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“And keep hating you?” I ask, meeting his gaze with an arched brow.
“Yes,” he says with a playful grin. “But try to make it believable. None of that eye-fucking shit you do.”
“To be completely fair, I don’t even realize I’m doing that half the time.” I slightly reposition myself so I can better see him.
“Double down on your fake-as-fuck relationship with Louis and hate me. That’s all I need you to do. Help me help you.”
“Well, I was already doing that,” I admit with pride in my voice.
“Terribly. Make it so good that the Crown believes an engagement is on the horizon. Make Josh believe it.”
“The Crown won’t believe it as long as you keep posting pictures of us together on Instagram.”
He chuckles. “I know. That stops too. I’m going to archive the posts and make it very clear that I’m single so you can continue on with Princy.”
“And my being with Louis won’t bother you?” I ask, a mix of concern and curiosity creeping in.
“It doesn’t matter. Macro, not micro, babe. I’m thinking of the big picture.” His smile fades, replaced by a serious look. “Just please promise me you can do that.”
I nod, feeling the weight of his words. “What does this accomplish?”
“Ah. I can’t tell you that.Yet. If you’re asked to give a testimony, I want to make sure you can tell the truth. I will never put you in a position where you’ll need to lie or put your career or reputation on the line for me. There are things I cannot and will not discuss with you until this is settled. To protect you.”
“Asher,” I say firmly, “I don’t need your protection.”
He chuckles, a warm sound that makes my heart flutter. “You do, trust me. One day, when the time is right, I promise to tell you everything. Oh, also, we cannot be seen together. When we leave here, no one can know we were ever together.”
“I planned to keep this—whatever this is—a secret. Well, other than Harper knowing because you literally confirmed it for her, but she’s a vault. She’d cut her tongue out before sharing anything personal. Anything else, sir?” I add with a teasing lilt.
“Mmm. I kinda like it when you call me that,” he says. “But no. Also, I know you’re working with Stormy.”
I gasp, repositioning my body. My sudden movement sends thehammock twisting and flipping until we’re both lying flat on our backs, staring up at the porch.
“Fuck, I’m too old for that,” Asher groans, his laughter bubbling up.
I roll over to face him. “You know about Stormy?”
“Everyone who’s anyone knows about Stormy. And the fact that she chose to work with you to fight against me? Honestly, I’m fucking honored. If Easton and Weston called her for a major favor, they were scared for you.” He chuckles, pleased with himself.
“Okay, well, I fired her.”
Asher props himself up on one elbow, his mouth falling open in disbelief. “What?”
“Yep.” I shrug, trying to play it cool.
Asher shakes his head as he stands, then gently lifts me to my feet. Carefully, he guides me over to the steps, where we both settle. The sun is shining brightly, and its warmth beams against my skin, making me feel good. My eyes scan the beach, and I’m happy it’s private access.
“Have you ever watchedPulp Fiction?” he asks, his gaze drifting to the rolling waves in the distance.
Seagulls swoop and dive above us, their cries mingling with the sound of the surf.
“With John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson?” I respond, soaking up the warmth. Even though I’m known as the ice queen, I can’t help but enjoy a good dose of sunshine.
His eyes slide over me, drinking me in. “Yeah. So, you know when Vincent and Jules blow that dude’s head off in the back of the car and there’s blood everywhere? You know who Jules calls to help clean up that disaster because it’s an absolute nightmare situation? He calls Winston ‘The Wolf’ Wolf, and the guy made the entire mess disappear like it never fucking happened.”
“Yes, and what’s your point?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“Stormy is The Wolf in this scenario. She would’ve brought you to places you’d only dreamed of being. Her contacts are endless. Itwas an incredible opportunity, Billie. Why would you do that?” he questions, genuinely puzzled.