Page 23

23

ASHER

M y heart pounds steadily in my chest as my driver stops outside the Frick Museum on the Upper East Side, where the benefit is being held. This location is tradition. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about seeing Billie tonight. It’s all I’ve thought about since I left the Hamptons earlier today. She’s always on my mind though.

I adjust my tie, trying to calm my racing heart as I watch the paparazzi line the sidewalk, snapping photos of the elite guests who enter the building. It’s invite-only, as usual, and the wealthiest people in the world will be attending tonight.

Calloway Diamonds has hosted the luxurious black-tie fundraiser for eighty-seven years. There will be curated diamond exhibits, showcasing rare and priceless stones—all for sale in a private auction. The one-of-a-kind diamond pieces, exclusively designed for the event, are worth millions, and the proceeds help support underprivileged youth and aspiring entrepreneurs—something the Calloways are truly passionate about. The event raises nearly half a billion to be redistributed yearly, and it’s something my family has always supported, one that I believe in and am committed to .

While much of my wealth has come from my great-great-grandfather’s legacy, I always give back to make it possible for others to rise. My sister believed in that mission too.

My driver glances at me in the rearview mirror. “Would you like me to take you somewhere else?”

“No. I just need another minute. Apologies,” I reply, and he nods.

I can’t help but wonder if Billie has already arrived. I’d text her, but we didn’t exchange numbers. It’s best if we have no written communication. Considering my profession, it’s not unreasonable to assume my phone might get confiscated and conversations sorted through if Josh Lustre decides to move forward with a lawsuit. I personally don’t believe it will come to that, but Nick is very concerned. I’m playing it safe, even if it pains me.

Knowing I can’t avoid this any longer, I exit the car. I’m blinded by flashes—something I should be used to by now, but I’m not. I walk up the steps and enter through one set of double doors that lead to a foyer with a stunning skylight. Hanging lights illuminate the space with a warm, inviting glow. Classical music plays softly in the background. I’m stopped for a photograph as soon as I enter—something that will surely be displayed on the foundation’s website later.

The room is full of beautiful people, dressed in elegant evening wear. I spot several celebrities, billionaires, two editors from major publications, and a prime minister. It sounds like the start of a dumb joke, and it makes me grin.

Not getting an invite to this event would be an absolute embarrassment, and Weston is directly in charge of the guest list. Because of that, I know Josh Lustre will not be here tonight, which is a relief. One less person to deal with.

A server glides by and offers me a glass of champagne, and I happily accept it. The museum is one I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid.

I take my time studying a few oil paintings on the wall. This mansion, which was once a single-family home, was designed with the intent of becoming a museum. It’s brimming with Western art history, and it features everything from mesmerizing paintings to intricate sculptures and furniture. I can never get enough of this place, and I take my time with the art as if I were catching up with an old friend.

While many guests tour the museum, most congregate in the reception hall. I see so many familiar faces, and I stop to give quick hellos to several of my clients.

“Asher Banks,” Phillip says with a hearty laugh, holding out his hand.

I take his rough grip, feeling the calluses on his hand. While he might be a billionaire and his family owns one of the most successful cattle ranches in the country, he works his ass off. Phillip and his three brothers are in the trenches with the ranch hands, ruling their cattle kingdom.

“Hey! Wow, I didn’t expect to see you here,” I tell him just as his aunt, Martha Chambers, approaches.

She grins widely at me. “Asher! So lovely to see you again,” she says in that thick Southern accent.

I smirk, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. By the twinkle in her eye, I can tell she approves.

“Mrs. Chambers, it’s always a pleasure,” I reply, hoping—nearly praying—that she doesn’t bring up Billie and me. I find that flattering her works best. “You should start seeing more of me now that I’m finally occupying my loft.”

“Mmhmm,” she responds with a raised brow.

Words are clearly on the tip of her tongue, and I know she wants to say something.

“Okay”—Phillip turns to his aunt—“what did I miss?”

“Nothing at all,” I say, and she shoots me a wink.

It’s our little secret—well, aside from the photo I posted for the entire world to see. It was painful, archiving it this morning. All that exists now are screenshots .

My eyes scan the room, searching for Billie. I’m calm and calculated.

“She’s not here yet,” Mrs. Chambers says.

I play dumb. “Who?”

“Billie Calloway,” she replies.

I give her a laugh. “Oh, I’m not looking for her. Have either of you seen my brother Nick?”

“Yes. He was at the bar,” Phillip tells me, pointing at the glowing area with a line wrapped around it.

The lights are low, the ambiance pure perfection. Liquor flows endlessly because when inhibitions are lowered, wallets are opened.

“Thanks. Hope to see you around,” I say, excusing myself.

As I find my way through the crowd, sipping my champagne, I run into Weston.

“Asher! Happy you could make it,” he says, offering me a firm handshake.

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, it feels like he’s sorting through my thoughts, trying to read my mind.

“I’m very honored to be here. This year’s turnout is incredible,” I say.

“The best we’ve ever had,” he admits with pride. This event is his baby—something he’s spearheaded for the past twenty years. Weston Calloway knows how to throw a party and tends to be the life of it. “I wanted to ask why?—”

Heads turn, and that’s when I see her, looking gorgeous as ever in a strapless black dress that splits at her breasts. It’s outlined in diamonds that sparkle under the low lights.

Billie is so beautiful; she takes my fucking breath away.

“She made it,” Weston says.

Across the room, Harper bursts into applause, and everyone follows her lead. Billie licks her dark red lips and glances over at Louis. He spins her around and then gently kisses her. The event photographers capture the moment as her arms wrap around his neck.

Make the crowd believe an engagement is on the horizon.

She smiles up at him, and my jaw tightens.

Macro, not micro. Big picture.

While they’re acting, my jealousy festers. I remind myself that this is necessary and part of the plan.

They pull away from one another, and Weston turns to me. He studies me intently, like he’s searching for a reaction. He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have to.

“Good seeing you,” I tell him with a grin, giving him a friendly pat on the back before turning in the opposite direction.

Brody stares at me with his brow lifted.

Fuck. There are too many people here who know things they shouldn’t, which is dangerous for my mission.

I find Nick drinking with Patterson at a circular high-top table. A candle flickers in the middle as they laugh about something.

“Hey, man. Didn’t think I’d see you again so soon,” I say, offering him a firm handshake.

He chuckles. “When a Calloway sends you an invite to anything, you go. Always. It’s the rule.”

“Is it? Hmm. Never heard that one before,” I reply, finishing my current glass of champagne and grabbing another. I take a sip, letting the bubbles tickle my senses.

“It’s unspoken,” he says.

Nick watches me, searching for chinks in my armor. He won’t find any. No one will.

“I think I’d like to meet with Josh on Monday morning in my office,” I say, trying to sound casual.

He gives me a look like I’ve lost my mind.

“Make it happen,” I say, and by my tone, he knows it isn’t an option.

“And I thought your vacation would do you some good,” he retorts .

“It did wonders. And I’m ready to move forward,” I insist, but I’m firm.

Nick studies me, weighing his options. “I’ll contact him first thing in the morning. He’ll be there.”

“And did you do what I asked?” I ask, still acting pissed at him. I’m not really.

I had the best week of my life because of his decisions, and I owe him for that. But I must protect everyone in my life. I will be the only one who sinks with the ship if it goes down; I will make sure of that.

“It’s been done,” he confirms, a hint of relief in his voice.

“Thank you,” I tell him, breathing out as Billie and Louis approach us.

The atmosphere shifts.

She narrows her eyes at me, and when she’s close, I slowly clap.

“What a fucking entrance, Ice Queen and Your Highness.” I roll my eyes, pretending to be bored and unamused.

“Fuck off before I have my brothers escort you out of here,” Billie warns, venom dripping from her tone, not caring who hears.

I almost believe her, but I also know my tongue was buried deep inside her just this morning.

“You think I’m scared of you?” I give her a sarcastic laugh and grit out, “Try harder .”

She gets the hint and looks me up and down, sliding her arm from Louis. Billie approaches Easton, and his face twists in confusion. Lexi’s mouth falls open in shock. The prince and I stand beside each other, watching it go down. I casually sip my champagne.

Louis glances at me, shaking his head. “You’re fucked,” he says.

Billie hugs her brother, and then they approach us. She watches Easton, waiting for her scary big brother to attack. Unfortunately, I’m still not intimidated. He knows it.

“Can I speak with you, please?” Easton asks, his tone serious.

I glare at Billie and shake my head, but a smirk plays on my lips .

“Sure,” I tell him, and we move away from them so we can privately talk.

“Can you please stop being so fucking rude to her?” he snaps, crossing his arms over his chest like a protective barrier.

I open my mouth to say something, but Easton holds up his hand to stop me.

“Listen. Leave her alone. Right now, she wants you escorted out of the event, but I don’t want to do that because I respect you. However, I cannot deal with this petty argument bullshit that’s been going on between you two for years. Not during this event, please. If it happens again, I will ask you to leave. I will choose my sister every time, okay?” He studies me.

“Okay.” I nod in understanding.

“Great,” Easton says as we stroll back to Billie.

She grins, seemingly appeased, assuming he kicked me out. But when he tells her it’s been settled and that I’m staying, her expression darkens. My girl loses her cool. Easton grabs her wrist and pulls her to him to whisper something in her ear, trying to calm her down. He’s losing his patience, and I can’t help but notice the wandering eyes of other guests taking in the drama. When she glances back at me, I give her a smirk, knowing we’re playing on the same team.

To show respect to Easton and his request and to play the hand we’ve been dealt, I stroll out of the reception hall, wearing a cocky grin. I make my way up the grand staircase that leads to the second floor, which is full of exhibits that have been in this house since the 1800s. Museum staff strolls through the area to watch over the artwork and furniture, ready to share the history of each piece if asked. The silent auction items are also on display in each room.

“Sir, would you like a bid sheet?” a woman asks.

I take it with a grin, grateful for the distraction away from Billie. She looks so damn gorgeous, and I know I’ll need to avoid her for the rest of the night so I’m not tempted to touch or kiss her.

I enter the first room and notice an opal ring and earrings, surrounded by diamonds, on display, bursting with colors, like a kaleidoscope. The stones were handpicked by Lexi Calloway, and it radiates a magical allure. I smile, loving how Easton included Lexi in this project now that they’re married. Every member of the family designed a piece, showcasing their unique styles.

As I move into the hallway, I spot the woman who spoke to me minutes earlier.

“Can you tell me which room has the jewelry Billie Calloway designed?” I ask, eager to see what she created.

“The diamond princess?” Her brows rise. “It’s at the end of the hallway. Good luck! That’s the one that everyone fights for each year.”

“Thanks,” I tell her, passing several people perusing a diamond bracelet. Only one can win , I think to myself.

As I stroll to the end of the hall, I peek inside the room, noticing a gentleman studying the display case. He eventually leaves, and I enter, wanting to take my time with her creation. In the center of the room is a glass case, lit from below. I lean over and see diamond cuff links surrounded in platinum metal in the shape of a five-point crown. She named the set King of My Heart .

I roll my eyes, knowing everyone will think they’re for Louis. From different angles, the diamonds almost morph into different colors, and it’s beautiful. I write my bid on the paper and fold it in half, tucking it in my pocket.

When I turn to leave, Billie is standing in the doorway, wearing a soft gaze, and I can’t believe she’s looking at me that way. I focus on her, my eyes sliding from her pretty mouth, down her perfect body, and back up to her ice-cold eyes. Right now, it’s just me and her.

“Ash,” she whispers.

I shake my head as she approaches me. “We can’t be seen together.”

“We’ll be quick,” she says, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Also, I don’t care. ”

“You should,” I say, my hands resting on her waist. “Please return to Louis before people notice you’re not attached to him.”

“You say one thing, but your body says another. Guess that won’t change.” Billie captures my mouth with fervor.

Her mouth is soft—so fucking soft—like she was born just to ruin me. Her lips part wider under mine, and I can’t help how my tongue slips in, exploring her like I’m claiming my territory. She tastes like champagne and bad decisions, and I’m drunk on it, on her, on the way her body melts against me in the shadowed room of the museum.

Her perky tits are pressed against my chest, her nipples hard enough to make me ache. My hands wander, sliding down her back to cup her ass, squeezing the roundness of her through the thin fabric of her dress that fits like a second skin. She moans into my mouth, and the sound goes straight to my cock, which is straining against my suit pants, nearly begging for freedom.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispers, but her voice is shaky, breathless.

“We have to stop,” I urge.

She doesn’t listen, her tongue tangling with mine in a way that makes me want to lose control. I can feel her pulse racing as I kiss down her throat, sucking little marks that I know I shouldn’t be leaving. But, fuck it, I crave her.

She’s too hot, too willing, too damn perfect.

Her hands are tangled in my hair, pulling like she’s trying to keep me there forever, and honestly, I’m not complaining. I push her against me, my hand resting in the curve of her waist, wanting her to feel how hard I am for her. Billie’s breath hitches, and I inhale the sweetness of her skin. Everything about her drives me wild. It always has.

“ Go. Walk away from me,” I tell her in a strained whisper.

“I can’t. I have no willpower with you,” she gasps, but she’s not stopping, not pulling away .

Our lips crash together, and in that moment, we’re completely lost in one another.

“What the fuck?” I hear a deep voice from the doorway.

We freeze, and I turn my head just enough to see Easton, his face a mask of disbelief and rage. I can feel her heart pounding against my chest, her breath caught in her throat, and for a split second, everything freezes in time.

“What is it?” Weston asks from behind him, fully entering.

He stops and stares at us tangled together, lips swollen, a desperate mess, and I know we’re screwed. Even as their eyes burn holes into me, I can’t stop thinking about how fucking good she feels in my arms.

“This has to end right now,” Easton demands, glaring at Weston.

“Agreed,” Weston admits, annoyance creeping into his tone. “I sure would love a fucking explanation.”

Seconds later, Brody enters. His eyes widen when he sees the scene unfolding before him.

I reluctantly remove my hold on Billie, ready to face the consequences of my actions as adrenaline floods my veins.

I exhale, trying to steady myself.

“Can I help you?” Billie’s smile fades into a scowl as she steps forward, fiery determination in her eyes. “Choose your words wisely, brothers, because I will leave this venue right now and not look back. The optics of that would be terrible for both of you, and we know how much you care about image. What will you tell everyone when they ask where the diamond princess has gone?”

The silence stretches on for an eternity, the tension heavy in the air.

Weston would not take that risk, considering Billie is the diamond of the evening. Because of her position in the fashion industry, her jewelry designs sell for ten times more than anyone else’s. It’s the only time their two industries cross paths. The resale market for her pieces is ridiculous, and only true collectors dare to bid .

“Your boyfriend is searching for you,” Brody mutters, frustrated.

“Tell Louis I’m busy and I’ll meet up with him in twenty minutes,” she demands.

He leaves the room, escaping the four of us. I don’t blame him; I’d leave too. I want to.

Easton’s livid, staring me down before shifting his gaze to his sister. “This stops now. It’s too reckless. Both of you need to be logical. Bigger things are at risk.”

“You don’t get to tell me what I can do. Do you understand?” She glares at them, refusing to back down.

“Leave us, or I’m leaving,” she threatens, but it’s more of a promise.

“This isn’t over,” Weston says, grabbing Easton’s sleeve.

After a moment, they concede and walk away.

I turn to her, smoothing her hair down and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. “Being with you like this is reckless.”

She smirks, grabbing my tie playfully. “Reckless is my middle name.”

“You’re stubborn as fuck,” I whisper against her lips.

“I just need a little more time with you. Please.” She grabs my hand and leads me through another room that’s connected. She opens a side door, glancing both ways, and we slip out into another long hallway. I glance behind me and see Weston and Easton arguing. She shushes me with a smirk, leading me down a narrow flight of stairs that looks like they were once used by staff. It’s low-lit, almost dark, and gives us the privacy we need.

Billie pushes me against the wall and kisses me fiercely. “I need you.”

“You have to go back to Louis right now,” I say, my hand firm on the small of her back.

Her silky dress whispers against my fingertips; the fabric barely contains the curve of her ass. My fingers trail lower down her body, teasing the seam that splits open at her thigh .

“You’re so fucking bad,” I murmur into her ear, my voice rough and commanding.

She grabs my hand, forcing it under the slit and against the outside of her panties.

“The more you deny me, the more I want you.” Billie lets out a whimper as I add more pressure.

“You need to be quiet, princess. Don’t want everyone to hear how much of a fucking slut you are for me.”

“More.”

Her hips buck into my hand as I slide my fingers into the lace, finding her soaked cunt with practiced ease. She’s hot and swollen, her clit throbbing under my thumb as I circle it slowly, deliberately. She bites her bottom lip, which is swollen from our roughness, but it’s not enough to stifle the moan that escapes when I plunge two fingers inside her, curling them just how she likes.

“This pretty little pussy is mine. Who do you belong to, princess?” I ask, my cock straining against my suit pants.

“You,” she whispers.

Her nails dig into my shoulder, her body trembling as I fuck her with my fingers. The sounds of her slickness, combined with her ragged moans, are too loud in the confined space. Her tits raise with each breath, her dress slipping just enough to give me a glimpse of her hard nipples, begging for my mouth. But, no, this is about her, about watching her lose control, about making her come so hard that she forgets where the hell she is.

“You’re close, aren’t you?” I taunt, my breath hot against her ear. “I can feel you clenching around my fingers like a greedy little whore. Come for me. And you’re gonna do it quietly.”

She nods frantically, her eyes wide and desperate as she bounces on my fingers. It’s all the permission I need. I increase the pace, my thumb pressing down hard on her clit as I pump my fingers in and out. Her body tightens, her back arching as she fucking explodes. Her orgasm rips through her with a force that makes her legs give out. I catch her, holding her up as she convulses, her cunt milking my fingers.

“That’s my bad girl,” I mutter, my voice thick with pride and lust. “You came so fucking hard and fast for me.”

“A record, I think.” She wears an expression of defiance and it mixes with the afterglow of her climax.

I pull my fingers out slowly, seeing them glisten under the dim stairwell light. I bring them to her lips, letting her taste herself—salty and sweet, fucking perfect. She looks into my eyes as she sucks my fingers dry, causing my cock to throb.

“Now, go back to your prince,” I say, my tone harsh now.

I want to escape with her and bury myself deep inside her. I want to be back at the Hamptons with her in my arms.

“You’ve ruined me,” she whispers. “I hope you know that I’ll never be the same.”

“And to think, it only took hardly any time,” I mutter in her ear.

“Twenty years,” she reminds me.

I take a step forward, pressing her back against the opposite wall. She looks like sin itself as she reaches forward, rubbing her palm down my cock. It takes everything I have not to push her to her knees and make her choke on my cock.

“Go.” I grab her face, meeting her eyes.

It’s just me and her. The world around us quiets. We hold a silent conversation as I gently slide my lips against hers.

“This is much harder than I thought it’d be,” she admits, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

“You promised me, Billie. And Calloways never break those.”

I try to walk away, but she pulls me back to her, desperation in her grip.

“And you promised me you’d turn my pain into pleasure,” she reminds me, her eyes sparkling with defiance.

“I did, didn’t I?” I kiss her again and again and again, losing myself in the taste of her. “You’re playing with fire. ”

“And you’re burning me to ash.” She looks up into my eyes, a mixture of longing and challenge. “I’m going to hell with you.”

“Perfect,” I say. “As long as we’re there together, that’s all that matters, Ice Queen.”

I wish I could linger for just a moment longer.

“When will I see you again?” Her voice is barely above a breath.

“Soon.” I straighten my tie and adjust my cock, the reality of our situation crashing back down. “Fix your crown, princess. The night isn’t over.”

I force space between us, taking one last look at her flushed cheeks and swollen lips before I walk away. It pleases me, knowing I’m the one who leaves her breathless and dripping wet in the shadows. Not anyone else. Just me.

As I take the stairs down to the main reception hall, I know Easton is right.

This is reckless. But, damn, I’d do it again.