Page 106 of Freaks Of Nature

“Minor?” I’d hate to see the results of something serious. Then I wonder…

“What was the disagreement about?” I ask, waiting for his eyes to shift back to mine.

They don’t. Chewing slowly, Ash keeps his stare deliberately on his food.

Guilt sears through me at his all-telling silence. “It was about me, wasn’t it?” I concur.

Taco in one hand, Ash waves me off with the other. “Don’t worry. We’ve had worse fights. He’ll get over it.”

Get over his beef with his brother or get overme?

Somehow I can’t see Mason letting me go. He ignored my rejection before; who’s to say he won’t do so again? He thrives on the chase. I fear he’ll never stop.

My appetite is gone after that, but I choke down the food he brought anyway. I don’t want to be rude. He made such an effort.

I listen to Ash ramble on about work while watching him finish all eight of his tacos and the bottle of water. Replacing the cap on mine, which still has some left in it, I rise from my chair to clear the table.

I dump the trash and carry the plates to the sink to wash them. When I turn on the water, I hear the feet of Ash’s chair skip along the floor.

He comes up beside me. “Has Mason stopped by?” he probes, taking the dish towel from the counter.

I feel his stare drilling a hole into me as I look down and run the soapy sponge over the plate. I sidestep the question. “He texted me, saying he wants to talk, but I blew him off.”

My cheeks warm under Ash’s scrutiny. I wonder if he noticed my diversion.

I hold my breath until his posture in my periphery relaxes. He shifts his weight and leans his hip against the edge of the counter, facing me. “If hedoescome by, promise me you won’t let him in. I don’t want you alone with him. He’s not in his right mind.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, handing him the clean plate to dry.

“He’s had anger issues for years, and sometimes he can’t even remember what he did. It’s like he gets trapped in his head…” Ash’s voice trails off. “I just don’t want you caught up in one of his episodes.” He gives the plate another run with the towel, then returns it to the cabinet above.

Submerged in water, my hands have stopped moving. My mind is replaying the scene from this morning, the confusion at my mentioning the message, and the way he looked at the mirror.

He didn’t remember breaking into my apartment on Thursday.

A tremble runs through my grip on the second plate.

“Promise me, Em.”

My eyes shift to Ash at the coaxing sound of my name. His right hand cups my face, fingers brushing along the curve of my cheek.

My focus lands on his mouth as his thumb traces my lips. “I could stay over if you want…” he drags out, his voice a heady breath, thick with arousal. “In case he drops by.”

The seductive note coats me like honey. It’s warm and sweet and makes my knees weak. I almost give in.

Mason’s argument about Ash losing interest once a girl gives it up to him echoes in my ears; Ash himself admitted as much. Yet here he is, trying so hard, and I finally get why. As long as I care for them both, the conquest for me will never be accomplished. Ash has to win me over each time… make me choose him instead of his brother.I’mthe catalyst. They feed on the rivalry as much as they feedintoit, and I’m the only one who can stop it.

“No.” I shake my head and pull away from his touch. “That’s not necessary. I won’t let him in. I promise,” I add with a soft smile.

Ash’s lips form a tight line. Either he doesn’t believe me or he thinks Mason won’t be deterred by a closed door.

“Alright,” he sighs with a rough edge, letting his hand drop. I can’t tell whether his tone is resignation or frustration at my shutting down his advances. “But I’m only a phone call away if you change your mind.”

My smile crinkles. “Thanks.” I hand him the other plate. I don’t remember if I scrubbed it, but it looks clean when he takes it. “And thanks for dinner, too,” I tag on.

“My pleasure.” He tips his head in his signature casual air, and the tightness in my chest loosens when I detect no resentment.

I drain the water, and Ash finishes wiping the dish before sliding it back into the cabinet and closing the door.