home safely.”

I nod and have never been so grateful to see an Uber before. I mutter another goodbye and rush towards it. I climb in and close my eyes, letting out a sigh of relief. I hope it will be a while before I have to see or deal with him again. He isn’t going to leave me alone. He’s fixated on me, and that won’t change.

I can’t help but worry that I will give in to him. I need to avoid him in any way I possibly can. It will be easier said than done. I can’t wait to arrive home. I’d rather not text when I return, but if I don’t, he might call or even come to my place. Texting him might at least keep him away.

The car journey isn’t long. I pay the driver and rush inside, changing straight into my PJs. Sighing, I threw myself onto the sofa and texted him.

I am home.



I keep it simple. Hopefully, he will be too busy to respond and try to continue the conversation.