Page 83 of Asher Black (The Five Syndicates)
“Just say whatever you want to say.” I playfully roll my eyes and nudge her with my shoulder. “I don’t scare easy.”
Just ask Asher. He used to be a mafia fixer, and I’m living with him.
“Just curious, and you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to because it’s a really invasive question, but why are you guys getting married so soon?”
I groan internally. I’ve been dreading this question. I spare a glance at Asher. He’s talking to Tim, but when I catch his eyes, he sends me a sweet smile. It feels so… real.
This isn’t real.
This isn’t real.
This isn’t real.
But I really want it to be.
Maybe it’s because I’ve never had the privilege of being in a genuine relationship, or maybe it’s because I like the person I’m discovering he is. But when I get past his previous mafia ties, everything about him is perfect. Don’t get me wrong. I know he has flaws, and he’s not the perfect guy, but he’s perfect for me.
I remember what I said to Aimee a long time ago.
I want a guy I can talk to comfortably. Someone who makes me feel safe and wanted and beautiful.
The funny thing is I said those words thinking Asher was anything but that. I know better now. There’s no one in my life I’m more comfortable talking to than Asher, and after our conversation earlier, I’m starting to think he feels the same way. And while I have Xavier and the other guards, I feel safest whenever Asher is with me. Even when he sends Xavier and my night guard home and it’s just us, I feel safe. Earlier, when he told me I look beautiful, I genuinely felt it.
But does he want me?
I’m not sure.
He’s too hard to read.
Three out of four isn’t so bad, though.
Isn’t it?
“Ah,” Madeline says, giving me a knowing look when I finally turn back to her.
I’ve been staring at Asher for a little too long, but what’s even more surprising is that he’s been staring back, a heated look in his eyes. A look that makes me think he hits four out of four of my criteria.
“Ah?” I ask, trying to recover but still distracted.
“You love him.”
My eyes widen, and I almost drop the champagne flute I’m holding. I quickly force myself to recover, hoping my reaction doesn’t come off as weird. “Yes, I do. I really, really do,” I lie.
And honestly, it’s too soon to love him.
I’m just now realizing I not only consider him to be a friend but also someone I like romantically, and now she’s accusing me of loving Asher?
I know for a fact that it isn’t true.
But… it can be in the future.
If I open my heart to him.
Madeline grins at me and says, “Come on. Let’s go over there and cut the man some slack. Your fiancé has been staring at you since you started talking to me.”
My eyes widen. I can’t help but ask, “He has?”
Madeline laughs. “Don’t act like you’re surprised. The two of you are the real deal. You two can’t even keep your eyes off of each other. I’m so jealous of you guys right now. It’s been so long since Owen and I have been like that.”
