Truth or Dare? [REWRITTEN]

¤Chapter 17¤

¤Chapter Seventeen¤

"Why are we at my house?" I asked astonished. 

This is not what I had in mind when I told Owen we should go somewhere. Actually, I just wanted to leave Jace's presence as soon as possible —although the feeling I felt from Owen's irritably around him was... pleasant. "Also," I continued, bringing my attention to the present. "How do you know where I live?"

His cheeks slowly tinted pink as he looked at me from his stiff position behind the steering wheel. "I, uh, bumped into your friend on my way out, that's why I took so long inside"

"You —what?" I moved from blankly staring out the window at my house perched on a slope to fiercely focusing on him. His eyes shifted around nervously. 

"Yeah..." He scratched the back of his head then got out of the truck, refusing to give me anymore information. Did they tell him not to say anything? That wouldn't be the first time they tried to set me up with someone behind my back. 

Getting my bike off Owen's truck was much harder than putting it on. It could be because he is significantly weaker than Jace or perhaps my annoyance is clouding my vision and obstructing my strength. Both is also an option. 

"What do you plan on doing with me when I take you into my house?" I rose a brow. The wind from earlier seemed to have brought in some grey clouds but they have nothing on the wide eyes that stared back at me. I don't need to be able to read him to know that startled him. The fact that he brought me home caught me off guard but the plan still stands. In truth, this might work better on my turf than some random public location.

Maybe I should thank my friends after all.

Everything in our living room is decorated with neutral colors. Last year, my family discovered that plain colors helped in keeping me calm. Thinking back on it now, I guess it worked a little. My anguish gradually subsided with time and I was able to get over the jerk. The only furniture my parents didn't change in the house was the black bookshelf that was placed awkwardly next to the fireplace. It doesn't quite fit the décor. I have my own mini library in my room so I don't use it. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever seen my parents use it either but they're rarely home anyways. 

We sat on the plush couch in front of the TV and I propped my legs up on the coffee table, waiting for him to say something. I studied his impassive expression on the blank screen's reflection. Finally, after a few minutes he spoke, "I feel like I should thank you but I don't know how."

I looked in his emerald-grey eyes quizzically; they swirled with an emotion I couldn't understand. "You just did. Now tell me the reason for your gratitude."

His lips twisted a little as if he's trying to withhold a smile. "You didn't leave with that strange guy"

"And what makes you think I planned on leaving with him?" I placed my elbow on the armrest and let my cheek rest on my palm. So far I'm still unable to decipher anything other than his body language and right now it's telling me he's relieved but also trying to show restraint.

"He saw me approaching Brittney's car and called out," He paused then dropped his voice a few octaves to mimic Jace's deep, breathy tone. " 'Aye, Pretty Boy where's my girl Madison?' "

I flinched at my name.

"Yup that sound's like something Jace would say but—" I dropped my legs and scooted closer next to Owen on the sofa, forcing him to meet my warning glare. "That doesn't mean you get to repeat everything."

Something seemingly dejected crossed his features before he responded with "Oh."

 "Jace is it?" He clarified on the name before continuing, "Well it seems you're okay with him saying your name but not me"