Page 101 of Ash and Poison

Asher leaned closer, his eyes smoldering with an intensity that made me fear my life.

He looked as he did when he killed Doctor Tomlinson. There was no emotion, only a cavernous hunger for blood. “I told you not to let him touch you.”

Vincent looked lost. It took him more than a few minutes to compose himself. When he did, he was staring at me like he couldn’t believe me, understand me.

“It’s part of his treatment.”

“You and I both know he doesn’t need therapy, Diya. He’s perfectly alright.”’

Asher arched his brows before he sat down, his legs pressed against mine, caging me in.

“I don’t think so,” I said. “And I’m obligated to do whatever I can for my patient.”

“Including fucking him,” Asher mouthed, and I had this burning desire to plunge the fork into his eye. The bastard was too smug for his own good, and this wasn’t the time or place for being so damn… not funny.

“You’re not obligated to protect a killer, Diya. That’s what you’re doing.”

“Here you go again… It’s innocent until proven guilty as far as I’m concerned,” I said with a shrug.

Asher winked at me.

“I want to talk with you. Alone, please, without the jackass listening to every word I say,” Vincent said, glaring at Asher. “Can you come out for a second?” Without waiting for my reply, Vincent walked out.

I stood up only to be stopped by Asher. His hold on my hand was proprietary. It was a shame that I liked that look of envy in his eyes a little too much.

It was… insanity.

“Think about my fingers buried in your pussy when he’s talking your ears off about how I’m going to destroy your life. I’m going to destroy your life and other parts, too, Diya Sharma, and you’re going to enjoy every second of it.”

My breath trembled as he teased my fingers.

The dangerous glint in his eyes excited me, called to the depravity underneath the carefully composed mask.

“I can’t wait for you to try, you preposterous bastard,” I said, and he chuckled.

“Oh, you’ll see, and you’ll never tell me to stop, Diya.”

He might be right, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. I simply walked out.

Vincent was playing with his gun holster, his fingers lingering on it a little too long when I pulled the door open. His eyes were worried as they met mine. “He’s using you, Diya; he’ll use you to get whatever he wants. He won’t regret dragging you down with him.”

“Vincent, I can take care of myself. I appreciate your concern, but…”

“But you don’t need me poking my nose in your business, right?”

I sighed. “I…”

“So? Do you want to save me from boredom at my brother’s anniversary party?” Vincent asked, not-so-subtly changing the topic.

I hesitated for a second and then nodded. Talking with Vincent always led back to him accusing Asher, but I could find some information from Vincent if I steered the conversation the way I wanted it to go. It would be worth a try.

I knew I was using him, but I had to.

“Yes.”

His smile was so bright it made my stomach clench.

“I’ll pick you up on Friday evening.” I gave him a nod, and Vincent smiled.