Four Brothers and a Bride

Chapter 39: Chapter 39

ASHTON

I have less than a second to think through the mush in my head caused by Demi’s entrancing presence and get us both out of this hot mess. Just as my door begins to crack open, I flick off the light switch which was luckily already on a low setting and clasp a hand over Demi’s mouth to muffle any sound. Then I heft her into my bathroom and click the door shut.

"Ash? Are you asleep already?"

When Ashley pokes his head in and turns on the light, he sees me patting my hair dry with a small towel. "Oh, there you are."

I plop on the arm of my couch. "What is this about?" I ask grudgingly. The last time we spoke, it was a heated conversation. I am still pissed at him for acting so immature. Hence, my attitude.

"Hey, I’m really sorry about last time. It was stupid of me to misjudge you like that." Ashley makes himself comfortable on my bed and I grit my teeth. If he’s feeling cozy, this conversation could span hours. I can’t have that, not with Demi freaking in my bathroom.

"I know Demi and I are only married on paper. However, I believe that as her lawful husband, there should be obvious differences between me and you guys being her brothers-in-law. I should have certain rights exclusive to my position. Things like you knowing her passcode when I don’t or you being able to make her feel a certain way just by being in the same room with her makes me go crazy sometimes..."

"I get it, Ash. Whether your marriage is on paper or not, you’re a real couple to Danvarr. I know I can be a hothead and insist on having my way irrespective of how it makes others’ feel. I’m sorry. I’ll give you and your wife the space you need to bond. We’re good." I lurch to my feet, spurring Ashley to do the same.

"Thank you for your understanding, man. For a second, I feared you might actually be in love with her." Ashley chuckles as we share a look meaningful look with each other. If he’s here to force words out of my mouth, it’s not working. I feign a smile at him in return.

"I’ll be on my way now." But then he stops by the door and turns to me with a suspicious air. "By the way, Mila texted Asher to ask if you were home as she hasn’t been able to reach you." Though he doesn’t say the remaining part ringing in his head which is, ’I found that strange because you told us the two of you spent the entire evening together,’ I get it from the wink he goes on to give me.

"Women, am I right? They can be quite clingy."

"Unfortunately, it’s usually not the ones you care about." My reply temporarily stuns him.

"Could you um, help me with Demi’s passcode? I’d like to say goodnight."

And there it is, the immature Ashley sprouts his head again. I toss my towel aside. "The husbandly thing to do will be to ask your wife directly if she’s comfortable with that, not try to finagle it from someone else who happened to see it accidentally. I think Demi will appreciate the respect."

"Right." Ashley nods and grabs the door finally. "For a bachelor, you give good advice that nearly rivals Ashal’s. I’ll be stopping by for more marriage advice."

With a soft laugh, he bids me goodnight and leaves. I exhale deeply. The weird thing with Ashley is that you can never truly know if you’ve managed to fool him or he fooled you.

Did he really not suspect a thing, not even Demi’s night cologne hanging thickly in the air? I go to tap softly on my bathroom door.

"He’s gone. You can come out now."

Demi steps out quietly, a huge blush on her face. I get it. Now, we really do look like we’ve been up to something bad. She literally hid in my bathroom while I hastily tried to get rid of her husband from my bedroom. It looks wrong from every angle.

"Ashley could be watching my room. You leave now and he’ll see."

Demi bites down on her lower lip. "What do I do?"

One look at me and I know she’ll dread the idea.

"We have no other choice." I confirm the fear swimming in her eyes.

From my spot on the couch, I watch her sleeping peacefully on my bed for the next three hours. Damn, has she always been this beautiful?

I force myself to look away. I have never coveted anything that belonged to any of my brothers and I won’t start now. Besides, it’s best for me to keep away from Demi. Her safety and peace of mind depends on it. Father doesn’t bluff. I won’t be able to bear it if he makes Demi suffer like Olivia.

In the wee hours of the morning when I am certain everyone is in their beds, I rouse Demi awake. She purrs like a satisfied cat and stretches like a newborn swaddled all night.

"It’s time to go." I ignore a clawing need to stroke her messy hair. My bed will never feel the same again and I am truly glad. I tell her exactly what to do to avoid suspicion.

up and walk. Go downstairs and get a juice box or a bottle of water from the kitchen.

"Mhmm."

I don’t even flinch or stop her like I normally would. Instead, my eyes flick from her doe eyes to her

hope that none of my brothers broke routine and stayed up all night watching my door. Even with my best talking game,

I hiss a breath and throw myself on my bed. Her scent still lingers on the pillow and duvet. Smiling sheepishly, I nestle the pillow next to my

***

though I don’t owe her an explanation for how I choose to spend my time. I just need a distraction from a LOT of things, Demi

in my bed so I texted the strange lady through my second

in my head to spite Mila for fast tracking our friendship into a fully blown relationship through her dad. Now, I am simply going on the date to get a break from all the craziness around me and to keep Demi out of my head for one

to my father. I am shocked he visited your father’s company. He hasn’t mentioned a

soon if we don’t beat them at their game." I watch her dismiss the assistants flanking her with glossy papers to be

leans conspiratorially towards me. "What are

are going to date seriously, it should be our decision not theirs. I have a bad history of treating things or people forced into my hands in a way I am not proud of. You really don’t deserve that. So, you tell daddy

eyes my lips. "And what if his princess only likes fast things? Fast food? Fast cars? Fast rides?" She moves to kiss me and

who likes to be used

men to think they are the ones always using women. I have

name?" Her eyes crinkle in a

this date. Who knows, a couple more and I might just make a connection that will hold forever." I surge to my feet. "Don’t give me that look, Mila. You promised to be fun.

you don’t

"Which part?"

kissing me?" She winks

just prefer we

peck her forehead. "I’ve got a fast car I

my phone and stare at the door to my office expecting Demi to barge in like before. I know neither can happen because I already blocked her number and she wouldn’t come to my workplace so soon after we narrowly escaped being accused of something heinous. Still, I allow my imaginations fly and expect to hear her

has confirmed her availability. Well, that’s good. We make arrangements for dinner at a remote diner. I prefer it that way. When lunch time rolls by, Gris shows up to remind me to eat.

kill, I call Ashley to see if we can do lunch together. I still have doubts about his attitude last night and I want to spend more time with him and gauge his reaction to see

can we do lunch

over the phone. "Crap man, I’m so sorry. I am already at lunch with

the HQ? How are they

"Ash, you there?"

a few papers. You said you’re already having lunch with Demi? That’s fine. I think I’ll just order something here at

would have loved to

do it some other time. My regards to Demi.

here daydreaming. I fucking hate myself right now. Why am I overthinking last night? It meant nothing. It shouldn’t mean anything. Demi is right to not make a

myself back into work, forcing Gris to cringe as he watches me take things off his plate. I make plans for a customized car exhibition we have been planning. I take calls from our loyal customers and answer whatever questions and complaints they have.

"Sir, sir?"

jerk awake to find Gris’ bespectacled face hovering over

seven pm.

still here buzzing in my

leave before you do,

thirty. After thanking Gris, I grab my things and rush to my car. I have everything I need

hour late. This time, I am prepared to get an earful for keeping my date waiting. She’ll be justified to vent her

to find anyone matching her outfit description in the booths. Just then, I get a text from

from the other booths and

to arrive after twenty minutes. Have I been pranked or something? Is this what Mila feared? What if this person isn’t really

door. Outside, the cold night air whizzes past my face, fluttering my long, black curls. I shrug on my jacket as I scan the street. Everything seems relatively normal. People are going about their night peacefully,

a few meters from the diner, slightly hidden by a wall. At first, she doesn’t appear to be actively trying to stay hidden but when my eyes

ridiculous that sounds, who else would be tailing me? I start walking in

and zoom off. I can’t even make out her face in the dimness.

I call Mila immediately.