Four Brothers and a Bride

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?"

I fail to give

you do love Iman,

"I DON'T LOVE HIM!"

you love the sex, huh? Is

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 I detest Iman and don't want anything to do with him

finger trails my cheek to blot out

crying if you

How could he look so much like Ashton and be

leads to my downfall?" I sniffle.

hand cups my chin. When he leans close to press his lips to mine, I push him

hell do you think you're

You'd kiss and fuck anything if

wipe my tears. "You want to take advantage of me because of a lie? How low

AND AN EX. You're nothing more than a slut so don't act like a

YOU EVER TRY THAT AGAIN." I am

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

Do you think your aunt or Kira will tell on me?" His eyes are fiery with a challenge. I recall the

so hard he trips and falls on his back on the bed. "You think you're so invincible,

but I know I can't leave otherwise. When I turn, Asher

"That cologne. It's familiar."

"Bullshit."

can recall it." My eyes fasten 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 be. You

home, you passed out almost immediately. That's how I realized you faked being drunk at the Blue Cove. First time drinkers can't hold their

from the

laughs. "News flash, even if it had been Ashton, Ashley or Ashal, I still wouldn't have allowed it. My brothers and I have too much at stake and I won't let them be

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

floor, 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 parents after all. It all makes sense too. He works at the HQ where mom worked. He

it out. Everyone has been trying to reach me including Liam and Anna. I hurriedly reply as many as I

step out of my room, Kira is curled 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

our house. It's different from Asher's but I can already tell which brother loves this brand the most. The headlights flash twice at me. The driver

first day at work. Are you

***

husband, shutting the passenger door he just opened for me.