The Exchange

Chapter 18- Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Sasha sat on the bed gazing at Julien with a look of complete and utter bemusement written across her face. Was he being serious? Was Julien really asking her to stay in his room and in his bed?

She blinked rapidly, unsure of what to say. It wasn't that Sasha didn't want to spend the night in his room and in his arms. Heck, she couldn't think of anything better! But what was causing her to worry was that it might lead to other things.

She couldn't be sure that Julien just meant simply getting into bed and sleeping. Because it seemed like that wasn't how he usually played the game. An unpleasant, acrid taste entered Sasha's mouth as she ran her tongue over her teeth.

Sasha had never shared a bed with a boy before. Never had a hot body lying beside her own, breathing in harmony as they entered a land of dreams. It seemed excessively intimate and trusting to share those private, vulnerable moments of slumber with another. But Julien wasn't just anyone. And she wanted to experience these things with him, wanted to follow him into this new world of affinity and lovemaking.

Almost as though he'd read the thoughts racing through Sasha's mind, Julien placed his plate on the floor and leaned towards her. He rested a hand against her cheek before moving his fingers to smooth out the crease in her brow.

"Don't worry" he said softly, his touch gentle on her warm skin, "Et pas d'histoires! (No funny business!). I won't do anything, I promise".

Julien positioned a hand over his heart as if swearing and oath, staring earnestly at Sasha.

"Please?" he asked, batting his lashes.

No longer able to resist his puppy dog eyes, Sasha let out a pent up breath.

"Fine" she said, before wagging a finger threateningly, "but if you don't stick to your word I'll suffocate you with a pillow. And believe me, I won't hesitate".

Julien nodded in an emphasised manner causing a smile to creep onto Sasha's face.

"Of course, of course" he stated, "I've given you my word".

Standing up he walked away from the bed, removing his shirt as he went before dropping it carelessly to the floor. His flexing shoulder muscles immediately captured Sasha's attention and she quietly appreciated his silky, tanned skin.

She gulped, "Where are you going?"

Julien glanced at her seated form on the bed over his shoulder. "Miss me already" he asked teasingly, giving her a suggestive wink.

Sasha crossed her arms over her chest and pouted her lips, "No, I was just asking" she replied nonchalantly.

Rolling his eyes Julien disappeared into the en suite bathroom positioned at the right side of the room.

'Duh' thought Sasha, face planting the palm of her hand, 'of course that's where he was going. I mean where else would he be off to, mars?!'

"You can change into one of my shirts" Julien shouted back at her through the half closed door, "they're in the suitcase on the floor".

Sasha stuck her tongue out in the direction of the bathroom, before heaving herself up and padding over to the open bag. Deciding on a plain white t-shirt she stood up and looked around making sure Julien couldn't watch her change. Although the door was slightly ajar, so that light was seeping out and hitting the bedroom floor, it would be impossible for him to see her.

Content that she was safe from prying eyes, Sasha removed her current hoodie and fit her arms through the t-shirts sleeve holes. As she pulled the top down her head and past her nose, Julien's face suddenly came into view. Her breath caught in her throat as her body jolted in shock.