ASHLEY
I knew she was going to look beautiful in the sexy number I picked out for her but I didn’t expect she’d look this good. Lust crawls up my belly as Demi steps out of the elevator clutching a shimring gold purse. The red crop top fits her body like paint. The cut out at her torso exposes her flat tummy just enough for any man to drool. The skirt starts just above her waist and ends above her knees. A huge white bow dangles by her left side where the shirt slit begins. The entire living room falls silent till she makes her way in and stands next to .
"Wow, you look great Demi." Mother complints her. It’s Saturday and we all have so free ti away from work. I manage to pick my jaw off the ground as Demi stares up nervously at . She hadn’t wanted to wear this particular outfit but I had insisted. I want to make a clear statent to all my brothers standing in this very room.
After the night at the ga room, we got into a heated fight. Just as we went past Demi’s room towards mine down the hall, Demi tried to pull her hand away. I forcefully pulled her all the way to my room and shoved her inside.
"What?" I asked when she stared angrily at . "Did you get your second wind?"
She shook her head. "You didn’t believe a word I said back there, did you? Is that why you’ve brought here to interrogate again?"
"Can you bla ? So much has been happening with you and you didn’t even say a word to . If I hadn’t walked into that scene back there, I still wouldn’t know you were being blackmailed." I backed away from her and inhaled sharply. "Simply because we aren’t a regular couple doesn’t an you get to keep in the dark about things like this. I am still your husband and I deserve to know what’s going on with you."
Demi’s eyes softened. "I wanted to tell you but then Asher hinted earlier tonight that you wouldn’t give a damn about our divorce. He told you wouldn’t save ." Fresh tears cloud her eyes. "Why didn’t you confront him, Ashley? Why didn’t you confront him about that other night after what happened? Can’t you protect ? How am I supposed to trust you if you act like Asher runs the show here?"
"I told you he already apologized. I didn’t think he’d dare try it again." When I reached for her hands, Demi pulled away.
"I kept thinking about the reason why Asher hates so much. It just wasn’t enough that he felt super protective of his brothers and family in general. He has been hating on since the first day I stepped into this mansion with my aunt and niece." Her teary eyes found my anxious face. "I can’t believe he was the one I t at the Blue Cove. Tell your brother lied to my face once more. There’s no way he’s the sa man I t that night. He is too different to be him."
I couldn’t believe Asher tried to ruin everything with his ego. How could he have gone that far and told her about the blue cove?
"Calm down, Demi."
"You know what, forget it. I don’t care anymore. I know you’d always stand by your brothers." She dabbed her tears with the back of her palms. "I understand your filial love but I wish you would be just as protective of . I wish you wouldn’t let Asher get away with accusing and tornting while you claim to be my husband. Maybe that’s why I prefer to run to Ashton. Asher would never have ssed with twice if I had told Ashton everything from the onset."
My rage unlocked at the blatant comparison. "Ashton! Ashton!! Ashton!!! I’ve had enough. Is that your type, Demi? You love n with a tendency for violence?"
"Ashton is not violent!"
"Now you’re defending him? Wow. Asher is right after all. Whatever’s going on between you two is definitely beyond what you say."
Demi didn’t even bother to deny it again. "I guess we’re done with this conversation. You’re free to believe whatever Asher feeds you. And for your information, I’m not going on any double date with you."
That’s when I snapped and yanked her arm as she tried to leave.
"What did you say? You aren’t going? Why? Because you can’t bear to see Ashton with another woman on his arm?"
"Let go of Ashley. You’re hurting ."
"I don’t give a fuck about your feelings for him but what I won’t tolerate is your disrespect and betrayal while we are still legally bonded. I’ve told you that before." I pulled her face close to mine. "You’ll go on this date and on as many dates as I want to dispel the ridiculous suspicions flying around this mansion before they spread through Danvarr. I am sure as hell not letting another woman corner with her theatrics. If you have a problem staying away from my brother and showering your legally wedded husband with all the love and care you clearly show to Ashton, then I don’t see any reason why we should keep this sham of a marriage."
I release her and noted the palpable tension in the room. Demi clearly didn’t like the thought of an early divorce if her wide eyes and discomfort were any indication.
"Let’s end it this weekend like Asher planned."
"You don’t an that."
"Did I stutter?"
She sucked in a breath through her teeth. "You’re going to give Asher his wish?"
"No. I am going to give you YOUR wish. This marriage appears to an nothing more to you than a pretense to stay in this house. If you cared about fulfilling mom’s desires, you’d pay attention to . She chose to keep you in this family because of . You’re welco to ask her." I added when Demi’s eyes widened with surprise.
"I’m done being made to look like a fool in front of my own family. I won’t wait till you make a fool of in front of the entire country."
"You’re going to divorce because of a stupid date?"
"It’s not a stupid date. It’s your way of proving to that despite your feelings for Ashton, you’d respect enough to put my honor first while we are still married. Prove to everyone, especially Ashton, that no one else has a shot with you while you are still my wife. After our divorce, you can bang him for all I care."
I didn’t an that but like I have said before, I say the dumbest things when I am angry.
"Fine! We’ll make the date."
I had been so surprised at her sudden agreent that I instantly felt annoyed.
"Are you agreeing because you want to prove to that you are not sexually attracted to my brother or because you don’t want the divorce and to be away from him?"
"You wouldn’t believe anyway so you’re welco to think anything you want. I am too exhausted to go back and forth with you about my feelings for Ashton."
"In that case, we’ll have to make certain revisions to our marriage contract."
"What?"
"You heard right. You won’t get a free rein to do whatever you please around here. I’d try my best to ensure a fair contract revision. It’s up to you to accept the terms or leave." I went up to her and ran a finger down her tensed cheeks. "I think I have the perfect date night outfit for you."
***
Now, as she stands next to slling divine, I know I made the right decision in being tough with her. I shouldn’t have started off our relationship by playing the nice guy. Demi is clearly into hard guys with a violent streak. Maybe that’s why her ex is Iman. I’ll never hit her obviously but I will be firm with her from now on.
One look at Ashton and I can tell he his thoughts are far from holy as he stares at Demi. I choose this mont to plant a kiss on Demi’s lips. Like we agreed, she doesn’t reject . She kisses back and smiles at everyone after I pull away. Ashton shifts uncomfortably.
"You look stunning." Mila complints Demi.
"Thank you, Mila. You’re a vision." Demi replies.
Mila’s elegant bulk is spilled into a sleek yellow jumpsuit that skims her ankles. Her cleavage peeks rosily from the halter neckline. Her brown hair is swept up in a semi-ssy bun atop her head. From her ears, crystal drops dangle and twinkle in the light.
Amidst the cheers from everyone, we all get into our latest Rolls Royce and head out for dinner. The evening is still young. Ashton and Mila sit across from us. While Mila coaxes Ashton to share a flute of champagne with her, I whisper sweetly in Demi’s ears to keep her at ease. I know she isn’t thrilled about tonight but I want her to try to enjoy the evening.
"Are you cold?"
"No. I’m fine." She replies stiffly.
I lean close to her ear. "We’re doing this first for my family and secondly for our union. You can at least try to not look constipated."
She beams at . "I’ll try."
"Thank you." I whisper to her.
Ashton thankfully tears his eyes off us to indulge Mila. I can only assu he is choosing to ignore Demi just as she clearly is ignoring him. He clinks his glass with Mila and they both take sips of each other’s champagne with their hands interlocked. This ti, Demi struggles not to look jealous.
We eventually get to Mila’s father’s restaurant. We’ve already been prepped on how to step out of the car. I step down first and help Demi out. I help her fix her dress and hair before gently leading her out of the waning light of dusk into the glamor of the restaurant. Amidst our entry, caras flash, taking pictures of us. Demi almost misses her step due to the blinding light but luckily, I anticipated this and ensured I walked directly in front of her to shield her from the bright flashes. She pulls off the first stage when we successfully settle into our seats.
Aston and Mila co in next, a minute after we do. They look like a power couple. Mila is clearly a pro and sashays like a beauty pageant all the way to our table. They get seated with sweet smiles on their faces.
We place our orders imdiately. By the ti the first courses arrive, Ashton and I have had more photos taken while leaning in and whispering to the girls. The night wears on better than I hoped. Demi eventually relaxes and even spoon feeds at one point. Mila keeps eating from Ashton’s place and he doesn’t seem to mind. I am really glad how everything is turning out. Each couple eats like they’re the only ones on a date.
"You look breathtaking tonight." I begin. I might be a tad bit tipsy but I an every word. My hand cups Demi’s cheek. "You are so beautiful."
"It’s the dress."
"No, it’s not. It’s the one inside the dress that’s making lose my mind." When she coyly looks around our table, I steer her chin back to my face. "It’s okay."
"I think the photographers have enough pictures."
"I’m not trying to get a photo taken. I’m trying to kiss you...for real this ti." I see her eyes go llow. "Can I kiss you?"
"You’re drunk."
"Even so, I know I want to kiss you badly." I lean forward slowly and intentionally pause hoping she ets halfway. When her lips tease mine, I go in for the kill. Our hands cup each other’s face like there’s no one else at the table. Demi matches my pace and leans back to allow to taste her. I struggle to keep my hands on her face but in my head, I’m ripping her skirt and clearing the table to have her flat on her back.
"Get a room." Mila’s laughter faintly filters in my head. Demi stiffens and pulls back. She pats her lips and lowers her eyes in embarrassnt. I on the other hand feel strangely invigorated. When I stare at Ashton, he picks up his wine glass, toasts to in the air and downs everything in one gulp. He and Mila had locked lips several tis tonight but it was nothing nearly as intense as what Demi and I just shared.
We ride ho in different cars. Ashton orders for an extra car and one of our drivers to co over. He joins the Bentley and goes to drop Mila off while Demi and I return with our original driver in the Rolls Royce.
"That wasn’t so bad now, was it? Maybe we can do this often but just the two of us and without the paparazzi."
"Is that what you want?"
"That’s what I’d prefer to the mundane arrangent we have going on."
Demi rubs her neck. "This mundane arrangent allows you to be with any woman of your choice despite being married to ."
The alcohol is already wearing off as a small frown creases my brow. "Why are you okay with that?"
"Because I never planned to have you to myself exclusively and love was a silly fantasy to ever hope for from the outset." She stares deeply into my eyes. "You’re a kind man Ashley. I don’t know what Asher would have done if we had indeed remained married and he were in your shoes. I am sorry if I took you for granted before. I’ll try my best to give you the respect you deserve while we’re still married. If you want to go on more dates, we’ll do just that."
"Still married, huh? You say it like it’s sothing you’re enduring. I bet you have a more exciting plan after our divorce." A short laughter escapes my lips. Maybe I am not sober after all. "Was that kiss also an act? Gosh, you’re a talented actress."
Now I am getting frustrated. I’ve had better kisses and sex from a variety of won. Why does it matter so much that Demi wouldn’t give the ti of day? She’s driving crazy.
"Ashley, please don’t get upset. We had a lovely evening. I’d like to rember it that way."
I ignore her words. I need to get this woman out of my head. It’s clearly not going to work with her still in that dress and our kiss still fresh on my lips. When we pull up by the gates of the mansion, I ask Demi to get down.
"Aren’t you coming?" She asks surprised.
"Like you give two cents where I go or who I sleep with. Get so rest. We’ll resu acting class bright and early tomorrow." I shut the door and have the driver speed away. Through the rearview mirror, Demi stands in the cold night air and watches the car leave.
What exactly does she want? Why is it so impossible to give a shot? I am the one stuck with her for the next ten months. If she has desires, why wouldn’t she co to ? I have been a gentleman despite the lust I feel for her. I have been respectful and trusting but all she does is stay faithful to the contract with no wiggle room for romance between us. It sucks.
And Ashton? I bet she can’t resist him. If they haven’t already done it, I’d credit it to Ashton’s self-control and discipline. If he were ever to make a move on Demi, she wouldn’t care about any damn contract. I whip out my phone and text Nicola to et at a hotel. Maybe a night with her will flush thoughts of Demi out of my head.
***
I was wrong. Even while Nicola rode , I kept seeing Demi in my head. Dissatisfied, I have no choice but to stoop low and call Asher. He might be a dick but at least he doesn’t pretend to be anything else. I can always count on him being predictable.
"Do it." I tell him.
"Are you sure?
"I want to confirm it for myself. I’ll be ho in an hour."
I shrug into my clothes while Nicola twitches the blanket around her chest and scowls on the bed.
"It’s past one am. Can’t you at least spend the next few hours with before dawn?"
"You said you were prepared to warm my bed in spite of having a wife. Don’t act like you have rights now."
I get ho just before two thirty am and stroll to Asher’s room.
"I sent the ssage on the group chat. Pretended it was an accident but Ashton did see it. I’m sure he’ll head to Demi’s room soon if you don’t reply on ti. I ntioned she’s been crying since you left her by herself to go be with Nicola after your date. Has he called you yet?"
"He’s been calling but I have ignored all his calls. Let’s see how long he waits."
Ashton doesn’t wait long. Thirty minutes after I arrive, he goes to knock on my door and calls my phone. Asher and I watch him from a corner as he gives up and heads towards Demi’s door. He knocks softly and calls out to her.
"C’mon Demi. Open up. I know you won’t keep him waiting." Asher chis with a crooked smile.
Ashton knocks a second ti.
"Why is she taking so long?" I murmur.
"Maybe she’s sleeping." Asher replies.
Ashton knocks a third and fourth ti and now I am genuinely worried about Demi’s silence. Before I can voice out my concerns again, I watch in shock as Ashton punches in a passcode and Demi’s door unlocks. He marches right inside and shuts the door behind him.
My jaw drops to the floor just as Asher’s.
"He has the passcode to your wife’s bedroom door?"
I am too stunned to process anything as the circuits in my brain fry up instantly. I finally rember how to speak after ten seconds.
"WHAT THE FUCK???"
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