Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 37

ASHTON

I get a sick feeling in my gut when Demi doesn’t get the door after my third knock. I know she’s in there. Why wouldn’t she answer the door? Ashley isn’t taking his calls either. It’s too late to get anyone else involved so I do the only thing I can at the moment; I punch in her passcode to gain access half hoping she changed it as she had said.

When it unlocks, I save my surprise for later and go inside. The room is dark but I can see the silhouette of a person lying on the bed. When I flick on the light switch, Demi squints at the brightness. Quickly, I adjust the setting so the light is just enough for me not to grope in the dark.

I’m surprised she still as her clothes and shoes on.

"Demi? Are you okay?"

I reach for her hand but she pulls it away weakly. Her lips move to form words that end up dying in her throat. She throws her head back and falls asleep again. Every attempt to rouse her is futile. That’s when I spot the glass next to her bed. It contains remnants of an orange juice. When I sniff it, a huge frown furrows my brow. Was her drink laced? Who would do such a thing?

Just then, someone bangs on her door.

"Open up, Demi. It’s Ashley."

Oh, now he shows up. I drop the glass and go get the door. I don’t care what this looks like. Ashley’s doesn’t seem as shocked to see me in his wife’s room as I expect. I am certain Asher isn’t far behind watching this unfold. This is clearly a setup.

"How in the world did you get in here?"

"I punched in the passcode to the door."

If looks could burn, I’d have been ashes with the hot glare my brother gives me now.

"You know my wife’s passcode?" He laughs hysterically. "Why am I not surprised? You two do have a lot in common, huh?"

"I will gladly explain how I came about that information but right now is not the time to pick a fight. Demi doesn’t look alright. I think her drink was laced."

Ashley shoves past me and goes to check on Demi.

"I couldn’t reach you after Asher posted on the group that Demi wasn’t doing too well. I came to check on her and when she failed to answer the door, I had to use the passcode I saw her imputing once. I found her like this. Look," I grab the glass and ask Ashley to sniff. "She probably asked for a glass of juice and somebody had it laced with something else. A sleep inducer maybe. I can’t quite discern it."

Ashley only continues to rub Demi’s palms and try to force her to keep her eyes open. My anger crystallizes now.

"You don’t seem too shocked about any of this Ashley," I say replacing the glass on the side drawer. "That only tells me that you know exactly what’s going on here."

His glare doesn’t faze me. "What are you talking about?"

"You saw me enter this room, didn’t you? I just find it odd that you just happened to show up seconds after I came in here to check on Demi. Were you watching from a distance to see how I would react to Demi in distress? Is that what this is about?"

I grit my teeth when he doesn’t deny it. My fingers curl around the glass and with a swing of my arm, I smash it across the room, scaring Demi in her sleep. "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU? YOU HAD TO DRUG YOUR OWN WIFE TO PROVE WHAT EXACTLY?"

"You proved my point when you strolled into my wife’s room with her darn passcode, a passcode her own husband doesn’t even have."

"You’re so pathetic. Is this what jealousy has reduced you to, Ashley Rollins? You act like you don’t give a fuck about a woman’s feelings for you. How exactly do you reconcile that personality with this immature display of yours?"

"You seem to be forgetting that Demi is MY WIFE. I have every right to care about where her loyalties lie."

"And what did you discover by drugging her? Were you going to frame her for cheating on you?"

Demi clutches her head and grumbles in her sleep. Immediately, I dial back on the volume of my voice.

"Look at her." I order him. "Asher is already working full time trying to make her life miserable. Now, she has to worry about you too? You’re supposed to be her support system in here! I can’t believe you, Ash."

I bury a hand in my hair, ruffle it. "You don’t trust her, I get it. She’s still new to the family but me? Really? Simply because I was able to connect with her in a way that you haven’t doesn’t translate to Demi cheating on you. She has formed opinions of each one of us and goes to each brother for one thing or the other. Ashal is her buddy for games and relaxation. Will you also accuse him of having eyes for your wife too? Grow up man. She’s human after all. Her life doesn’t have to revolve around you just because you two signed a piece of paper to play a married couple two months ago."

I head for the door, brimming with rage. "Have that shit cleaned up before your wife wakes and hurts her feet. It’s the least you can do after being such an insecure, shitty husband."

I am so livid right now. Why the hell are my brothers all acting like the cells in their brains are fried? Ashley has always been very confident in himself despite his traumatic childhood. When did that change?

Am I really the problem here? Shit. Maybe I am part of the problem after all. I shouldn’t be walking around like Demi means more to me than my sister-in-law. Maybe my actions do give cause for concern. If father harbors the same suspicions as my brothers, things will only get worse for me and Demi.

Whatever this feeling is, I will have to check it. Ashley is the one married to Demi. He has more rights to her than I ever will. It doesn’t matter that theirs is a marriage only on paper. I have to let them figure it out themselves without butting in. I have to regain Ashley’s trust in me even if it means losing Demi’s. Brothers before babes, right?

The pictures from the double date break the internet as we anticipated. Speculations fly in the air about possible wedding bells for Mila and I. I try not to think about it and the naughty comments most women leave under the blogposts regarding the plans they have for me.

On the bright side, Demi gets less shade and more love due to the photos. Her fans compliment her outfit saying Nicola can’t hold a candle to this new version of Demi. When I find myself actively sifting through comments about Demi, reading and smiling through them, I realize I do have a problem.

"Get it together, Ashton. She’s not yours."

I drop my iPad at the back of my car before heading to go see father at the HQ. He has summoned me for some reason on a bright Monday morning. Asher is being very evasive when I text him to give me a hint on why father requires my presence. His sketchy reply doesn’t soothe my nerves.

When I take the executive elevator and arrive the highest floor of Rollins HQ, the employees silently gasp as I make my way in. I get this a lot it really irks me sometimes. Of course there are four of us that look like this, get over yourselves, I scream in my head. Jeez.

Asher meets me just in front of father’s posh office.

"You’re no help at all."

He chuckles. "I want to see your reaction when he tells you himself."

"Tells me what?"

I stumble forward as Asher shoves me through the door. Father looks up from his laptop screen, beams at me and takes off his glasses.

"Ashton, my boy."

I shoot Asher a death stare before he shuts the door behind me.

"Father, you asked to see me?"

"Yes, please sit." Graciously, he gestures towards a creamy white sofa. I sit down, slightly feeling anxious about this visit. Why couldn’t the matter be discussed over the phone? Why couldn’t it wait till we get home? Why is father smiling from ear to ear as he takes me in.

"Hugh Spellman just left my office. He talked a lot about us doing business in the nearest future. Can you believe that? Hugh actually swallowed his pride to come in here, toot my horn and ask to do business with me. I never thought I’d see the day and it all thanks to you."

"Me?"

"Yes. His girl seems to have a thing for you and Hugh can’t seem to say no to his princess. Imagine all the ways we could use this to our advantage."

I rub my eyes now. "Father, Mila and I are just friends. I told you this before." Father’s struggles to keep the smile on his face despite his ruptured pride as he lets me finish. "Besides, Mila did say her father prefers Asher to me. Why don’t you get Asher to date her? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind."

"I already tried that angle but apparently, Mila only wants you. She can’t stand Asher."

I can’t believe my ears. Why would Mila say that? She knows we aren’t serious. Is she trying to put me in a difficult situation with my father?

"The double date. It worked. You got the spike you wanted in the stock market. That’s all I agreed to do. I am not ready to date anyone seriously and you know how I handle things when they’re forced into my hands. I can’t do that with Hugh’s daughter. It won’t augur well for the business so please, don’t ask this of me."

Father’s smile finally disappears now. He lurches to his feet and goes to stand by the tall glass wall, peering outside.

"I think you’re mistaken. I didn’t call you in here to coax you into anything." He whirls to face me now. "You and Mila are as good as a couple right now. Asher can’t step in. You’ll date her for as long as you need to develop feelings for her. Then we’ll talk about taking your relationship to the next level." And just like that, he resumes his position behind his desk to signify the conversation is over.

I can’t believe him. I surge to my feet.

"No, you’re the one who’s mistaken, father. I might look like Asher but I am not him. I don’t pander to your every whim, especially when it has to do with MY life. I am YOUR son not a piece on your chess board. If you want to do business with Hugh, I’ll gladly handle the proposal and negotiation but I won’t date his daughter against my will just to make you happy. I am done trying to prove myself to you because all you ever do is take advantage of me."

"ASH"

"IT’S ASHTON!" I fire back. "And I am no longer that wimpy kid struggling to fit in with his brothers so daddy can love him too. I can fare better on my own without your conditional love."

When I turn to leave, his next words shock me.

"You take one step out of that door and Demi suffers for it."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You think I don’t know why you’re acting up? Dating or sleeping with women for selfish reasons has never been a big deal to you and all of a sudden, Mila is not good enough? You think I don’t see the way you look at that lowborn?"

"Don’t.call.her.that." I reply with gritted teeth and instantly regret affirming father’s suspicion. He smiles wickedly.

"So, it is true. When did this happen? You know what, never mind. I don’t care. All I care about right now is you and Mila. You will worship the ground Mila walks on if you must. You have to fan the flames of her casual interest in you until she falls hard for you. If you defy me and make her sense that you’ve got another woman in your head, I’ll make sure Demi pays for your stubbornness. You know I don’t bluff. Ask Olivia."

I clench my fist by my side. How the hell is he my father?

"Do we have an understanding, Ashton Rollins?"

My eyes narrow to slits. "I think we do, Brett Rollins."

If father is shocked at my guts, he only registers it with an arch of his brow. When I leave his office, I brush angrily past Asher because I desperately need to punch something. My mood is dark and my eyes hooded. Just as I turn the corner towards the elevator, I see her.

Demi is by a printer with a stack of white papers in her hand. She yawns tiredly as she waits for more papers to spill out of the machine. The previous night must be a blur for her due to the stuff that was put in her drink.

The way she leans on one leg tells me her heels hurt from standing so long. She is clearly not used to them but HQ and their flashy dress code won’t let the poor woman wear comfortable shoes.

The second her eyes dart in my direction, I resume my fast pace towards the elevator. Demi looks a bit confused as she tries to make out if I am Ashton or not and why I suddenly stopped by the HQ.

"Ashton?" Her soft voice calls uncertainly.

I ignore her and punch the control button on the elevator.

"Ashton!" She calls firmly now. My attitude must have given me away. Neither Ashley nor Ashal will ignore her like this and my only other rival in the rude and stubborn department already works with her. She watches me as I enter the elevator. Our eyes meet and hold before the door shuts in my face.

It’s my damn fault. I have put her in a precarious position with father because I broke character for the first time in a long while. What the hell is wrong with me? Why didn’t I stick to my routine? When did I get soft with Demi? Why did I let my guard down and make myself an easy prey for father’s selfish whims?

I have been around the Rollins household long enough to know how everyone operates and what motivates their actions. I could have sniffed this consequence from a mile away so why didn’t I?

I drive like a mad man all the way across town. I need to get the rage out of my system somehow and I can only think of one way. When I get in front of the apartment building, I grab my phone and dial Mila’s line. She picks up after a few rings.

"Hey babe."

Short pause. "Babe? That’s new but I love it."

"I bet you do. How did you like the pictures? You looked gorgeous enough to eat."

"Wow, Ashton, what’s up with you today?"

"What? Can’t I compliment my girl anymore?"

"Look, I have a lot to get done today. You can stop by if you’re really that bored."

"C’mon babe, don’t be so dismissive. We are the trending couple right now. How about we give the people of Danvarr another internet breaking photo. I’m sure our parents would love that."

Mila sighs now. "You’re pissed, aren’t you?" I hear some shuffling sound like she’s getting up to go take the call somewhere more private. "Let’s talk about it tonight. I’ll come to you, okay? It’s not what you think. Can you give me a chance to explain?"

"Sure, honey but I can’t do tonight. I wasn’t aware we were a couple before I agreed to go on a date as Will. You should run your plans by me especially if they affect MY life, okay? I don’t like surprises."

"Wait, a date? Ashton, you can’t seriously be considering that. It’s too risky. Don’t go."

"Too late. I already replied. Don’t worry hon, she won’t be replacing you, unless her father happens to richer than yours of course but what are the odds, heh?"

"Where are you right now, Ash? Tell me, please."

"Talk later. Kisses."

I step down from my car and make my way up the stairs. I make a beeline for apartment 203 and bang on it. I hope the owner is home. I need this. When the door cracks open, a smile seeps into my face.

"Hello, old friend."

"About time. You’ve been ignoring my calls. Did you see the pictures Kira took? Did they help?"

So, he did intentionally assault Demi. Now my smile darkens. "Oh, they helped quite alright." I flex my wrists and my neck. "But you’re about to be the most useful to my fist right now."

Iman has a second to register that I am not Asher. "Oh fuck." He says before my punch sends him flying into a potted plant by the wall. Blood trickles from his broken nose as he crawls away from me.

"What the fuck do you want, you crazy bastard?"

"I don’t want anything. I need a punching bag and my house is quite a distance from here." I grab him by the lapels of his shirt and slam my balled fist into his stomach, causing him to sputter more blood. "Don’t worry. I’ll come with a friend to take pictures and make videos next time." Another fatal blow goes under his jaw. Iman falls limply against his shabby couch.

"I’m not done yet. Open your fucking eyes you asshole!"

The heel of my boot rams into his face and his body jitters. My rage is nowhere near sated. Why the fuck is this guy down already? I still have a fine head of steam going. I plop on the couch, grab a half full pack of cigarette on a side table and help myself. Streams of smoke go up in the air while I wait for Iman to wake up. freewёbnoνel.com

My phone lights up with calls from Mila and I ignore them. When a message slides in from Demi, my finger is poised to open it but I hold back. Instead, I delete it and block her.

Iman stirs awake with a black eye and a bloody face. I stub out my cigarette.

"Finally. You kept me waiting, man." I lurch to my feet and pick him up like a ragged doll.

"Please..." Blood dots my jacket as he coughs. Thankfully, my jacket is black.

"Don’t beg. Bullies deserve to be bullied. You’re getting what you dish out." My fist reel back to deliver a fatal, face morphing punch.

The last thing I remember is a sudden sharp pain at the back of my head as something hard connects with it. I lose my grip on Iman as the room spins and the world goes black.