Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Chapter 32

DEMI

"It's not what it looks like." I tell Asher. I don't know how pictures can lie but this one clearly is a lie. I wasn't as comfortable or compliant with the kiss as the picture portrays. "Tell him, Kira. You saw everything."

"Exactly. I saw you and your ex kissing in an alley. That's exactly what I captured." I can't believe this snake of a girl. Asher has been unusually quiet and brooding. His eyes are dark and scary when they find my face. I can't believe Kira will go this far. I delivered on my own end of the bargain so why did she betray me like this?

"Aunt, you know I wouldn't." Aunt looks away and doesn't utter a word in my defense. Now, I realize she and her daughter planned this. She isn't as clueless as I think.

"You wouldn't even let Ashley kiss you but you're happy to offer your lips to that broke cheat? What has my family not done for you, Demi Branson? We accepted you into our family and polished you up. We've helped you every time that bastard tried to drag you down. We face backlash from the media constantly because of your ties to our family. Any other family would have thrown you to the wolves or kicked you out but we didn't and this is how you pay us back?"

"Asher, I am telling you that picture isn't the truth. Iman forced that kiss on me."

"You're not a very good liar, Demi."

"SHUT UP KIRA. I AM TALKING TO ASHER." Kira is momentarily stunned by my angry outburst but comports herself. I turn to Asher, grab his hand and lead him to my room. With aunt and Kira, I am certain I won't be able to get him to see the truth.

I explain everything that happened that day to him while he studies me with cool eyes.

"So, your aunt and Kira are lying? That picture is a lie, Demi?" He sighs and jams his hands in his pocket. "Those people have lived with you for years. They know you better than we do. If they say you're capable of doing something like this, there might be some truth to it."

"They are lying, Asher. Please believe me. Why would I go back to Iman? That makes absolutely no sense!"

"I don't see why you can't. You loathe my brothers and I. You treat your husband like a plague. Maybe the reason you can withstand not being intimate with him is because Iman gives it to you."

"ASHER!"

"For all I know, this was the plan all along between the two of you. You're in this for the money while keeping your ex on the side. What? Did Iman put you up to this? Pretend he cheated on you, get drunk and go to a high-end club where my brothers and I usually frequent and fake a marriage with a drunk quad. Did Iman force you to keep the clause in the contract so nobody touches his girl?" He plays with the sleeves of my dress and I slap his hands off.

"You have a very fertile imagination, I'll give you that but simply because you can string up a story doesn't make it true."

"It sure makes a whole lot of sense right now, Demi. It explains a lot about your reason for sticking with my family despite your ridiculous contract." He heaves a breath and glare at me. "I can't figure it out no matter how many times I run it in my head. You're not in this marriage for money or you would have been making financial demands of us long ago. You're not in it for the chance to have free, great sex with one or all four of the Rollins quads which is the fantasy of half the women in Danvarr. You hate the fame being affiliated with us brings you. So, pray tell. What else could it be, Demi? Why are you choosing to stick with my family till the end of the contract if you don't have some grand plan up your sleeve?"

My breath catches in my throat. "I made a promise to your mother..."

"Don't bullshit me!" His menacing stare makes me take few steps back. "What? You're going to leave if mother wishes it? Is that what you're saying? If mother asks you to break your promise and leave right now, do you mean to say you won't cry or beg?"

to give

you do love Iman,

"I DON'T LOVE HIM!"

sex, huh? Is that why you keep

it. You know that's not true." Tears shimmer around my eyes because I want him to see it and believe me. I know exactly what he is playing at. Aunt and Kira aren't the only ones lying here. This is all a staged performance by the trio to box me into a wall and get rid of me. I know Asher knows

trails my cheek to

crying if you

could he look so much like Ashton and

a word I say? Is this how much you hate me? You're prepared to believe an obvious lie if it leads to my downfall?" I sniffle. Kira was right

close to press his lips to

do

know you're pretending. You'd kiss

of me because of a lie? How low can

disgusting? YOU'RE THE ONE SHUFFLING BETWEEN FOUR BROTHERS AND AN EX. You're nothing more than

EVER TRY THAT AGAIN." I am done begging

impressed at my resilience. He defies me and backs me up against a wall with a single hand movement. Instantly, I catch a whiff of his unique scent. I have only smelt this once before. Why the hell am I just recalling how unique the cologne is now when I have literally been around him all day? Something about him being

on me?" His eyes are fiery with a challenge. I recall the scene in my bedroom and my fingers tremble. Ashley had mentioned that

at bay. "You said these same words to me. You threatened me..." Angrily, I shove him so hard he trips and falls on his back on the bed. "You think you're so invincible, Asher Rollins? You think I am so helpless and weak because I have a shitty family? You're dead wrong. I am not weak or helpless and if

to leave but hesitate. I need to ask. I am afraid to but I know I can't

"That cologne. It's familiar."

"Bullshit."

on his face as it dims with recognition. "That night at the Blue Cove. That was the first time I caught that scent." Asher's pale face makes me shudder. "It can't

a drunk and heartbroken girlfriend. Then when you consumed alcohol at home, you passed out almost immediately.

hand slips from the knob.

hoped it was Ashton?" He throws his head back and laughs. "News flash, even if it had been Ashton, Ashley or Ashal, I still wouldn't have allowed it. My brothers and I

catches my hand when I try to slap him. "You guessed right. I call the shots. I made a mistake that night. I let my guard down but I will spend all my sober moments ensuring my family doesn't suffer for my stupidity. Why else do you think I am onto you like a bounty hunter, Branson? I know there's more to you than meets the eye and I won't let you have your way with my family." He shoves me away from the door so

too shocked to process everything. After an hour, I dust myself up. More than ever, I feel invigorated to pursue my plan ruthlessly. Asher deserves everything that's coming for him. He's the bastard that caused the death of my

trying to reach me including

up on the sofa, watching a late night show. Aunt must have retired to bed. Kira continues to binge on her popcorn, ignoring me. I have a few things to get off my chest but not right now. My words

Asher's but I can already tell which brother loves this brand the most. The headlights flash

your first day at work. Are you trying to make it your

***

passenger door he just

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