Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 83

ASHLEY

"How’s everything on the home front?" Levon mutters to me after we wrap up our board meeting. I survey the thinning room till my assistant, Lexi, shuts the door behind her and sigh exasperatedly.

"Good. Thanks for the last time. Turns out I was worried for nothing."

"Really?"

"Yep. Wife was a little stressed and confided in my brother. Paranoid, I misconstrued the situation. We’ve managed to work out our issues. It’s our five months anniversary in a few days and she’s excited to celebrate our love."

Levon nods with a smile. "Amazing. Happy for you."

"What about you, Levon? How’s the girlfriend or wife?"

"Girlfriend. She’s great. Got a new job. Coupled with the hours I spend here, we barely see each other now but when we do, fireworks." He finishes with a dramatic flash of hands. "I’m really happy for you, boss. Love looks really good on you."

"Thanks, Levon."

"Can I expect to be a godfather soon with rumors in the air?" The nasty wink he gives me makes me chuckle.

"Very confident of you to assume you’ll be my kid’s godfather. I’ve got three brothers that’ll jostle for that position in a bloodbath. Thanks for the thought though. Now, get back to the job I hired you for while I am still being nice." We exchange smiles as he makes his way out of my boardroom.

With him gone, I shut my eyes and sigh. Demi and I are indeed planning a little private dinner to celebrate our fifth month of marriage and the new era in our lives. She doesn’t want anything elaborate. We are in a good place right now.

After we made up following Ashton’s confession two weeks ago, she spends some nights in my room and vice versa. I understand the switch to sharing a room can’t happen overnight so I am letting her take her time.

She was right. Being the Ashley that took her on that date before the gift box incident is a surefire way to touch her heart. It’s been paying off. Without being made to feel pressured or love bombed, Demi has been easygoing and loving towards me.

The best part is that I didn’t have to shed my dignity by groveling at her feet. I go about my life, working hard. I don’t act insecure when she gets a call or text in my presence or when she’s around Ashton. She quickly clears the air even when I never planned on asking questions.

It’s been great. She is indeed making efforts to fulfil her promise while I readily reciprocate every affection thrown my way. I think it’s a win in the end.

The only upsetting thing is that Ashton is still angry with me for everything that happened. I could go on just fine ignoring him but my other brothers keep pushing for our reconciliation. Now, I am forced to seek Ashton’s forgiveness. It sucks.

Mother didn’t take Ashton’s confession to Demi lightly. Despite our collective plea on Ashton’s behalf, she’s still upset with him for telling Demi the truth and has been giving him the silent treatment ever since. Mother’s anger and watching Demi and I thriving as a couple are part of the reasons why Ashton can’t stand me.

Adding to the fray is the fear of Shay’s next move. My brothers and I have all gotten new phone numbers but Shay has yet to take the bait by calling or texting any of us. That bit is what has got me anxious right now. It’s never a good sign when Shay stays silent.

I don’t even know why I haven’t shared her recent escapades with my brothers. I think we are just too divided right now. Ashton used to be the captain of my ship and the most determined to capture my blackmailer.

Though he is heading the new operation to catch Shay, he’s more interested in capturing her because he suspects she’s the same person toying with his head regarding the identities of our biological parents. It’s not just about me anymore.

With everything that’s happened between us and his past failures, it will be foolhardy for me to count on him to win my battle. Hence, why I am taking my fate in my own hands.

I check my time. My next meeting won’t start for about two hours. With time to kill, I resolve to scope out Cree’s apartment and her job. She hasn’t called me back after I left her a message at work. I want to head over there once more to talk to her. Afterwards, I’ll tail her to her apartment and we’ll see from there.

I also believe that Cree and Shay are one and the same person. Before my brothers unmask her, I want to get to her first. I have a few things to say to my blackmailer. If I can get her to spill the truth, I will soon be rid of this Shay problem before she ruins everything I have worked so hard to build from the scraps of my life years ago. I can’t let that happen.

Demi’s call comes through on my new phone line.

"Hey, I was just thinking about you."

"Liar. You would have called first then."

I chuckle at that. "Are you saying you were thinking about me and that’s why you called first?"

"Maybe."

Her response makes something warm blossom in my chest. "I miss you too." I can imagine a small blush seeping into her cheeks now. "What’s up?"

While I listen to her, the sound of locks jiggling behind me makes me crane my neck towards my bookshelf. A small wave of uneasiness settles in my gut as I realize who my unwanted guest is. Nicola enters with a face smeared with tears and mascara. I hold up a hand to stop her when she tries to walk towards me to cry in my lap.

"Alright hon, I’ll talk to you when I get home." The term of endearment makes Nicci snort loudly as she plunks down on the sofa.

"You have company?" Demi asks me.

"Nah, it’s Lexi. She and Levon have been butting heads all morning. Talk soon."

I wait for her to hang up before swiveling my seat to face Nicci. "What the fuck was that? Could you be more obvious?"

Nicci’s response is to curl into a fetal position on the couch and sob quietly. Seeing her so sad douses my anger. Her father lost the election and has been just as miserable. He took out his frustration on her by blaming her for fumbling her relationship with Finn who had been his golden ticket to the political position.

The media has been brutal towards her family. Nicola has been sneaking in and out of my office for solace and comfort in my arms. She has managed to convince herself that she is entitled to my attention and comfort because my name played a key role in bringing about her condition.

Though I can easily fault her logic, I refrain from doing so out of empathy. I mean, I used to be whipped for this model. The feelings have ebbed since her betrayal but I can’t say every last dreg has left my heart. I feel sorry for her.

"She’s trying too hard. That’s because she’s pretending to be in love with you." Nicola sniffles. "That sort of thing doesn’t just happen overnight, Ash. I know she’s playing you."

"You’re not allowed to talk smack about my wife simply because you’re sad. Still, I’ll let it slide this once." I trail a hand down her cheekbone. "You have to rise above this, Nicola. You’ve turned down three modeling offers in two weeks. This kind of behavior will harm your career. You know how the industry works. You can’t let them deem you replaceable."

"I can’t walk a runway right now, Ash. Look at me. I am a laughingstock. There are memes about my father and I everywhere online. I’d slip and fall if I try to walk a show right now." She yanks a Kleenex tissue box and blows her nose into a tissue. "Everyone’s abandoned me, even my own father. After blaming me for everything, he took off to Croatia. I don’t know when he’s coming back. I’m all alone, Ashley."

Her hand grapples mine. "I keep slipping in and out of depression. Two nights ago, I contemplated doing drugs."

"Nicci!."

"I don’t want to but I just...it hurts. It hurts and it sucks to feel so miserable and alone. The one good thing I had going for me was snatched by Demi. I’m slowly losing the will to live, Ash. I’ve got nothing if I don’t have you."

My heart hammers in my chest. Is she really going to consider self-harm?

"Snap out of it, Nicci. Don’t say shit like that. Your father only lost a political position. People have lost worse and you don’t see them trying to self-harm or sabotage their careers. Grow up."

I move away from her to my desk to pour myself some water to drink. I won’t let her charms work on me. How convenient. The first time a woman (Demi) decides to give me what I have always silently craved for-true love-my ex who has hit rock bottom suddenly wants me to believe that she feels that way for me.

"You have concrete reasons to doubt me, Ashley but I swear to you, I did all that because my dad forced me to." She comes to stand next to me. With teary eyes, she starts to take off her shirt.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Her hands close over my shaky ones that try to stop her.

"It’s not what you think. I need to show you something." When she turns her bare back to me, there are red and purple welts across her back. "For every time I refused to heed his orders to seduce or sleep with one big shot or the other. I can’t model when the marks are fresh." Nicci’s whimpers as I trace the scars. Anger arrows through me.

"Croatia, huh?"

"No, Ash, let it be. He’s not worth it." She says, spinning back to face me. Her hands cup my face. "You’re all I need." I stare into her blurry eyes and lose myself to the pain, fear and hope glistening in them.

"I’m so sorry, Ash. My dad made me blame you and end our relationship because it no longer served his purpose. I couldn’t tell you how miserable I was. I miss you so much. I miss us. Please tell me there’s still a real place for me in your heart. I’d die if..." I shut her up with a fierce kiss, unsure of any other moves. novelbuddy.cσ๓

***

I want to regret it but I can’t. It’s true what they say. Women fuck you differently when they really like you. Every pore in my skin and every nerve in my body can feel it.

I know Demi is trying but no matter how comfortable I get around her, there will always be that nagging feeling that she secretly wishes I was Ashton. Like my feelings for Nicci, hers for Ashton are only dormant not completely doused.

I try to justify my fling with the idea that the inadequacy Demi will always make me feel will be compensated for by Nicola’s enduring affection. I need both women to keep me from being the asshole I’ve been lately towards my brother when I felt I was losing on every front.

The glow is back on Nicci’s eyes as I help her put on her shirt.

"Feeling better?"

She nods vigorously before planting a soft kiss on my lips. Just then, Lexi knocks twice on the door and walks in.

"Um, so s-sorry sir." She stutters with an embarrassed look on her face. Nicola bids me farewell and uses the secret door out while Lexi tries to look less judgmental.

"Lexi?"

"I didn’t mean to..."

"I know."

"My lips are sealed."

"Bet they are." A fond image of Lexi and I in the lounge area makes a small smile tug at my lips. Lexi seems to be recalling the same thing as she avoids my eyes. "Come here, love." Cautiously, she edges close to me. I trail a finger down her face.

"I mind my business, sir."

"I know, else you wouldn’t work for me. How’s Gabe?" The mention of her husband always spikes her nerves because her extramarital affair with me comes to the fore of her memory.

"He’s fine."

"Well, let’s keep it that way."

I hate to be such a jerk sometimes but I don’t have Ashton’s aura that makes people dread getting on his bad side even without him threatening them. I actually have to threaten people to remind them not to get any ideas about betraying me.

"You smell really good." It’s an old perfume of mine that I introduced her to. I know she clearly loves the fragrance but I indulge myself with the thought of her wearing my signature scent for other reasons just to enjoy a heady feeling.

"Thank you, sir."

With an hour to spare before my meeting, I drive over to the Grand Casa hotel. I am certain Cree should be at work. When I get to the bar, I scan the area but can’t find her anywhere. I walk up to the bartender to ask about her.

"Welcome back, sir."

"What?"

"I wasn’t expecting you to return so soon." His eyes dart around. "Where’s Cree?" I adjust my face not to look too lost at his words.

"She’s waiting in the car. I, um, I forgot something, I was hoping you saw it. A ring."

"Oh. I didn’t find any missing ring" He starts giving the counter a quick search.

"Can you ask the waiters? Maybe they can search the table."

"Why would it be on a table? You and Cree shared a drink here at this bar, like you did on your first date. If you dropped your ring, it has to be here somewhere."

Ashal is with Cree? Why? He had blatantly turned me down when I suggested he woo her and tail her to get some answers. What’s up with him?

"Is that the ring on your finger?" The bartender asks, staring at my hand. "A wedding ring?" The suspicion starts to build in his eyes as he looks at me. "I’m sure you weren’t wearing one earlier."

"Oh no, no, it’s decorative. Makes people assume I am my married brother. Keeps desperate women away." I lean forward to whisper in his ear. "The whole mystery girlfriend thing hasn’t really subsided so..."

"Oh, I understand. So sorry."

I quickly leave from there and call Ashal in my car.

"Hey, are you at work? Wanted to stop by."

"Oh, crap, I am not there currently."

"No? Where are you? Can we grab lunch?"

"Sorry man but I rushed over to the penthouse. A little emergency. I’ll call you when I am free."

"Okay. Take care."

When I set the phone down, I grit my teeth at the boldfaced lie. What the fuck does Ashal think he is doing?

***

It’s been five days since I confided in Asher about Ashal’s romance with Cree Baxter who is suspected to be my blackmailer or at least working with her. To my surprise, Asher didn’t explode like a cannonball. Instead, he asked me to give it a few days before we confront our brother. Then there was more talk about the sensitivity of Ashal’s condition, blah, blah, blah.

I swallowed my pride and informed Ashton. To my shock, he already knew and never told the rest of us. Like Asher, Ashton was wary about confronting Ashal and asked for my understanding as well.

He claimed to be waiting for Duncan and his team to apprehend the culprit leaking our phone numbers to Shay/Cree. After we have solid evidence on Cree, we will confront Ashal but not before then so we don’t stomp all over something that might be good for Ashal.

"Earth to Ashley." I blink out of my consuming thoughts and refocus on Demi’s beautiful face sitting across from me while we are having a candle lit dinner. It’s our five months anniversary and this is all she wants to do; a little dinner, lots of talking, little alcohol and movie night.

"How’s the food?"

"It’s delicious."

She shakes her head. "How would you know? You’ve barely even touched it."

I stare at my steak. "I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind. This is all great by the way." She watches me with a flat look as I guzzle my champagne. "I am a party pooper, aren’t I?"

"Pretty much."

"I’m sorry." And because I know sorry isn’t going to cut it given the resignation that washes across her face, I add hesitantly, "Shay uh, reached out to me again."

"What?"

"Yeah but you can’t tell my brothers. They’ve been working really hard to nab her. I don’t want them getting stressed out even more. She didn’t hurt me or anything."

"When was this? What did she say or do?"

"When I travelled for the award show. The night before the red carpet. She sent a note to remind me not to get too comfortable with her silence. I was so disoriented the next day that I forgot to wear my ring. Actually, I forgot a lot of things on my way to the show; socks, mints, the time for the show. I was more focused on the antidepressants in my pocket."

Gradually, the sympathy returns to Demi’s face. "I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I feel like an idiot for accusing you earlier."

"No, no, I wasn’t ready to share with anyone at the time." I reach forward to take her hand. "It’d not your fault. I am not holding any personal grudges. You had a good reason to doubt me." I kiss her knuckles as the candle flame illuminates her smiling face. Blushing, she grabs her wine and drains the content.

"Wanna dance?" She asks gleefully.

"Lead the way."

We sway to some classic music and rock to some hip pop for about fifteen minutes. Demi’s head starts to spin. She laughs hysterically.

"You can’t be drunk. You only had two glasses."

"I’m a lightweight. Why do I keep forgetting that?"

I stop her from trying to pour herself another drink.

"Ok, we’ve still got movie night, remember?"

She sleeps on my shoulder throughout the car ride back home. I don’t feel bad that movie night that is a bust. I know she planned to make us watch another one of her 90s movies. Frankly, I don’t get the fascination. I only wish we could have cuddled under the blanket so I can feel her body heat against mine.

I try and fail to ignore the tug of guilt as my ongoing secret fling with Nicola flits across my mind. Tonight, I was overwhelmed by guilt. I pushed Demi to give me a chance and tormented Ashton for being the subject of her affection.

Why am I screwing it up by entertaining Nicola? Why can’t I shut down that little voice that keeps telling me to hold on to Nicola’s love because I will never truly have Demi’s heart? It’s infuriating.

"Ok, settle down." Gently, I take off Demi’s high heels and lay her down on her bed. This is not how anniversary celebrations should end in my head. Whatever happened to steamy sex in the shower? Demi has a sloppy smile on her lips as she battles against the drowsiness.

"Did you have a good time?" She slurs. I take a seat by the side of her bed and stroke her cheeks.

"Yep. Best anniversary yet." She chuckles at my sarcasm. I hold her gaze for a moment longer. Her eyes are glassy or maybe dreamy. I watch it till the lust swells inside. Her hand reaches up to stroke my face.

"You’re so freaking handsome."

"I know." I lean down to kiss her goodnight. Her lips are soft and yielding so I linger just a bit, tasting her, teasing. A small, sexy moan erupts from her when I begin to trail slow, open-mouthed kisses down her throat. Her groping hands desperately try to get through my silky shirt to my biceps.

I know she’s drunk and not thinking straight but every touch of hers kindles tiny, erotic fires all over my body, snapping every control. I crave the taste of her so much I can’t see myself walking away from this.

"You want me?"

"Yes." She pants. I tug off her top till her hardened nipples gape at me. My mouth fastens on them, sucking. Demi eyes glaze over while her fingers scrabble the sheets. A wave of pleasure arrows through me when she reaches between us to my hard center and strokes it.

With the plea in her eyes, I hastily remove the rest of the fabric on us till our naked bodies slide warm against each other. It takes a lot of willpower to not straddle her and satisfy my craving. I have dreamt about this for months and in no hurry for the moment to end.

I smother her protests for me to hurry with a long, rough kiss. "I want to taste you." I tell her in a raspy breath before going down on her. I watch with glee as the pleasure quivers through her center till her body shudders, implodes after a small scream. Dazed and disoriented, she goes limp. I crawl up to plunder her mouth once more. She can barely open her eyes.

"Please. I need you now."

"Ok." I reach for my pants and pull out a condom.

"Ashton, please hurry."

My body freezes midway through biting open the condom at the sound of that name. While she strokes my shaft, all I feel is anger. All this time and she’s been thinking about my brother? That nagging feel was right after all. My fingers squeeze the condom. In a split second, I change my mind, chucking the condom at a corner of the room.

Her body arches fluidly as I straddle her. I capture her lips in a ferocious kiss while her hands race through my body. Then I lever her hips high and position myself at her center.

"It’s Ashley. Say it."

"Ashley" She hums with a sultry smile.

Her eyes flutter half closed when I plunge myself inside her.