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Asher was discharged quickly, having nothing more than bruises and scrapes.
I fussed over getting him settled in his room at his mother’s house after, plumping his pillows and fetching him water and painkillers. Guilt sat unspoken behind every move. Had Trent really done this, or was he just taking credit for it? I had no idea. He certainly had the resources for it. The terrifying idea that Trent might be willing to do absolutely crazy, harmful things to innocent bystanders lodged heavily in my chest, like a swallowed stone. How could I stop him?
Asher watched me with amusement as I fussed. Honestly, I’d never really taken care of anyone when they’d been hurt before. There was something simple and satisfying in making sure he had what he needed. Asher, the guy who was larger than life, tough and street-smart. The one who didn’t bother about cuts and bruises or any kind of physical discomfort, it seemed. He was tough in a way I had no experience with.
My father was the perfect example of the men in my life. Pampered and coddled, they had soft hands and buffed nails, designer suits, and a member of staff on hand for any occasion. If they had any kind of superhuman power, it was the ability to charge exorbitant amounts on their credit cards. Basically, no useful skills for the zombie apocalypse. Asher Martino, on the other hand, would be one of the last men standing, and, by extension, whoever was along for the ride, given how protective he was.
“Winter, not that I don’t like you hovering over me, but I’m fine. Go get some rest. You look exhausted.”
I chewed my lip. “What if you start to feel bad after I leave?”
“That’s a given,” he murmured, his eyes holding mine. “If you’re worried, come out to the cabin tomorrow.”
“The cabin? You’re still going? What is it, exactly?” I asked, sitting next to him.
“Beckett has an old cabin out in the woods, past Miller’s Pond a good bit. It’s quiet, rustic, and peaceful.”
“Are you sure you’re well enough for that? And what about your bike?” I fretted.
“The bike is already being worked on. It’s only superficial damage, luckily, and as for being well enough…I’ll leave that in your hands. You can nurse me to death there, if you want.”
I couldn’t pretend it didn’t sound good. With everything going on, I was confused, overwhelmed, and just plain old exhausted. I wanted to be alone with this man now, while I still had the chance. I had no idea what the future held for us, but I did know I’d never endanger him again, if I could help it.
“Okay. I’ll come, but you have to promise not to do anything too strenuous,” I warned.
His eyes dipped over me, a wicked glint in them that made my skin feel tight. “No fucking way. I get you out there, I won’t be holding back.” His deep voice sent shivers through me.
“Ash!” I went to slap his chest and he grabbed my hand and put it to his lips.
“I like when you call me that, Your Majesty.” He kissed the palm of my hand and my fingers curved around his, sealing his hand inside my grip.
“Go on now and sleep. I’ll pick you up tomorrow so we can head out to the cabin,” he said after a moment.
“Are you sure you don’t need me here?”
“If you really want to make me feel better, take your clothes off and climb in here with me.” He raised an eyebrow at me. “Though it might get awkward when my mom brings dinner in.”
“Asher!” I exclaimed, though my entire body responded to his words. “Oh my God,” I muttered, my face hot as a furnace at the idea of his mom catching us.
He nodded toward the door. “Go on then, and go now, before I stop caring about being caught and keep you here.”
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed to throw clothes on and meet Asher outside the Zeta Pi Nu house. Despite feeling like shit, I longed for the calm and quiet of a cabin in the woods. I wanted to be surrounded by trees and fresh air. Maybe it would help me get my head in order.
Most of all, I wanted to be around Asher. It felt like there was a giant countdown clock hanging over our heads. If Trent was serious about threatening Asher’s safety, then our time together had an expiration date. But hadn’t it always? I had to keep reminding myself that Asher was helping me so that we could find his dad. Alan had found him. The deal was over, Asher just didn’t know it yet.
When I stepped out the front door and saw him waiting for me, with his brown waves flopping over his forehead, his cocky grin, and the way he immediately stood and took my bag from me…none of it helped the pounding of my heart. Had I crossed the line inside myself and actually fallen for the boy pretending to be my boyfriend? The first guy to show up consistently for me. The first one to break me out of my fortress of solitude and make me feel, after being numb for so long.
I trusted him, I realized, as I got on the back of his bike and wrapped my arms around his waist. He wasn’t someone who was getting close to me for money or influence. He wasn’t someone swayed by status or all that other bullshit I’d been surrounded by my entire life.
He was real, and I was about to lose the only reason he had for hanging out with me. I just needed this trip. If I could have this trip, maybe I could find the strength to tell him the truth and let him go. Then, at least he’d be safe from Trent.
We drove through town and out to the woods, the bike winding over the bumpy road.
The cabin was quiet when we got there. I stared at it through the trees. From here, it looked straight out a horror movie. Still, it wasn’t scary as long as he was there.
“We’re first,” Asher explained, climbing off the bike and steadying me as I did the same. He gave me a lopsided grin. “I had to find a way to get you alone before the rest showed up. There’s only one bedroom, you see.”
I gave him a weak smile and followed his direction to walk up the gravel path to the door. He was right behind me, carrying a bag of supplies he’d brought.
