Proposition

After the midnight intrusion you find yourself unable to sleep the rest of the night. Finally, at some point in the morning a polite knock sounds on your door and Aden enters a moment later after you’ve confirmed it is okay to do so. You get the impression he can tell you didn't sleep well but is too courteous to inquire about it. You briefly consider bringing up the unexpected visitor but ultimately decide it would be more trouble than it's worth. After all, once you retrieve your car you don't plan on spending any more unnecessary time here. Thankfully, it doesn't take much prodding before he's agreeing to head to the impound lot.

"You know, even after we get your car back" Aden mentions as you near the lot. "You're always welcome to stay with us anytime."

"Sure." You mumble impatiently, feeling as though you already owe the man enough.

A few minutes later you're in line waiting to speak with the burly attendant sitting behind a thick set of plexiglass.

"Toyota.... License plate X3749...." The man chews the words slowly as he flips through a folder of paperwork. "Yeah... it was here...."

"Was?!"

Twenty minutes later you're back at the fraternity house, still very much car-less and therefore shelter-less.

"I still don't understand how they can misplace an entire car." Aden commiserates before you shrug apathetically, unbuckle your seatbelt, and reach for the door handle.

You quickly freeze when a large hand lands over yours halting your movement. Cautiously, you turn to see Aden's silvery gaze fixed on you. His hand gently wraps around yours before pulling it away from the exit.

"Why don't you continue staying with us?" He inquires as casually as if inviting you over for dinner. "At least until we figure things out."

"I don't know..." You mumble hesitantly and try to pull your hand away.

To your surprise his grip tightens before he leans in towards you. An intoxicating wave of cologne invades your senses leaving you somewhat dizzy. His intense gaze remains locked in with yours before he moves to speak in your ear.

"I promise you won't regret it." His words caress your skin and send a slight shiver down your spine. Somehow his other hand has found itself on your knee and is slowly sliding up along your thigh. Just before you can think to protest the hand retreats and he pulls away to reveal a snagged leaf he’s plucked from off your skirt. "At least stay tonight while you think about it."

Despite your better judgment or perhaps in spite of it you find yourself back inside the large residence. There Aden leads you to what seems to be the living room or at least the main gathering area.

"Welcome back." You're greeted by an almost too enthusiastic Kaleb who's already lounging on one of the sofas.

Aden shoots him another scalding look but remains silent for the time being. You take a tentative seat across from the dark haired man as he offers you a rather salacious grin. You feel like you should be offended, instead you're slightly ashamed that you're almost excited by it. Quickly, you turn your attention back to the younger man while trying to ignore any odd sensations.

"She's going to be staying here for a while." Aden snaps at his roommate before taking the empty seat beside you. "So behave."

"Where will she sleep?" Kaleb asks, lazily turning his gaze to meet the young man.

"The empty room."

You shift in your seat uncomfortably as you can't help just feeling like some type of burden.

"You didn't hear?" Kaleb sits up with sudden renewed interest in the conversations. " Ash is back ."

You swear you can feel the bristles on Aden's back stand at the older man's words. All you can do is silently look between the two while waiting for some type of explanation for the reaction. Unfortunately, one doesn't appear to be coming as the conversation continues without further acknowledgement.

" He can sleep outside."

"Please don't worry about it!" You can't help blurting out as you quickly jump to your feet and back towards the hallway. "I don't want to put anyone out-"

You stop short when your back unexpectedly collides with something solid. Not solid enough to be the wall but enough for you to spin around in alarm and confusion. As if things couldn't possibly be more uncomfortable you find yourself face to face with the now clothed assailant from last night.

"Are you talking about my room?" The man inquires dryly as his dark stare slowly lowers to meet your wide eyed one.

"When did you get back?" Aden inquires brusquely, rising and moving to stand behind you.

"This morning." Ash's gaze remains locked with yours as he lies then moves to look past you. "So, you want her to take my room, right?"

"That's not necessary!" You quickly interject, feeling caught between both men in more ways than one. "I can find somewhere else to stay."

"Tisk!" You all turn to look in Kaleb's direction when he clucks in faux sympathy towards the situation. "Why don't you just stay in the attic? It was recently renovated and has all the furnishings and amenities of a bedroom."

"I-" You try to think of a reason not to while the other's shoot daggers at Kaleb for not having proposed the solution sooner. "Just for now...Until I get my car back."