Page 22

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ASH

A fter a weekend of bachelor party drinking, all I wanted was to get back to the city, crawl into bed with Ethan, and never leave. Unfortunately, Oliver and I had to fly to DC for work on Sunday, keeping me away from New York until Friday. By the time I got back, Henry had invited Ethan to an event at his club, once again robbing my bed of his presence.

I managed to change and head to the club, arriving just past eleven. My plan was simple: stay for five minutes, then drag Ethan back to my apartment. But as soon as I got there, I realized I wasn’t getting my way. Ethan was at one of Henry’s private tables, laughing and drinking with his friends, completely at ease. Watching him in his element, I couldn’t bring myself to pull him away. Instead, I resigned myself to smoking on the balcony with Henry, stealing glances at Ethan in his natural habitat.

Ethan had a measured way about him on nights out, something I’d noticed before. This time, though, he wasn’t weighed down by any tension between us. He looked relaxed, his smile lighting up the space as he chatted easily with his friends. He was drinking, but not excessively. A couple of girls hovered nearby, trying to grab his attention, but he politely brushed them off, chatting with his group instead.

I sent a drink his way, and when he spotted me across the room, he smiled, his expression softening as he excused himself and made his way over.

Ethan looked incredible. He always did, but when he put in the effort, it was genuinely breathtaking. I was sure he could walk in wearing sweatpants and still outshine everyone in the room.

“Hey, E,” Henry greeted as Ethan approached, but Ethan only gave him a nod, his focus already on me.

“I thought you’d skipped town,” Ethan said, trying and failing to hide his smile.

“I’m sorry, darling. I’m all yours now,” I replied, and the faint blush creeping across his cheeks made me grin.

He darted a quick glance at Henry, embarrassed.

“I’ve got press here, so behave yourselves. The office is open,” Henry said without looking up from his phone.

I grinned wider as Ethan gave me a small nod and headed toward the door. I followed, slipping inside and shutting the door behind us.

“I’m mad at you,” Ethan announced, though there was no real heat in his tone.

I stepped closer. “Are you?”

“You said you’d be back on Monday, and you didn’t even tell me about the delay. Ari did,” he accused, crossing his arms.

“I’m sorry, I got held up?—”

“With work, I know,” he cut me off. “I’m still mad.”

I slipped my hands around his waist. “What do I have to do to make it up to you?”

“You can start by staring at me until I’m ready to leave,” he teased, a smile tugging at his lips.

“I’ve already been doing that,” I murmured, leaning down to kiss his cheek.

“I know. You’re a leery old man.” His eyes sparkled as I laughed.

“Yeah, but I’m your leery old man.” His lips parted slightly, and I couldn’t resist adding, “You look hot. I couldn’t help myself.”

Ethan tugged on my neck, pulling me in to a kiss. His lips were soft, teasing me as I followed his lead.

When he pulled back, I couldn’t help but ask, “When can I get you to myself?”

He narrowed his eyes playfully. “When you’re dying for it.”

“I’m already there,” I replied, capturing his lips in a harsher kiss, holding him in place. “I missed you,” I confessed against his mouth.

“Then stop leaving. That way, you don’t have to miss me. You could do whatever you’d like with me.”

I smiled. When Ethan drank, his confidence shot up, giving me glimpses of the bold, unguarded version of him. “I’ll never leave again,” I said, knowing full well it was a lie.

“Lying, leery old man,” he said with a click of his tongue, making me laugh before I kissed him again.

“When are you leaving again? Aria didn’t say,” he asked, holding me at arm’s length.

“I’m not. The next time I’m on a plane, you’re coming with me,” I told him, watching surprise flicker across his face.

“Are you serious?”

I nodded, leaning down to kiss his neck. “Dead serious. Pack a bag and let your roommate know she won’t see you for a while.”

He pulled back, studying me. “That’s still a week away.”

“I know. But I’m not leaving. Come stay at my place. I’ll be gone most of the day, but at night? You’re all mine,” I told him, my voice dropping.

Ethan blinked, processing, before slowly nodding. “Sure.”

I wasted no time pulling him back into a kiss. Ethan wrapped his arms around my neck, rising onto the balls of his feet to reach me. I slid my hands to his waist and lifted him off the ground, earning a laugh against my lips.

“Put me down,” he said, squirming slightly.

“My back hurts if I have to bend down that much.”

“Fuck you. It’s not my fault you’re old.”

“You’re fucking disrespectful, is what you are.” I set him back on his feet.

He kissed just below my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “What are you going to do? Spank me if I misbehave?” he whispered, sending a jolt through me. I groaned, and he chuckled softly. “You’re totally into that, aren’t you?”

“I’m into anything involving close contact with your ass.” To further prove my point, my hands slid down and grabbed.

“Handsy, lying, leery old man,” he joked, trying to pry me away.

A soft knock on the door interrupted us, and Ethan pushed me back as Henry poked his head in.

“See how I remembered to knock, even though this is my space?”

I still scowled. Ethan slipped out of my arms.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I need you for a minute,” Henry said to me.

“I’m going back to my friends. See you later,” Ethan said and walked out, giving me a smirk before he did.

I shook my head at him.

“You’re still doing it,” Henry said after he left.

“What?”

“Treating him like he’s your boyfriend,” Henry used a singsong voice.

I rolled my eyes.“Fuck off. What is it?”

He sat on the couch.“You have a situation on your hands.”

“What?”

“Chris is here.”

I looked at him.“So what?”

“So, your regular fuck boy is around looking for you while your boyfriend is here. You know Ethan gets a little crazy around competition.”

Fuck, but he was right about that.“Ethan doesn’t know Chris. It’s fine,” I argued.

“Do you remember the video?”

Double fuck.

“I’ll keep him under control,” I said with a shrug.

“With your amazing telepathic abilities? You can’t get close to him. I told you the press is here,” Henry insisted. “Just leave with him.”

“Ethan doesn’t want to leave.”

Henry nodded, looking around before shrugging one shoulder.“Well, then, let’s go face the fuckfest, shall we?” he said with a grin.

I stayed out on the balcony, trying to keep my focus anywhere but on Ethan. Henry occasionally sent over a waiter with drinks, and I obliged, sipping slowly as I watched the city lights. A few times, I had to step away for photos with Henry, but apart from that, I kept to myself, lingering in the shadows. Ethan glanced at me every so often, catching my eye with a small smile. I tipped my head subtly, signaling for us to leave, but he only shook his head, taking another sip of his drink, clearly enjoying himself.

It wasn’t long before the peaceful observation was interrupted.

“Hey, stranger. What are you doing holed up out here?” A familiar voice reached my ears, and I turned to see Chris walking toward me with his signature flirty grin, and a drink in hand. Damn it.

“Hey, babe,” I greeted automatically, and his grin widened as he stepped closer to kiss my cheek.

“I didn’t know you were in town,” he said, leaning casually on the railing beside me, squarely in view of Ethan.

“Just got here.”

“And you didn’t give me a call? You’ve been off the grid for weeks,” Chris said, running his tongue over his lip as he moved closer.

I took a deliberate step back. “Work’s been crazy.”

“Work’s always crazy for you.”

“You’re not wrong,” I conceded with a forced smile.

Chris placed a hand on my chest, and I prayed to God Ethan wasn’t watching.

“You’re here now. Let’s head back to your house,” he said with a smirk, his tone low and suggestive.

I shook my head. “Not tonight.”

“Seriously?” Chris asked, his brows lifting, though he still leaned closer.

“I’m serious. I can’t tonight.”

“Why? Got a one a.m. meeting?” he joked, laughing softly.

“No. I’m taking someone else home,” I told him bluntly.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise before he took a step back, holding up his free hand. “Oh, fuck. Sorry,” he said, his grin faltering for a moment.

“It’s okay.”

“Is he here?” Chris asked, scanning the crowd below.

I followed his gaze, but Ethan and Henry had disappeared from the bar. A pang of worry hit me, and I quickly scanned the rest of the room. No sign of either of them.

Chris’s attention returned to me, his curiosity now fully piqued. “What? Is it a secret? What twisted game are you playing now?” he asked, his grin creeping back as he laughed at my expression. “Fine, don’t tell me. But how long are you staying? Call me tomorrow if you like,” he added with a wink.

“I’m not really doing that right now.”

His mouth dropped open in mock shock. “Are you in a relationship ?” he asked, incredulous.

I shrugged. “I’m not fucking around.”

“Ash, are you kidding me? Who the hell got you to commit?” he asked, laughing in disbelief.

Before I could respond, I heard a voice behind me.

“Ash,” Ethan called.

Both Chris and I turned. Ethan stood close by, with Henry behind him. Ethan’s expression was calm, though his smile looked like it was hanging on by a thread. His eyes flicked to Chris. Shit.

“Do you have a minute?” Ethan asked.

“Well, well, well. Who’s this little lamb?” Chris asked, his eyes lighting up with mischief. Fucking hell.

“Ethan’s my brother-in-law,” I said quickly.

Chris barked out a laugh, his gaze fixed on Ethan.

“Are you, now?” Chris asked, stepping forward and extending a hand.

Ethan hesitated for a beat before taking it.

“Christian Hastings.”

“Ethan Bennett,” he said simply, his tone guarded as he turned back to me.

“And where have you been hiding Ethan Bennett?” Chris asked, ignoring the tension in the room.

Henry stepped closer, his expression wide-eyed as he threw an arm around Chris’s shoulders. “Hey, Chris, want a drink? It’s on me,” Henry said loudly, trying to defuse the situation.

Chris glanced between Ethan and me, still grinning. “Is Ethan coming with us?”

“No, no,” I said quickly.

Chris only laughed, leaning closer to me. “This is one juicy little secret you’ve got here, babe,” he said loudly enough for Ethan to hear.

Ethan’s scowl deepened.

“No secret,” I said firmly.

“Mm-hm,” Chris hummed, clearly unconvinced but thoroughly entertained.

“So, that drink?” Henry repeated, giving me a desperate look.

“We’ve known each other for four years, and he thinks I don’t have him figured out,” Chris said, his attention shifting back to Ethan. “How old are you?”

“Babe, come on,” I said instinctively, immediately realizing my mistake.

Henry winced, and Ethan’s jaw tightened as he stared at me. He looked like he was ready to murder me.

“Christ,” I said in a feeble attempt to correct myself.

“Oh, are you jealous?” Chris teased.

I could have throttled him.

“Okay, we’re leaving,” Henry said abruptly, pulling Chris away with some effort.

“Don’t worry, lamb. We’re not serious about each other. It’s just an arrangement between friends,” Chris called over his shoulder with a wink before disappearing with Henry.

Ethan stood there, his eyes locked on mine, the anger simmering in their blue depths.

“So, that was Chris,” I said awkwardly, trying to break the tension.

“Don’t you mean ‘babe’?” Ethan replied, the venom seeping from his words. It was a terrible time to notice, but he looked hot as fuck when he was angry.

“He calls everyone that. It’s a joke—a force of habit,” I explained, cringing at my own words. The look on his face told me I’d only made it worse.

“Good. You can fuck your habit tonight if you like,” he snapped, turning on his heel.

“Darling, I can’t fucking chase after you here. Come to the office,” I called after him, my voice desperate as I followed a few steps behind.

“Fuck off,” he shot back, quickening his pace.

“Pet, come on. Please,” I tried again, but all I got was the back of his head as he shook it and disappeared down the stairs. I couldn’t follow him without drawing attention, so I groaned in frustration and pulled out my phone, knowing full well he wouldn’t answer.

Me

Can you please come up to the office?

I can’t go after you downstairs and you have nothing to be mad about

I want you

I’m leaving with you

It took him ten agonizing minutes after reading the message to reply.

My Pet

you’re leaving with me?

are you sure of that?

“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered under my breath, scanning the crowd from the balcony. My eyes locked on him leaning against the wall downstairs, frowning. Someone stood close, talking to him. I shifted for a better view and froze.

Chris.

Of course, it was Chris—with his damn flirty smile and hand resting lightly on Ethan’s back. My jaw clenched as I called Henry, but he didn’t pick up. Muttering curses under my breath, I made my way down toward them.

Chris was speaking close to Ethan’s ear, his smug grin firmly in place. Ethan spotted me first, his expression stormy. I ignored the knot in my chest and walked straight to them, placing a hand on Chris’s shoulder.

He turned to me. “You’re welcome,” Chris murmured in my ear, his tone dripping satisfaction, before turning and sauntering off.

Ethan, however, was glaring at me, his jaw tight.

“I’m sorry. Can we go upstairs?” I said, moving as close as I could without attracting attention.

Ethan’s jaw clenched tighter, and he turned away from me.

“We can’t have this conversation in the middle of a fucking club, Ethan. Please, come upstairs.”

He didn’t answer but finally started walking toward the stairs. Relief flooded me as I followed close behind, keeping my head down to avoid drawing attention.

But instead of going into the office, Ethan stopped in the hall. He crossed his arms, his body rigid, and looked at me expectantly.

“Office,” I said firmly.

He shook his head. “Why was he here?”

“He comes here sometimes,” I said, trying to keep my tone calm. “He knows he can get in with a quick call. He likes that.”

“He came looking for you,” Ethan pressed.

“So what if he did? I’m not leaving with him . He asked, and I said no. End of story.”

“You were flirting with him. I know what that looks like. Calling him ‘babe’?” His voice cracked slightly, betraying the hurt beneath the anger.

I took a deep breath, reining in my frustration. “I was being polite. I said no. What more do you want from me?” His anger started bleeding from his face. “I’m not seeing anybody else per your request. I can’t talk to them either?”

Ethan uncrossed his arms. Before he could respond, a burst of laughter interrupted us. Henry and Chris walked past the hallway, and Chris spotted us. Henry tried to keep walking, but Chris, ever the provocateur, made him stop.

“Kiss me.”

I turned to Ethan, alarmed. “Are you fucking serious right now?”

“Kiss me,” he repeated, his jaw set like a challenge.

“Ethan, anyone could walk by. Even if they don’t, I can’t be seen kissing you—not in front of Chris, not here. What if he tells someone?” I tried to reason, but he shook his head stubbornly.

“I don’t fucking care. You trusted him enough to fuck him for four years. I bet he won’t tell. Kiss me.”

“I can’t,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Then I can’t leave with you tonight,” he said simply, shrugging as if the decision were final.

“What?” My heart sank, my voice rising involuntarily.

“And I probably can’t go on the trip, either,” he added, his tone dripping sarcasm. “Too bad—I know you were set on getting your hands on me. But, hey, at least your fuck buddy’s here, ready to jump in.”

“Ethan, for fuck’s sake,” I snapped, but he only shrugged again.

“Or kiss me.”

I wanted to argue, to call him out for being childish, but I couldn’t. Henry was right. If I wanted someone reasonable, I shouldn’t have fucked around with him. But knowing that didn’t help. I hadn’t felt the weight of Ethan’s age until right this second.

“Can’t do it, can you?” Ethan said, shaking his head and turning to walk away. “Fine, Sebastian. See you around.”

My body moved before my mind could catch up. I grabbed his arm, exhaling loudly as I stepped in front of him. Without another word, I cupped his face and kissed him.

Ethan grabbed my hair, holding me close as he deepened the kiss. His lips moved against mine with a ferocity that made me feel like we were the only two people in the world. I felt ridiculous—like a teenager again, playing some stupid game—but I couldn’t let him walk away.

When we broke apart, I kept him close, my forehead pressed to his. “I want you. You don’t have anything to prove, pet. You’re fucking perfect, and I want you .”

Ethan’s face softened, his eyes searching mine. “Take me home.”

I kissed him again, briefly, before lacing my fingers through his. “Let’s go.”

As we walked toward the exit, I caught Chris’s smug smirk and Henry’s wide-eyed stare.

I leaned toward Henry as we walked past them, keeping my voice low. “Get a car around the back for us,” I said, and he nodded, already pulling out his phone.

Without looking back, I led Ethan out, holding on to him like I might lose him if I let go.