Page 10

10

ASHER

I adjust my tie, making sure I look sharp enough for the dinner party at Weston’s tonight. It’s the place to be this weekend, and only the elite were invited. When I got a last-minute invitation, I was shocked.

I’m on the Calloway family shit list for working with Josh Lustre. Nick thinks the invite might be an olive branch—a gesture to show we can still be friends and that business is just business. I’ve been close to the twins for a long time, but I’m not buying that. Everything they do is calculated—it’s in their blood, a true Calloway trait. They’re so good at playing the game of life that they win without even trying, like chess masters who anticipate every move before it happens.

I know Weston.

I know Easton.

And I sure as hell know Billie.

The Calloways are testing me now. They’d been waiting for me to make my move, and I finally did. The three of them are definitely up to something. Tonight could be a setup. They might pull off a media blitz to create the story they want everyone to see. It’s totally possible .

My phone buzzes, signaling that my car has arrived. I slip it into my pocket and head out. As we drive away, I pull a flask from my inside pocket and take a sip of whiskey. Skipping tonight isn’t an option.

Thirty minutes later, the car stops outside Park Towers, a towering high-rise on Billionaires’ Row, filled with fancy penthouses on the higher floors. It has the best view of Central Park in the entire city. Photographers snap nonstop shots of me as I adjust my cuff links. Tomorrow, the media will definitely post pictures of me arriving alone.

When the news broke on Monday that I was helping Josh Lustre, more Blind Items surfaced about Billie and me being seen together. The story quickly turned into me sleeping with her to gather info for Josh. I’ve officially become a villain made from lies, the kind of character I root against in a movie.

Dealing with dating rumors wasn’t part of my plan. The world knows we can’t stand each other—a fact that’s been splashed across gossip columns like a badge of dishonor. Still, I’ll play every card I’m dealt to my advantage, even the wild ones—because in this game, you either play hard or go home.

Let’s go, Calloways.

My heart rate is steady as I step onto the elevator, the shiny metal doors sliding shut behind me. Weston assured me multiple times that Billie wouldn’t be here due to prior commitments. I just hope I can trust him because I really don’t want to run into her. It’s best if we keep our distance.

Security greets me in the foyer, which is standard for events like this. I check in, and my name is crossed off a list before I’m allowed into the penthouse.

As I enter, the music from the quartet and pianist fills the air. Chatter floats around the room, all bathed in a warm yellow glow that makes everyone look a little more glamorous than usual.

One thing about Weston: he knows how to throw a party. His penthouse was designed with one goal in mind—entertaining .

Before his first marriage, he hosted wild get-togethers, inviting A-list celebrities, supermodels, and world leaders. What happened at Weston’s stayed within these walls. It’s always been the code. I hope tonight follows that same tradition.

I’m happy to grab the room’s attention as I make my way to the wet bar, weaving through clusters of laughter and clinking glasses. There’s no line, and I could use a drink.

A cute bartender with fiery-red hair greets me with a smile as I approach.

“Hi there! Would you like to try our signature cocktail, created just for tonight?” she asks.

“I’d love one,” I reply, returning her smile, feeling the buzz of the party.

Less than a minute later, she slides a vibrant blue drink my way, adding a splash of grenadine and a cherry on top.

I take a sip. “Wow, this is fantastic,” I say, surprised by the burst of flavor.

“Glad you like it! It’s called Revenge,” she explains, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just because the water is clear doesn’t mean sharks aren’t lurking.”

“Ah,” I say, licking my lips, the sweet and sour flavors lingering. “Makes sense.”

“I’ve always heard Revenge is best served cold.” She winks just as Easton approaches.

He speaks to me first, clearly aware of the current boundaries. “How’s it taste?”

“It’s sweet, going down. Highly recommend,” I respond with a smirk.

He meets my gaze, his expression turning serious. “Yeah, because you’re an asshole with balls of steel, I now owe Weston a hundred thousand dollars. I didn’t think you’d show your face. For once, I wish you’d been sensible. You know Weston loves chaos. Apparently, you do too. ”

“You bet against me?” I laugh. “You deserve to lose that money, Easton. Sorry, not sorry.”

“Shit. You showed up,” Brody hisses as he slips into line behind Easton, his voice filled with disbelief. “Fuck. Now I’m going to have to pay Weston.”

“Not you too?” I glance between them. “Unbelievable.”

“I should beat your ass for being here,” Brody warns, his tone direct.

Even though he’s not joking, I’m not scared. Honestly, for all the hell I’m giving Billie, I probably deserve it.

Brody is ex-military, built like a tank with muscles and tattoos that tell stories of battles fought and won. He’s the perfect bodyguard for the Calloways—fearless with loyalty that runs deeper than blood. Plus, he’s family, so keeping his cousins safe is personal. He’s risked his life for them more than once, and somehow, against all odds, they’re still safe and sound in a world that can be anything but forgiving.

“You might be seeing a lot of me,” Brody admits as Easton grabs his drink and stands beside me.

“Why’s that?” I ask.

“Billie’s my new assignment, thanks to the shitstorm you started.” He says casually, but I can see the frustration flickering in his eyes, like a storm brewing on the horizon.

“I didn’t start anything,” I reply, gulping down more Revenge, the bitter taste igniting a fire in my belly. “I was offered a contract and took it. You both would’ve done the same. Three billion dollars is a lot to walk away from.”

Easton tilts his head at me. “I thought it was never about the money.”

“Isn’t that what we all say? Considering you’re CEO of Calloway Diamonds, deep down, you know it always leads back to the bottom line. Doesn’t it?”

His eyes narrow, and for a brief moment, I think he questions whether he knows who I am—like he’s trying to remember the last time I didn’t stir up trouble.

Before Brody can say anything, Harper steps up behind him. She sighs heavily when our eyes meet; her irritation with me is obvious.

“Asher, great ! I can’t believe I made a stupid bet with Weston. You’re seriously the very last person I wanted to see tonight. Or ever. And I’ve dated some awful guys before,” she says, hands on her hips, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She mumbles something under her breath that sounds like a curse.

“You three are the dumbest smart people I know. And let me be clear: the contract with Lustre isn’t personal.” I make eye contact with each of them.

“You saying it’s not personal is total bullshit,” Harper tells me, though there’s no real anger in her voice. “The nerve you have to …” Her words trail off, and her expression changes.

Everyone facing me wears the same look. I turn, glancing over my shoulder, and that’s when my eyes land on Billie. It’s as if time slows down.

“You’d better be glad she showed up and saved our asses. Now we don’t owe Weston a thing,” Harper says, exchanging high fives with Easton and Brody.

I’m momentarily speechless.

As they celebrate, I realize Weston genuinely thought Billie wouldn’t show up. That’s why he made that bet with them. He’d have pocketed $600,000 from three handshakes.

“Did you know she’d be here?” I ask.

Easton glances at me. “No. Weston was way too cocky when he said she wasn’t coming. Sometimes, I get lucky and prove him wrong. Like right now.”

I can’t take my eyes off Billie as she turns toward the door. She bats her long lashes while speaking to someone who hasn’t stepped into view yet. One side of her dark hair is pulled back, revealing the softness of her neck and shiny diamond earrings. Her plump lips are painted a deep red, and I can’t look away.

She’s captivating.

“Wow,” Harper whispers. “She finally wore it.”

“What is it ?” Easton asks.

“It’s a vintage Christian Stambolian dress that’s very iconic. It was worn in the ’90s by a royal and has been nicknamed the Revenge Dress. I find it interesting that she chose to wear it tonight.”

The black dress is tight and fitted, hanging off one shoulder. It shows just the right amount of skin while somehow staying classy. The silk fabric highlights every perfect curve of her body.

Fuck. She knew exactly what she was doing when she slipped that on.

Billie’s gaze meets mine, and she locks in on me. A ghost of a fucking smirk touches her lips as she reaches out her hand, pulling him toward her.

Prince Louis.

Give me a fucking break.

My jaw tightens as annoyance washes over me.

Harper gasps beside me. “Okay, I didn’t see that coming.”

Brody’s and Easton’s faces turn serious as the future king’s bodyguards slide into the room, blending in like they belong. I glance at Weston; he looks just as shocked as everyone else, and I know it’s real. No one expected this.

“Now, that’s how you grab attention,” I say, heading back to the bar for another drink, needing to drown out the noise.

Harper steps in front of me, urgency in her stride.

“I can’t believe this,” she whispers, her eyes darting around the room, still trying to grasp the scene unfolding.

“You didn’t know?” I ask, pulling out my flask as we wait. The familiar metal is cool against my fingers.

She takes two big gulps, her frustration bubbling over. “This is your fault. You know that, right? ”

“Stop blaming me for your friend’s ridiculous choices,” I reply, rolling my eyes but secretly enjoying this.

“We had two options: outsell Lustre or Billie needs to find a husband. Guess she’s officially on plan B.” Harper glares at me.

“That’s a bit much.” I take another swig from my flask.

“Come on, Ash. If Billie unlocks her inheritance, Lustre will be done, and so will you.” She pauses, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Every girl dreams of becoming a queen.”

My gaze drifts back to Billie, and I picture her and Louis ruling a kingdom together.

The thought nearly chokes me.

Billie approaches us with Louis glued to her side, his hand resting possessively on her back. That smirk is still in place, and I keep my eyes on her until she looks away. Something primal stirs within me.

Our drinks arrive, and when Billie gets close enough to hug Harper, she does.

Then she turns to me, giving me the dirtiest look she can muster. I fucking love it—that fire in her eyes that says she’s ready for a fight.

Louis offers me a firm handshake, his shit-eating grin evident, as if he just won a game of chess. “Asher Banks. It’s been a decade.”

“Your Royal Highness,” I reply, giving a mock bow, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Good enough?”

Louis rolls his eyes, wrapping his arm around Billie’s waist and pulling her close—a move that feels like he’s claiming territory. But I’m not fully buying it.

“Why are you here?” Billie glares at me, her voice sharp like a knife.

“I’m questioning the same damn thing,” I retort, my eyes wandering down her body, taking in how her dress clings to her curves.

Weston approaches, squeezing my shoulder tightly. “Chill out,” he whispers, just loud enough for me to hear, his voice filled with concern.

He gives Louis a brotherly hug, and I finally unclench my fist and slip outside. Thank God I’m alone.

It gives me a moment to gather my thoughts as I chug my fresh drink. The cool liquid is refreshing against the heat of the moment. I set the empty glass on a table by the shimmering pool.

The water glows blue, and I try to calm down, knowing I can’t bash in the future king’s face at Weston’s penthouse. The optics would be terrible, even if Louis deserves it. That’s the last thing I need spreading around the internet. But, damn, it would feel good.

Moments later, I hear the patio door click closed, and I turn to see Billie walking toward me. Her expression is a mixture of determination and annoyance and something else.

“Go away.” I face her, crossing my arms over my chest, bracing myself for whatever storm is coming.

“No. Why are you here? You never answered my question—something you’re good at.”

“I’m here because you weren’t supposed to be. So, let me ask you the same damn question. Was that your plan? Say you weren’t coming just to flaunt the future king at your brother’s private party?” I give her a slow clap. “Round of applause for you. That’s clever. I’ll give you a point for that.”

She grins, mischief lighting up her eyes. “Thanks. I thought you’d enjoy it. So, we’re one to one. Got it.”

“We both know you won’t sleep with him,” I say.

“How do you know I didn’t before we arrived? Could be why I was late,” she replies, playfully tracing her swollen lips with her finger. Her cheeks flush lightly as an evil grin spreads across her face. Billie steps closer, her hips swaying with a confidence that makes my heart race. “See, that’s your problem, Banks; sometimes, you let your mask slip and?—”

Before she can finish, her heel lands awkwardly on the pavement, and she yelps as she tumbles forward. Time seems to slow as I reach out to catch her, but she pushes me back. Billie screams just before we both plunge into the bottom of the deep end of the pool. It’s sudden silence. My heart races, adrenaline flooding through my veins.

I quickly wrap my arm around her waist and swim upward, and her breath catches in surprise.

“Can you swim?” I ask, my voice steady as I hold her and tread water.

“Yes,” she answers.

Our eyes are locked in a moment that feels electric, the world outside fading away.

“Finish your sentence. What were you going to say before you clumsily tripped and pushed me in?”

She chuckles as I hold on to her, our closeness ignites something that’s hard to ignore.

“I don’t remember,” she says. “Let me go.”

“Fine.” I swim away from her, lift myself onto the edge, and stand, water dripping from my body.

Billie swims toward me, and I reach my hand out to her, my heart pounding.

She looks at it, then takes my help. Without hesitation, I pull her small frame out of the pool until her feet touch the ground. Standing in front of me, she laughs. We’re completely soaked. Mascara streaks down her cheeks as she wrings out her hair, the scent of chlorine mixing with her floral perfume.

“I’m really sorry about the suit. It’s a shame; the Gucci was really nice.” Billie steps closer, unbuttoning my suit jacket to reveal the stunning crimson lining underneath. “This is one of my favorites.”

I meet her gaze. “Your Revenge Dress might be ruined.”

“It fulfilled its purpose,” she replies, turning to walk away.

I can’t help but watch her, captivated. As I glance past, I realize all eyes are on us, the crowd buzzing with curiosity .

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, feeling the weight of their stares pressing in on me.

She leaves a trail of water around her feet, and just before she reaches the door, she glances back over her shoulder. “You’re still an asshole.”

“Your fucking favorite,” I shoot back, and she gives me a small smile.

Billie walks inside, and Louis rushes over with a towel, wrapping his arms around her like he just pulled her from the depths of a stormy sea. He tucks her wet hair behind her ear and kisses her forehead, a gesture that almost seems real—except her eyes find mine instead of his, a silent challenge crackling between us.

I pull out my phone, realizing it was in my pocket. The last thing I want to do is turn it on, though I think it’s waterproof. I hold it tightly as I grab my flask and unscrew the top. The familiar scent of aged whiskey greets me.

Seconds later, Weston joins me with a towel.

“I can’t believe she pushed you,” he says, shaking his head in disbelief.

“She tripped,” I explain, trying to dry off as best I can, the fabric of my clothes sticking uncomfortably to my skin.

“That’s not what she just said.” His brows furrow in concern. “She mentioned you were jealous of her and Louis, so she pushed you into the pool. You pulled her in with you.”

“Wow, she’s really playing dirty,” I tell him, taking off my coat jacket and tossing it aside, the fabric landing with a soft thud. “Looks like the games have begun.”

“Why did you agree to work with Josh?” Weston asks, snatching my flask from my fingers and taking a swig. “I’m trying to figure that out.”

“Nothing like a little friendly competition to bring out the best in this business. You and I both know that’s when real progress happens. It pushes companies to step up and innovate. Only the strong will survive.”

Weston shakes his head and smiles. “Billie’s going to wipe the floor with you and Josh. You know that, right?” He laughs, giving me a light pat on the back.

“I have no doubts she’ll give it her all,” I admit, my mind racing with possibilities.

Weston nods, his expression turning serious. “Can we talk about what’s going on between you two?”

My brows knit together. “Our feud?”

“We both know it’s deeper than that.” He leans in a bit, like he’s about to let me in on a secret. “I’ll only say this once: if you ever hurt my sister, I will ruin you without a second thought.”

It’s not just a threat; it’s a promise. And I believe him.

“Let me assure you, what’s going on between Billie and me is just business.”

“For now.” His smile disappears, replaced by a hard look. “There will come a time when you’ll have to make a choice that could either break my sister or make her the happiest person alive. Choose wisely.”

I loosen my tie. “Are you drunk?”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” he says, , suddenly making everything feel very real.

“Do you trust me?” I ask, searching his eyes for a sign.

“For some reason, I do. But please don’t make me regret it. I’m the only one on your side.” Weston glares at me before heading to the door.

“Did you know Josh wants her back?” The words spill out, tumbling from my lips in a rush. “This whole plan is to win your sister back.” My voice shakes a little.

Weston spins around with his jaw locked. “That can never happen. He was awful for her. Plus, she’s officially dating Prince Louis. This is much bigger than Lustre. The world is watching, Asher. You wanted a stage. Now you’ve got one. What role will you play?” His is urgent.

Weston leaves me to myself.

I glance at Billie, still in Louis’s arms.

Tonight was a trap, and I walked right into it, completely unaware of the disaster waiting to unfold. I finish drying off, knowing I cannot stay at this party soaked.

I don’t care that everyone is sneaking glances between Billie and me while she lets the prince charm her.

If she wants to play games, let’s fucking play.