Treasured (Embracing Series Book 1) Read Online Free

everything happens for a reason. The reason was Lila; we were meant to cross paths.
    Kicking some of the sand beneath my feet, I walk a few steps before sitting down. I cross my legs, lean back, and stare into the sky. There’s something about the night sky; it always makes me feel better. It may sound weird, but I find comfort in the dark.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    ~Chapter Four~
     
     
    Lila
     
    “Are you mad at me? And what happened?” Addison whines over the phone. It’s almost noon and she’s just now checking on me. Well, isn’t she caring?
    “No, Ads, Ashton and I had a fight. You left me; I could have gotten kidnapped walking home alone,” I say.
    “I’m sorry, I thought you were safe with your man. I was so drunk. Eric stayed sober for the both of us.”
    “Ashton wanted sex. Yadda, yadda, yadda. You know, same ol’ story.”
    “I told you he was a male whore and not to sleep with him. If you want to wait, then don’t let that douche bag talk you into fucking him.”
    “You talk so nicely about your brother.”
    “I just know that he’s been around the block a few times and I don’t want my best friend to be another number on his list. You know that Liam is a good guy and he really likes you!”
    “I’m not going there. You know he’s not my type. He was kind enough to give me a ride home, though.”
    “Lila, you just don’t know; he's a sweet guy. Ashton is jealous of him so don’t listen to anything he says about Liam. Eric is calling me, so I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”
    “Love you back,” I retort.
     
    ***
     
    I decide to go to another party with Addie. I didn’t know Ashton was going as well, considering he hasn’t spoken to me much since last night. My eyes meet his, and I can see he is pissed. I know I need to make things right with him. I watch his gaze as he turns his back to me. Asshat.
    “Ads, I’m going to go talk to your brother,” I say, giving her a hug.
    “Remember our talk,” she says, pointing her finger at me.
    “Yes, mom, I know.” I roll my eyes.
    I walk over to Ashton; he’s leaning against the counter with a few guys from the basketball team.
    “Can we talk about last night?” I ask in a low tone.
    “What’s up, Lila? You ready to act like an adult now?” he says, taking a drink of his beer and rolling his eyes.
    “That’s not fair and you know it. Can we talk in private?” I ask, crossing my arms. I can feel the heat in my cheeks. He’s pissing me off with his body language.
    “Oh, what’s fair? Having the same girlfriend for months and she doesn’t want to do anything except kiss? You’re not a child, you’re a woman. And whatever you have to say, just say it. I’m tired of this back and forth shit,” he says a little too loudly.
    “I’ll just talk to you later, Ashton!” I say as I turn on my heels and head straight for the fucking door. I can’t believe he has the fucking nerve to treat me like this.
    “Wait babe, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,” he says, reaching for my arm.
    “No, you shouldn’t say a lot of the shit you say. I’m leaving, so you don’t have to worry about me teasing you tonight.”
    “Come on, Li,” he begs. “Fuck…why do you act like a goddamn child half the time.”
    “Don’t touch me. I’m leaving, and for the record…I’d rather act like a child than a douche.”
    I need to get out of here. It's not until I'm halfway down the steps that I realize I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving. No way I’m going back in there.
    As I walk down the dark street, looking at the sky, I hear someone calling my name. I know it’s not Ashton, and honestly, I’m thankful it isn’t. I’m so mad at him right now, I just want to throat punch him. I just don’t get why he suddenly wants to act all high and mighty. He’s always been understanding, but the last few months…he’s been a pain the ass.
    “Wait, Lila! I’ll walk with you,” Liam says. What the hell? How does he