Pay Me, I'm Yours

Chapter 8 - What Pain Can Do

Chapter 8 - What Pain Can Do

"Okay, sleepyhead, it's time to get up now," Aubrey said in a brisk manner as he breezed into my room like an out of control tornado. He headed immediately to the windows to open the curtains and let the morning light in.

Burrowing my face deeper into my pillow to protect my eyes from the glare, I growled menacingly but the pillow lessen the impact of it. "How d'you get in?"

"I used your keys," he said, yanking the blanket away from me. "Seriously Keira, you need to find a new hiding spot."

I closed my eyes tightly. It was too early in the morning and I'm supposed to deal with my damned keys? Like, don't I deserve a moment's rest?

I swear, everyone was out to get me.

"You're supposed to be at work," I muttered, the pillow mumbling the sound. "And I'm supposed to get some sleep. Go now. Shoo."

"I already made you a cup of coffee and pancakes," he said, ignoring my words. "Better eat them while they're fresh and hot."

"I'll eat it later," I replied, holding onto my patience with a supreme effort. "You should go. And don't forget to leave the keys behind."

I thought he was gone for the better when I heard a scuffing sound. It didn't occur to me that he would scoop me up and carry me on his shoulder like he was a caveman. Marching towards the kitchen, he deposited me rather roughly to the nearest chair.

"Eat up," he ordered, already serving me with a plateful of pancakes and a hot steaming coffee.

I looked at him with a scowl on my face. Oblivious to the fact that I was close to hurling the plates at him, he smiled, looking devastatingly handsome in his gray suit.

Damned Aubrey. He couldn't just go to run his empire.

"Rough night?"

"You have to ask?" I snarled.

"Chill Keira," he said contritely, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I just came over to invite you."

"And this couldn't be done over the fucking phone?" I shouted, not caring about roaring profanities since I'm really grouchy every morning.

"Yeah," he said, completely ignoring my sour disposition. "Anyway, we're going on a trip so you better pack up."

"Huh?" I grumbled, not comprehending a word he's saying. I took a sip of my coffee.

We're going on a trip. We're going on a trip.

"We're going on a trip tomorrow," he repeated carefully, probably aware that I was about to do some serious damage because he's backing away slightly.

"WHAT?!"

"I already made a reservation." Ignoring my thunderous expression, he continued, "I even included the guy from the bet."

"His name is Gale," I grounded out.

"Whatever."

"And why are you only telling me this now?"

"It's a spur of the moment thing," he grinned apologetically.

"Where exactly is this place?"

"Golden Arrow Lake Resort."

I speared a piece of my pancake angrily and took a bite. If I was a cannibal, it'd be Aubrey's head I'd be munching on right now. "No."

"Connor's coming," he said as a concession.