Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 24: Chapter 24

ASHLEY

"It was lovely having dinner with your family again." Nicola says. I am down by her feet, trying to figure out the best length for the new bodycon line I am launching. I can't decide if it looks better sprawling behind her or barely skimming her ankles. There's a high slit by the side to give the wearer room to show off a leg and their high heels. I spring to my feet and have Nicola strike a pose for me. This decision on the length wouldn't be so hard if I didn't already have my mind cluttered with other thoughts.

"Ash, are you listening?"

"Give me a sec, Nicci" Three minutes later, I give up and return to my sketching board. Nicola sashays after me and places a hand seductively on my shoulders, kneading the kinks in them.

"Would it really hurt to ask my opinion? There was a time when we bounced ideas off each other as designer and model, a time when my opinions mattered greatly to you." She turns me around to face her and clasps her hands behind my neck. God, she is so damn beautiful. "Let me help you, Ash. It doesn't have to mean anything."

I sigh in resignation and face my board again. "It always means something to you, Nicci. However, for old times' sake, let's hear it. Ankle length or floor length?" I wheel around when Nicola fails to respond only to find her back at the center of the room in a perfect red carpet pose under the glow of the light. She pretends to be swarmed by photographers and executes different beautiful poses in under a minute. My brain jogs back to life as I take in the functionality of the dress vis a vis the style. This type of outfit will mostly be a good pick for a red or green carpet event and comfort is just as important as glamor.

"Personally, I think a little sweeping tail behind would be great since it's in vogue right now." I nod in agreement with Nicola's perspective. She's right. We make such a great team. Like she is able to read my mind, Nicola struts up to me and plants a sweet kiss on my lips.

"She doesn't love you. Anyone can see that."

I know she's talking about Demi. Smiling, I turn to finish the sketch.

"Who says I married her for love?"

"So, it's a forced marriage because of her pathetic claim?" She scoffs beside me. "I don't care what the circumstances are, Ash. I just hate to see you so unhappy. I miss you." My hand freezes on the board. "I miss us." She adds.

I whirl to face the first woman I attempted to love despite my PTSD. It wasn't the easiest decision I ever made but with mom's encouragement, I chose to give love and commitment a slim chance. It was a fucking mistake that sent me back down a very dark hole for months after our breakup. I'd never give another woman that kind of power over me, no matter how much she occupies my mind.

"I wonder what Harvey will think if he hears that." Nicola winces at the mention of the man who tore us apart. "Thank you for your input. You know I appreciate your ideas, even if I don't show it the way you hope."

"It was a mistake, Ashley. I was lost at the time. I just lost my mom and he was there."

"Yet you pegged me the cheat in the relationship to save face amidst your father's campaign. You didn't think twice about hurting my feelings after betraying my trust. You threw me under the bus to make sure your father grew in ranks. What about my family? Do you have any idea what we went through?"

It was all her fault that I was branded the flirt. Ours was a public relationship with so many people in Danvarr rooting for our union. When Nicola spread the rumor that she broke up with me because of a cheating scandal, my social image took a hit. That's the power women have. They play the innocent card so well. With a few fake tears, they can sway the public in their favor. No one cares about the man's innocence because they never expect the woman to be at fault. It grates on my nerve as I realize that I have fallen prey to the same whims of a conniving woman; Demi.

I couldn't care less what she has going on with Ashton. I never thought of having a long-term relationship with her. I couldn't do that to myself. However, she clearly has been keeping secrets from me and has the audacity to point fingers at me. I did her the courtesy of halting my one-night stands and casual flings while she adjusted to being a member of my family. Yet, she goes and proves to me that she isn't worthy of my consideration.

Now, I am done playing the nice guy. I wronged her once by scaring her in the bedroom as Ashton. However, I already apologized for that. Now, I owe her nothing more. I plan to stick religiously with our contract until she leaves and if it so happens that Asher's hunch is true, then I'll definitely make Demi's stay more traumatic than she can ever recover from. l will make her regret coming into my family and playing cruel games.

Nicola cups my face in her hands. "I'm not that selfish woman anymore. Ash, I promise to make it up to you. I'll do anything to have you back in my life."

"Have me back?"

for you, Ash. I know you won't spend forever with a woman like her. I don't mind warming your bed on the side till I can proudly hold your hand in public again." She pouts her lips in a manner that used to make

I have been bitten once and now know better than to get myself burnt again. I could use her too

that right. I'll decide if I want to ditch the book seller or not. Till then, you're welcome to warm my bed as you rightly said. You know I'll warn you though. My expectations in the bedroom are steeper than you remember." Nicola swallows her pride and accepts my kiss. My lust gets the better of me but just as I heft her on top of my mahogany desk for a quickie,

while Nicola struggles

The expletives get trapped in my throat when I turn only to come face to face with my

place. Blushing, she mumbles a greeting to mom before walking away. I love

to start using your cell phone. I don't like ALL surprises." I fluff out my messy hair and buckle my

your phone when I call, even the landline. I'm sorry for interrupting your little fun." She helps herself to a seat while I fetch her a cold beverage from the fridge. When I offer

Go crawling back into your ex-girlfriend's arms? Have you forgotten what that woman put you

into my arms, mom" I correct her. "She literally just begged to be my side piece despite my marital status." I slide into my chair with

"Do you?"

away an ache in my temple. "Ok mom, why exactly are you here? What can I help you with? If this is about your precious daughter-in-law, I don't want to

Mother sighs.

his mistake. This is as far as I go. You know what I am like. Demi too. I think we can all breathe easily while the contract persists. I am not down to pretend to play some devoted husband to a woman who

making dumb decisions like welcoming

Demi and I will somehow fall in love and live happily ever after?" I can't help breaking out in a laugh. "You really did bring her into our family to straighten me up? Change me from a serial flirt to what, a loyal husband? I can't believe you mother. This isn't a hallmark movie; it's real life. Besides, what makes you think I

I know about

swallow hard. "Hmm, we always knew nightmares were going to be a part of my recovery journey. If anything, it just

It's a coping mechanism. You're hiding from the problem

I am not..." The rest of the words die in my throat. "You know what I mean." Mother says nothing in reply but continues to watch me. "I didn't sign up to give Demi a happily ever after. I respect her well enough, or at least I did. With everything that's happened, I no longer have the emotional

protest with a flip of my hand. "Let's get out of here. I'll take

"I already had one." She pats my cheek. "I'll see you

head or tail of the weary look in her eyes because my phone starts ringing shortly after mom

"Hey"

his breath a little

of my

you do

shrugging on my

do you keep

the second it flashes in my mind, I can't shake off the fact that my brother never makes good decisions from

on his phone. "Don't

"Don't bring the quad."

"You know I won't."

I swipe