Page 48 of When We Ignite

“And, Ash…” She hesitated, her expression uncomfortable.

“Yes?” I prompted.

“This whole thing with Ethan. It’s a joke, right? You’re not seriously after him?”

My stomach dropped, but I forced an easy smile. “No, I’m not serious about it,” I lied smoothly.

“Good. I think you’re probably aware by now, but you’re a difficult man to say no to. E’s still young—he’s impressionable. I don’t think he’d be able to say no to you, and we both know that wouldn’t end well. For any of us.”

“Your brother has a strong character, Charlie. He’s also extraordinarily clever. So you don’t have to worry about that. Ethan’s probably one of the few people who can say no to me.”

She tilted her head, smiling faintly. “Now, how would you know that if you’ve only spoken to him a few times?”

Apparently, wit ran in the family.

“I’m good at reading people.”

“Oh, I know,” she said, standing from the table. “Maybe focus more of that energy onyourbrother and less on mine.”

“Yes, Miss Bennett,” I said with mock solemnity.

She smiled and left the kitchen.

I exhaled heavily. That had been a close call.

After finishing another cigarette, I headed upstairs, stopping at Ethan’s door. I knocked softly and waited. Footsteps approached, and he cracked the door open just enough to peek out.

“What?” he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I’m not letting you in,” he added in a hushed tone.

“I wasn’t planning on asking,” I quipped, earning a quiet laugh. “I just wanted to say goodnight—and I’m sorry your sister walked in. I was really enjoying what was happening down there,” I whispered.

He looked away, but his smile lingered. “Goodnight, Ash,” he said, his voice low and raspy.

I smiled, leaning slightly closer. “Goodnight, darling,” I murmured, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

Before he could react, I stepped back and headed to my room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw him still standing there, wide-eyed.

I collapsed onto my bed and checked my phone. A text was waiting.

My Pet

I’m sorry she walked in too

I grinned as I typed my reply.

CHAPTER EIGHT

ETHAN

Being in the Hamptons with Sebastian and his family felt surreal.

I was used to them separately by now, but seeing them together in their own home—with all their family dynamics—was not what I’d imagined.

Everyone knew about their family history. Sebastian’s mother had passed away when they were kids—a sudden, rare medical condition that had blindsided them. Since meeting them, I had assumed that was why they were so close. But introducing his dad into the mix painted a far more complicated picture.

Sebastian’s father was an intimidating man. He was shorter than Sebastian, resembling Henry in build, but that’s where the similarities ended. He was silent and cold in a way I hadn’t expected after knowing his sons, carrying an air that altered the vibe of the entire house.

He’d arrived that morning for breakfast, and though they all sat together, subtle shifts in their energy were immediate. The three brothers instinctively drew closer to one another. Sebastian took a seat beside his father, physically shielding Oliver and Henry.