Page 76 of Asher Black (The Five Syndicates)
See what I mean?
I huff out an irritated breath, my wary eyes still focused on Asher as he stalks my way with a rare
mischievous look on his face. Over the course of our many months living together, I’ve come to learn that Asher can be impishly playful when it’s just us.
So, I’m justifiably wary when he advances on me, even though I know he won’t do anything too ridiculous with Eduardo watching.
“Yeah, Lucy. Straighten your spine,” Asher mocks.
And then the fucker puts his heavy hardcover book on my head and heads toward the door.
I teeter in odd little circles, trying to prevent the books from toppling over. This is my longest record thus far, and Asher is about to ruin it.
Because I can’t help myself, I shout, “Asher!” I’m satisfied when he pauses at the door, his back still to me. “Are you sure you don’t want your book back?” I smirk devilishly. “Don’t you want to find out if 21st Century Sleeping Beauty wakes up?”
And of course, that’s when the books have to topple over, finishing my comeback in classic Lucy fashion. I swear I hear him laughing when he exits into the hallway.
And because I’m a doomed sap, the melodious sound soars straight to my heart and sends a secret smile to my face.
An hour before noon, Eduardo heads home, leaving me with a massive headache, neck ache and foot ache. I hate days when I have to balance books on my head with sky high heels on, but even I have to admit that I’m a pro in heels now, able to walk in them better than most runway models.
Eduardo was appalled when we first met a month or so ago, not even hesitating to inform me that most of his five year old clients are more talented in walking and table etiquette than I am. After thrice weekly lessons in rich people expectations, I like to think I’m now his star pupil. He’ll never admit it, but I know he likes me… so long as my spine is straight.
Monica walks in just as I’m about to head upstairs for a much needed, soothing bath. Unfortunately, she hasn’t quit. And she still has a nasty habit of walking in here without knocking like she owns the place. I have no idea how Asher can tolerate it, but other than our conversation a long time ago about how it’s not a good idea to fire her yet, I still haven’t heard him comment on it.
“Get ready. You’ll be leaving with Asher in an hour for a charity event,” she says before heading to the door without a goodbye.
I frown. Asher left with a suitcase a few hours ago. He’s supposed to be on a plane to Dubai. Over the past month, Asher has traveled to Los Angeles, Hong Kong, London, the Bahamas and, now, Dubai. Well, I guess not, since we’re headed to a charity event.
“Wait!” I shout as Monica’s hand connects with the doorknob.
She pauses, but she doesn’t turn around, causing me to wonder if she picked that up from Asher.
I frown at her back. “What’s the charity event?”
“A polo match,” she says tritely.
Then, she’s gone, much to my delight. I still don’t like her, mostly because she’s always so rude to me. I’d like to say that I usually go the high road around her, but I’m usually rude right back to her. I can’t help it.
It’s like watching Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t help but pay attention when it’s on, just like I can’t help but give Monica a taste of her own medicine when she’s around. I’m playing with fire with someone who has the ability to light a match on my cushy new life, but I lack the willpower to stop myself.
And this new life of mine definitely is cushy.
I absolutely love it here.
I learned quickly that Asher has to be very hands on with the real estate division of his company, which is why he’s always traveling and meeting with foreign dignitaries and real estate moguls. His interest in real estate makes sense, since he followed through on his word and magically got me out of my ironclad leasing contract.
I even got a full refund, which miraculously included money back for the month that I actually had lived in Vaserley Hall. I didn’t think he could do it, because my housing was paid by my financial aid package and my lease had a nonrefundable clause, but he did the impossible. I have twenty-three thousand dollars in financial aid money sitting pretty in my bank account to attest to that.
That money means I don’t have to work at the coffee shop, where Minka and her friends always hang out, ever again, so I quit permanently. Before the check, I was just on unpaid leave, but now I’m never going back. And I’m one thousand percent okay with that. The life of unemployment means I have a lot more time to enjoy my youth, time even my coursework, which I still do at home, doesn’t fill up.
It turns out I don’t have to worry about being bored, because Aimee, Tommy and Eduardo come over all the time. Xavier has even become a friend of mine. Now, I have four whole friends! That’s more than I’ve had in a long time.
So, I’m pretty proud of myself.
As I stand in the closet, I consider consulting Tommy for clothing help, but I don’t want to bother him on a weekend. If I ask Aimee, she’ll just tell me to wear the tightest, shortest dress I can find.
Aimee and I still meet up a few times a week, mostly at the penthouse, and whenever she sees me, she’ll squeal over my outfit and ask me why I’m not dressing to seduce Asher. I usually ignore her, because while Asher is insanely attractive and I often wonder what it would be like to go all the way with him, I don’t want to ruin the tentative friendship we have going on—yes, we’re actually friends.
