Four Brothers and a Bride-Chapter 38

DEMI

I am certain it was Ashton. No matter how many times I think about it, it can’t be anyone else and this time, it’s not just about his style.

Ashal has resumed work at his office and I doubt he would have any reason to ignore me. We’re really good friends now. Ashley has been extra sweet towards me since the double date. It’s mostly because he feels bad about the way he ended the night with me, even though I don’t recall much after he left me in the cold night air to go be with Nicola.

Asher is well, Asher. He hasn’t stopped threatening to kick me out of the mansion and the HQ ever since his blackmail plans blew up in his face with the intervention of Ashton. We work together so I am used to his cold glares and silent treatment. Then there’s Ashton.

Ever since the date night, his attitude towards me has been weird. Why did he ignore me like that? What have I done? Does this have something to do with me kissing Ashley during the date? It can’t be. Ashton must know it was all for the photos.

Besides, he also kissed Mila multiple times too so what is this attitude? Why was he even in the HQ this morning and what upset him so much that he left with a conspicuous frown on his face? The thoughts keep distracting me as I try to focus on work.

Asher leaves work an hour after his brother. When his secretary, Nessa, tries to know where he’s off to and when he’ll be back, I hear him mention something about going to see Ashal. Why all of a sudden? I wonder. What could be up with these brothers? It has to be a pressing matter for THE Asher Rollins to leave work before closing time to go see his brother whom he’ll definitely be seeing at home.

I give into my curiosity and text Ashton. Nothing. He doesn’t even bother to reply. I don’t know what’s going on with him but I need to fix things between us. He’s a very important piece in my plan.

If I had known that Ashton could serve as a barricade to Asher’s threats, I wouldn’t have flinched when the latter threatened me. Now, I know I can rely on Ashton to fend off every dart thrown my way by Asher. To do that however, I have to figure out why my guardian angel isn’t replying my texts or why I can’t seem to get through to him on phone.

Someone raps on my door.

"Mrs. Demi Rollins?"

"Yes?" I look up to find a courier by my door. Half of his face is covered by the huge flower bouquet he schleps in his hand. He deposits the bouquet ceremoniously on my desk and shows me where to sign. After he leaves, I hunt for the card and realize the gift is from Ashley.

My phone starts ringing immediately. I grab it hoping it’s Ashton calling me.

"Hey."

I work a big smile into my face to hide my disappointment. "Hey, I just got the flowers. They’re beautiful. Thank you."

"I’m glad you like them. I’m really sorry about date night. I was drunk half the time and didn’t mean to hurt or disrespect you."

"I told you, it’s fine."

"Ok. Got any plans for lunch? There’s a new place that just opened up and I was wondering if you’d be open to try it out with me. They’ve got amazing reviews."

My breath hitches as I fear ruining his mood with my response. I already have something planned with Anna and Liam. I don’t know if Ashley is going to be cool with me canceling on him. The threat about revising our marriage contract still looms and the last thing I want to do is give him cause to revisit that conversation.

"Are you there?"

"Erm, I’m so sorry. Anna already promised to have lunch with me to celebrate my new job. I didn’t know you wanted to do lunch."

"Oh, that’s ok. I’ll call ahead next time."

"Tomorrow. How about tomorrow?" I quickly ask. I bet he has a small smile on his face as he agrees.

After the call, I try to swing back to work and clear my plate so Asher wouldn’t have anything to complain about when he returns.

I plan to use my lunch break to run over a few things with Liam. He is mad that I have been keeping a few things from him, like the fact that Asher had blackmailed me. He also claims to have juicy updates regarding the listening device in the game room. There’s a lot for us to share with each other.

Just as I tidy my desk and proceed to head out for lunch, Brett Rollins appears by my door.

"Sir. F-father." I stutter. I rarely run into him here and the few times I do, I realize that I will rather put up with Asher than run into Brett. He has a cold aura around him that makes me shiver in my heels even when I haven’t done anything to upset him. Something about the bland expression on his face tells me I will never be good enough in my father-in-law’s eyes.

"Off to lunch?"

"Um, yes sir. I’m done with most of my work today. I am off to grab a quick lunch with a friend."

His lips curl distastefully as he takes in my flowers. "And your husband? Do you ever make time to fit him in your plans?"

I don’t understand why Mr. Rollins is suddenly invested in my relationship with Ashley. He knows exactly what kind of marriage contract we have going. Why is he making a fuss about who I eat lunch with?

"Ashley and I already made lunch plans for tomorrow, sir."

There’s definitely something more to the look he continues to give me.

"That’s fine. Be careful. Make sure you don’t give those hungry journalists something negative to write about my family." He stalks away like he just dished out a compliment and not an insult. I don’t bother to let the insult simmer as I rush out to meet with my friends.

***

"Why didn’t you tell me Asher was blackmailing you?" Liam asks with a frown.

"Everything happened so fast, from Kira’s betrayal to the Asher’s blackmail. I thought I could handle Asher and talk him out of it. I planned to find something against him to bargain with."

"it’s ASHER. You can’t talk him out of anything."

"I realize that now. Thankfully, Ashton met me in time and squashed his brother’s plans."

Anna comes over to serve us our lunch and join us. Her boss didn’t object when I asked for a few minutes of my friend’s time. Even though he obliged because of my status, I am glad I get to talk to my best friend.

"Speaking of Ashton, I got some juicy info from the device. Turns out there’s a woman named Olivia who happens to be Ashal’s wife."

"What?" I gasp. "Ashal is married?"

"Yes. Ashton spewed a lot while accusing Asher of banging Ashal’s wife and even getting her pregnant. Listen." He passes earphones to me. Anna and I stick each end in our ears and listen as Ashton scolds Asher. I can’t believe my ears. Not only is Ashal married but his wife is having a secret affair with Asher? She even got pregnant for him and lost the child? Where is Olivia? How come nobody mentions her in the mansion? What other secrets could this family be hiding?

"Olivia." I repeat the name.

"You know her?"

"No but I think she knows me." I immediately start flipping through my phone. "A few weeks back, I got a strange text from someone with the initials, O.D claiming that I am not the first daughter-in-law of the Rollins family. The message literally told me, ’welcome to hell."

"What? Why wouldn’t you tell me about something like that?"

"I didn’t think much of it. I thought it was a random person trying to prank me because I married into their dream family or something." I arrive at the end of my messages and realize Olivia’s message is gone.

"You can’t cheery-pick which information you pass along to me. You get creepy messages like that or threats, you let me know. Okay?"

"I can’t find it. It was right here." I turn to Anna. "You were there, right? You saw that text from O.D. I never deleted it but it appears someone did. I can’t even find her contact." Anna grabs my phone and scrolls through while Liam expels a frustrated breath.

"It’s gone. Someone must have deleted it."

"Who could have done that?" Liam asks. "The quads?"

"If one of them did, then they know Olivia tried to contact me. I wonder what kind of state she’s in. They could have her locked in a basement or worse."

"Let’s not jump to conclusions. Olivia can’t be locked in a basement even though she’s clearly hidden away from the public eye. She has access to a phone to send texts. I’ll do a deep dive into women named Olivia who have had dealings with the quads in the past two years and see what I can find."

"The penthouse." It’s almost like a light bulb comes on in my head. "I don’t know about the rest of the quads but Ashal owns a penthouse in Alpha District. The quads took me there once and threatened me to back out of my deal with their mother. If Ashal has a wife, that must be where she stays. I’ll see if I can finagle the address and pay him a surprise visit whenever he goes to see her."

"Wonderful." Liam nods. "Is there anything else you’re keeping from me? Any weird texts or calls I need to look into?"

I don’t have to think about it. "Apart from Olivia, there’s someone else who texts me once in a blue moon threatening to expose my secret to the Rollins family. I don’t think I can keep ignoring it." I show Anna and Liam the texts. "The thing is they haven’t asked for money or anything but I feel it’s coming."

Liam frowns and hands my phone back to me. "If they had solid proof, they would have demanded money for their silence or gone ahead to show their evidence to Brett Rollins or the quads. I say ignore it for now."

"Asher."

"What?" I ask, staring at Anna’s wide eyes. She jerks up and points.

"That’s Asher’s car."

We all follow her gaze and true enough, Asher’s G-Wagon pulls up in front of the restaurant.

"What the hell is he doing here? He doesn’t even like having lunch just about anywhere." When I turn, Anna looks flushed. I barely have time to wonder how she is able to recognize his car from afar when Liam grabs his lunch and switches to an empty table with his back turned to us. He keeps his head low to avoid getting recognized. While Anna pats down her uniform, I touch my meal for the first time.

Asher strolls in to find Anna’s signature welcome smile. He returns it with a sly one as he heads towards her. When I turn my head to face him, the flirty look on his face gives way to a surprised glint.

"Well, if it isn’t my intern."

"I am allowed to have lunch too, right? Besides, my best friend works here so it shouldn’t come as a surprise. What brings you here, boss?"

Asher jams both hands in his pocket. He looks dashing in any suit. "Hunger. What else could it be?" Anna hustles away and returns with lunch packaged to go.

"Your order, sir."

"Thank you, Anna." Asher smirks at me before leaving. I am so confused right now.

"How long has been coming here?"

"It’s a restaurant, Demi. Everyone who can pay is welcome to patronize us. Don’t bite your nails over it."

But I look worriedly as my best friend saunters away. How can she be so professional and cool with a man who almost ruined her life? Most importantly, why does it feel like there’s more to this than she lets on?

***

Ashton didn’t come down to have dinner with everyone. Upon enquiry, one of the housekeeping staff informs father that Ashton isn’t in his room. The rest of the quads confirm that he hasn’t been taking his calls all day. My fingers tighten around my cutlery as I recall how angry he had been earlier. What must have transpired in the office?

Father looks worried now. Did they have a fight? Mother keeps trying his line to no avail.

"He’s Ashton." Asher quips. "I’m sure he can take care of himself."

"Yes father, he’ll surely be back soon." Ashley adds.

Ashal beams up at mother. "He’s fine. He’s probably having fun out."

"Why wouldn’t he take his calls and let us know? Why do you boys always scare me like this?"

"Ah, there he is." Asher shouts.

Everyone at the table turns as Ashton walks in.

"Why haven’t you been taking your calls, young man? Your mother has been sick with worry."

Ashton ignores father and walks up to crouch by mother’s feet.

"I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you worry." He kisses her palms and goes on to apologize to everyone, claiming Mila had insisted he keep his phone on silent so they can enjoy some personal time. My insides churn uncomfortably hearing this. I pull my eyes away from Ashton and fork some food into my mouth.

He excuses himself and heads for his room to freshen up. While his eyes track the room, he never let it settle on me, not even once. Is he avoiding me now? Since when have he and Mila become so chummy with each other? I try not to overthink it. What right do I have to be pissed or jealous?

I should focus on important things like the fact that I am getting closer to uncovering dirty secrets within the family. Ashal’s is still too heavy to digest. As I wink at him across the table, I can’t help but wonder how he has a secret wife. Could he truly be abusing Olivia for her to attribute being a daughter-in-law of the Rollins family to living in hell? Does he love her? What would he do if he later learns that the child he thought he lost actually belongs to Asher?

Ashley tops off my wine and I shoot him a sweet smile. With everything that happened with the date, he has been so thoughtful lately. I was even able to load a spy app into his phone while he was distracted.

With dinner concluded, I head back to my room, declining Ashal’s offer for late night games. I work a seven to five now and sleep has suddenly become a luxury. While the quads call the shots in their respective companies, I am a mere intern and could get fired for the slightest infraction.

Ashley bids me goodnight and joins Ashal and Asher to chill at the game room for a bit. I know it’s too risky and stupid but I can’t get it off my mind. I desperately need to talk to Ashton. He’s been acting so weird lately. When I am certain that no one is watching, I sidle to Ashton’s door and try his phone. It doesn’t connect. So, he actually blocked me? I can’t believe it.

I knock repeatedly on his door but he wouldn’t open up.

"Open up. I need to talk to you."

Still nothing. What the hell is his problem now?

"Ash, please."

The door opens and a shirtless Ashton scowls at me. His hair is shagged around his ears. His chest is broad with sparse hair. I ignore the instant tug of desire as my eyes rake his hard biceps. With a low gasp, I fist my fingers to stop myself from touching his body.

"My eyes are up here, Branson. What the hell do you want?"

Embarrassed, I swallow hard. "Erm..." Why can’t I remember anything beyond his rock-hard abs? "I...I um..."

"Take that shit to Ashley. I’m sure he can understand gibberish."

"Wait." I call before he can shut the door. His sweat pants are riding dangerously low on his waist so I cement my eyes on his face to keep from drooling. I want to ask him why he blocked me and why he has been so cold towards me when I see something trickling down the side of his neck. My hand moves faster than my mouth can ask anything. Ashton’s hand catches my wrist just as my finger tips swipe at the liquid.

"Don’t ever touch my hair." He breathes through clenched teeth.

We both stare down at the blood coating my fingertips. Dread washes over me but Ashton remains indifferent.

"You’re bleeding." I gasp worriedly.

He shoves my hand away. "Don’t bother me again."

Stubbornly, I plant my foot between the door before he can jam it closed.

"Let me help you clean it. Five minutes."

"It’s a small cut. I can handle it...what the fuck do you think you’re doing?" He yells when I push past him and shut the door behind me. "Get out."

"Why are you being so cold towards me? Is it because of the double date? Did Ashley say something?"

"GET OUT THIS MINUTE DEMI OR I SWEAR TO GOD..."

The rooms are all similar so I easily find my way to his bathroom. I don’t know why I am being so reckless. This wouldn’t look good for either for us but despite the adrenalin rush I am getting from the risk of getting caught in my brother-in-law’s room, I still grab the first aid kit. My fingers freeze over the excessive supply of blonde hair dye in the bathroom cabinet.

Ashton halts his hurried steps by the door when he finds me poised by the cabinet. Our eyes meet. For whatever reason, I don’t ask him about the hair dye. It may be because I am in a hurry to tend to his wound without getting caught or because of the helpless look in his eyes when he thought I had found something he wasn’t proud to show anyone. All the anger and meanness seem to dissipate after my discovery.

We don’t say anything to each other afterwards. Silently, he complies when I order him to sit by the tub. While he stares into my face, I rinse his hair with the hand shower. The gold color of his hair is inconsistent but I say nothing.

Ashton sits up while I proceed to use a soft washcloth to clean around the cut. After the bleeding stops with a little pressure from a gauze, I go in with an ice pack to reduce the swelling around his scalp.

Ashton quietly watches me the whole time. freёwebnoѵel.com

"Does it still hurt?"

"Mhmm."

It’s been over ten minutes. I know he feels just fine but simply doesn’t want me to leave.

"Just hold this over your head and you’ll be fine." He grabs the ice pack from my hands and holds it over the swollen scalp.

"Thank you."

I shelve my thoughts and the burning questions I have for later. I can’t remain here for another second, not with the way Ashton is looking at me or I him. I suddenly feel hot all over just staring into his sexy blue eyes.

He trails behind me as I head back into the room and towards the door. The lust crawling up my thighs fizzle away when someone knocks on the door.

"Hey Ash, are you in bed yet? Can I have a quick word?" It definitely sounds like Ashley.

Ashton and I trade alarmed looks. I immediately break into a panic as we watch the knob turn and the door swing open.