Play Your Cards Right

Chapter 19

Climbing out of the heap of blankets that I call my bed, I walked over into my bathroom yawning. It had been a restless night because of the strange nightmare. From the looks of my bed, it was quiet a terrible one.

I peered into the mirror and got a little scared when I saw my appearance. My hair was tangled everywhere, my eyes had long deep purple rings seeping under them, and my breath could kill. I decided it would be the best for everyone if I took a shower and freshened up before walking downstairs.

After I wrapped my body in the lime green towels monogrammed with my initials, I approached my sink to brush my teeth, reapply some of my makeup, and dry my hair. When I was satisfied with myself, I put on some Nike shorts, a random tank top, and my mint green vans. My stomach growled as I descended into the staircase.

"Morning." I sighed sitting at the kitchen table. Mom was cooking something on the stove.

"Afternoon, Kristina." She laughed giving me a disapproving eyebrow raise. So what if I sleep until noon? I'm a teenager, that's what we do.

"Excuse me, Afternoon." I corrected myself grabbing a banana from the bowl. For a minute, I examined the yellow fruit rotating it so I can see all the sides. I was still a little shaken up about the food incident yesterday. Did this still have poison on it? Is it okay to eat? It should be, Niall went and bought food to replace the old poisoned ones we threw out.

"What are you doing with that banana?" Mom asked looking at me cautiously.

"Uh, just checking for bruises, ya know. Don't want to eat a bad banana." I chuckled awkwardly.

"Oh yes, I hate those. The taste is terrible." She said with all honesty. This is the absolute weirdest conversation I've ever had with my mother.

"Yeah...Me too." I said trailing off. It was time to stop the conversation. My phone buzzed repeatedly allowing me to step away from the situation.

Pulling it out of my pocket, Niall's contact flashed on the screen. I stood up from my chair and walked outside to the backyard for some privacy.

"Hey!" I answered his call.

"Hey, how are you doing?" Niall responded with concern thick in his words.

"I'm okay, just a little shaken up that's all."

"Good to hear. I went to the grocery store late last night and replaced your food for you." He replied.

"Yes, I saw. Thank you so much." I said smiling. He honestly saved my life last night. I owe him big time.

"You're very welcome."

"I will make it up to you." I added. I really need to repay him for everything he's done for me. We've been through a lot these past weeks. He's always been there for me and I am more than grateful for him.

"How about a date tonight?" He suggested.

"YES. What do you have in mind?" I spoke full of curiosity. I am willing to do anything for him at this point.

"Hmm. What ever you're down for." He said indifferently. Well now, this has got to be special. Maybe somewhere fun, not so fancy. I know he isn't the dressy type, might as well do something he will enjoy.

"I have an idea! Pick me up around six. Wear something you can get dirty." I hummed trying to control my excitement and sound intriguing.

"Ooh, getting dirty are we? I like it." He growled back. Rolling my eyes at his response, I ended the call.

~5:45 p.m.~

Scrambling to get to the door before my little brother, I raced downstairs and stopped as I approached it. I peered through the glass window and smiled. Niall had arrived. Rather early actually. Opening it for him, I gestured for him to come in.

"Sorry, I just couldn't wait for our date!" He smirked. Biting my lip, I looked up at him admiring his excitement.

"Oh really?" I shifted closer to him. He took the chance to engulf me in a huge hug. Leaning his head, his blonde hair rubbed against my cheek. I whispered sweet words into his ear causing him to immediately heat up at the touch of my lips against his neck. Slipping my hands into his front pocket, I slowly withdrew his car keys. He released a small groan oblivious to what I was doing.

"Kris, upstairs now." Niall demanded with a strong whisper. I pulled away from him leaving a small peck on his lips before dangling his car keys in front of him.

"No, you're coming with me mister." I beckoned seductively walking away to his car. Almost hypnotized, he followed with big eyes and an awestruck face. He chuckled before jumping into the driver's seat.

"No, no. I think I'll be driving this time babe." I winked. He crossed over to the passenger's seat and I started the engine.

"So where might you be taking me?" He smirked placing his hand against my thigh. I could tell he was very turned on at the moment. He seemed jittery and nervous.

"You'll see." I giggled. He will know soon enough. Licking my lips, I focused on the road.

"You're killing me." He whined leaning over to kiss my neck. Leaving sloppy open mouth kisses against my neck, his grip on my thigh tightened. I took in a sharp breath as he found my sweetspot below my ear.

"Hold up, we are almost here." I said trying to keep my focus on driving and not my overexcited boyfriend.

"I can't wait" He growled into my ear, "I want you so bad, Kris."

"Nialll, we're here." I moaned pulling into the lot. Parking the car, I cut off the engine and turned my attention to him.

He pulled away from my neck with lust in his eyes. I bit my lip trying to control myself. His hands cupped my face crashing our lips together. Immediately, he swiped his tongue against my bottom lip asking for entrance. I denied remembering the task at hand. He tightened his grip slamming his lips against mine harder in attempt for acceptance.

"Niall." I stuttered in between breaths. Pulling away, he frowned at the pause in our kiss. He rubbed my cheek with his thumb hoping to continue. I smirked opening the car door and climbing out. Sending a wink, I shut the door and walked away leaving him hot and bothered.

"What was that?!" He called after me. Ignoring his shouting, I kept traveling toward the dark building covered in graffiti. I turned around at the door and watch Niall trudge over to me. A confused look planted on his face and the lift of his eyebrow soon stared me down.

"What is this place?" He quickly asked filling up with curiosity. I giggled shrugging my shoulders leaving his question unanswered. Gesturing for him to follow, I wandered into the dark room with neon paint glowing under black lights.

As he examined the surroundings, I silently grabbed a hold of the paint gun in the corner of the room. Pointing it at him, I pulled the trigger sending a pink paint ball at his back. He jumped up in surprise and let out a moan of pain.

"What in the-"

"Try to catch me!" I laughed before shooting him again in his left leg. I ran away into the darkness before he could retaliate.

Hiding behind one of the small walls, I breathed out heavily and looked around waiting for his return.

It didn't take long before I could here the familiar steps of his big feet. Peeking through the barred opening in the wall, I watched as he came closer and closer to my location.

I placed my gun through the barrs and readied myself for another shot. Hesitantly, my finger pulled the trigger once again spitting a pink paint ball toward him. Although I am usually a good shot, I missed him by an inch illuminating the wall next to him with pink splatter.

"Nice try." He chuckled running towards me.