Page 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

ASH

My Pet

are you up?

I was awake, scrolling through my phone, when his text arrived. It was two in the morning. Sitting up in bed, I blinked at the screen, certain I’d scared him off for good.

Me

I’m up

The typing indicator blinked for a moment before his reply appeared.

My Pet

can I call you?

I stared at the message, my heart skipping.

Me

of course you can

but we’re in the same house and can see each other

My Pet

ok I’ll see you in the kitchen

My eyes widened.

Tossing the covers aside, I hurried to throw on some clothes, moving as quietly as possible to avoid waking anyone.

When I got to the kitchen, it was empty. Flicking on the light, I leaned against the counter and waited. A minute later, he appeared, stepping softly into the room. He wore a thin white shirt and black sweatpants, his hair tousled like he’d been tossing and turning in bed.

He looked fantastic.

I stayed rooted to the spot, giving him the space to make the first move.

Ethan sighed, his shoulders rising and falling heavily as he walked toward me, his steps slow and deliberate.

“Couldn’t sleep?” I asked, breaking the silence.

He shook his head, running a hand through his messy hair. “Couldn’t sleep,” he repeated, his voice low and rough around the edges.

Stopping just in front of me, he let his gaze drop to the floor. “I’m sorry I freaked out,” he said quietly.

I exhaled, the tension in my chest easing. “I’m sorry I freaked out too.”

Ethan’s eyes flicked up to meet mine. He still seemed unsure; overwhelmed. “Sebastian.” He placed a hand on the counter for support, his fingers tapping lightly against the surface. “I don’t know what to do. Honestly, I’m not surprised, but it’s…different hearing you say it. I sort of figured you might be into that because of the way you act, but hearing it’s another thing entirely.”

“That’s not how I wanted to tell you,” I admitted.

He nodded slowly. “How did you want to tell me?”

It was odd to see this change in him after his earlier reaction.

“Ideally, when I could show you,” I said, chuckling softly.

Ethan’s fingers resumed their tapping, his focus shifting to his hand. “Show me what?”

My heart skipped a beat. What was this?

He raised a hand, rubbing his nose.

A smile spread across my face. “How good it can feel.”

He exhaled sharply. “Can I just...” He trailed off, clicking his tongue.

“What?”

“I hate that you make me ask for things,” he muttered.

I laughed softly. “I do it because I need you to be clear with me. I don’t do it to torture you.”

He nodded, his hand moving tentatively to the hem of my shirt, tugging lightly. “I don’t want you to kiss me, but I want you to put your arms around me.”

I nodded, the simplicity of his request disarming me. “Okay.”

Stepping closer, I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him firmly against my chest. He clung to my shirt, and I rubbed his back soothingly.

“Like that?”

He nodded, his face burying itself against my chest. His smaller frame molded perfectly against mine, as if he belonged there. Arms looped around my waist, shy at first, but as he gained momentum, his grip turned more secure.

“So, how is it supposed to work?” he asked after a long moment, his voice muffled but steady.

I hesitated, stroking his hair. “Ethan…what are you doing?”

“Trying to get used to you.”

A smile tugged at my lips as I leaned down, brushing my cheek against his hair.

“I like you, Ash. I just don’t know what to do with that.”

“I like you too,” I whispered. His grip on me tightened. “So why don’t you let me take the lead?”

“I don’t think I can do that.”

“How about just trying?”

He exhaled deeply. “How?”

“You’ve already set the limit.” My fingers threaded gently through his hair. “You asked me not to kiss you, and I won’t. Just let me touch you, darling. Nothing below the belt. Relax into it. If I cross a line, just say the word, and I’ll stop.”

“And that’s it?”

“That’s it,” I echoed.

Ethan stilled, his breathing soft and shallow against me. I stayed perfectly still, waiting for his response, unwilling to push him further than he was ready to go.

He sighed, his arms slipping from around my waist to rest lightly on my hips. “Okay,” he said softly, the word carrying all the weight of his hesitation and trust.

I closed my eyes and smiled. That was it. The thrill of that single word sent an electric charge through me. Moving slowly, I let my gaze drift around the room. The space wasn’t ideal—too open, too exposed for us to relax properly—but asking him to come upstairs was out of the question.

My eyes landed on the dining table—tall enough, sturdy enough. Perfect.

“Come here.”

Ethan hesitated, his eyes flicking to mine.

I reached for his wrist, my fingers brushing the cool metal of the bracelet as I guided him forward. His steps were tentative, every movement laced with caution.

I held him at his waist, pressing him back gently against the edge of the table. He tilted his head up, his wide, curious eyes meeting mine. The uncertainty in them didn’t deter me—it only made me more careful.

His lips parted as though he were about to speak, but I pressed my thumb over them, shaking my head. “This is part of it. You just have to trust me.”

Ethan’s chest rose and fell with a deep, measured breath. His gaze lingered on mine for a long moment before he gave the smallest nod of consent.

Gripping him at the waist, I lifted him onto the table. His eyes widened, startled but silent. I could see the flicker of uncertainty there, and I moved carefully, keeping my touch steady, light.

My hands dropped to his lap, and, predictably, he flinched at the contact. I let my palms glide up his legs, the pressure enough for him to feel my touch but not my strength. They lingered at his waist, fingers brushing the fabric of his shirt before sliding to his back. The hem of his shirt rose slightly, and my pinky grazed the warmth of his skin. I paused, searching his eyes again. He swallowed hard, then gave me the smallest of nods.

That was it.

I pushed my hands lower, then slipped them beneath the fabric, letting my fingers travel up the curve of his back. His body tensed instinctively, and I paused again. “Relax, darling,” I whispered, my voice low and soothing. “All you have to do is relax.”

Ethan clenched his jaw, fighting some internal battle, before exhaling and closing his eyes. His hands rose to my arms, no longer pushing me away but gripping me, holding on as he leaned into my touch.

I stepped closer, letting my hands explore the planes of his back, tracing the contours of muscle. He inhaled sharply before his grip on my arms loosened. Slowly, he allowed his back to settle into my hands, his body softening.

Ethan was perfect like this.

“That’s it,” I murmured, wrapping my arms around him and letting my cheek rest against his. “You’re doing so good, my darling.”

His shiver rippled through me like a live wire.

I locked my hold with one arm, keeping him close while my free hand skimmed along his ribs. He turned his head away, exposing more of his neck, and I let my breath ghost over the delicate skin there. He was feverishly hot, and I hoped I was part of the reason why.

I brushed my nose along his neck, testing. This time, he didn’t flinch. A grin spread across my face. “Get your hands in my hair.”

He did so a second after I spoke, tangling his fingers and keeping them still.

I tightened my grip on him, pressing my hands more firmly against his skin. Ethan’s thighs tightened slightly around my hips, and his fingers clenched in my hair. “Go on, grab harder.”

Without hesitation, he pulled on my hair. I pressed my lips together to stifle the groan threatening to escape.

My breath traced the line of his jaw, then his cheek. I pulled back just enough to look down at his face, planning to tease him, lighten the mood, show him it didn’t have to be scary. But the way he was looking at me made me pause.

He liked this.

Ethan still seemed overwhelmed, but now there was desire in his eyes. He wanted this. He wanted me.

I licked my lips, unable to help myself, and his gaze dropped to my mouth.

Holding onto this boundary he’d set was excruciating. I was desperate to kiss him. I wanted to taste his lips and tongue, the want radiating off him. I just needed him to say the words. His hands twisted in my hair as I leaned closer.

His eyes remained fixed on my lips, and I knew it was a matter of seconds. If he didn’t say it soon, I wouldn’t be able to hold back. It was either break his trust or leave the room. There was no middle ground.

I slid my hand to his back, resting it just below his nape, steadying us both.

“Ash,” he breathed, his voice trembling.

I nodded, leaning in a fraction more. He just had to say it and as soon as the words left his lips, I’d devour him.

Ethan met my gaze and pulled me toward him—the smallest gesture, but it was enough.

I shook my head slightly, pleading with him, “You have to say it.”

Ethan’s gaze dropped to my lips again, his own parting as if to speak. The soft sound of the letter “k” barely escaped when the floor creaked behind us.

Ethan’s head snapped up, his eyes wide with panic. His hands fell from my hair, and he practically leaped off the table, crouching low behind the counter.

I stood frozen, staring at the empty space he’d left behind, my heart pounding.

“Ash?” Charlotte’s voice cut through the quiet.

I turned to see her stepping into the kitchen. “Charlie, dear, what are you doing up at this hour?” My voice was unsteady, so I cleared my throat, trying to sound nonchalant.

“I had too much wine with dinner. I needed water,” she said, scrunching her nose.

I chuckled, glancing at the cabinets as she moved toward them.

“How about you?” she asked over her shoulder.

I pulled the cigarette pack from my pocket, holding it up as an explanation. “Couldn’t sleep. I’m not allowed to smoke upstairs.”

As she rifled through the cabinets, I glanced down. Ethan crouched behind the counter, his eyes wide but glinting with suppressed laughter.

I pressed my lips together, stifling my own grin. “Why don’t you let me help with that?” I said, stepping toward Charlotte and subtly pointing to the door for Ethan’s benefit.

“Thanks,” she said as I handed her the glass of water.

“You’re welcome,” I replied smoothly, keeping my tone casual.

Charlotte followed my gaze briefly, and I rested a hand on her shoulder to draw her attention back. Ethan took the opening and crept to the exit, still crouched.

“You’re not coming sailing tomorrow?” I asked, steering the conversation.

“No, we have a meeting with the catering company,” she said, her voice distracted.

I glanced back. Ethan stood by the door now, hands raised in a mock question, a grin tugging at his lips. I raised an eyebrow, and he waved goodbye before slipping out.

Charlotte turned back to me. “Ash, now that I have you here, do you think we could chat?”

Disappointment washed over me. “Of course.”

I poured myself a drink and sat with her at the table. She watched me intently as I took a sip.

“Oli looks up to you, you know,” she said after a moment.

I smiled. “He’d kill you for saying that.”

She laughed lightly. “Probably,” she admitted with a shrug. “But he’s worried about you.”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “He’s always been worried about me. That’s just how Oli is.”

“He thinks you’re stretching yourself too thin. And even though we don’t know each other well yet, I think he’s right. We hardly ever see you.”

I pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Her disapproving look didn’t go unnoticed.

“No, I’m not allowed to smoke in here, either,” I acknowledged, exhaling a puff of smoke. “Work’s been demanding, but it’s usually like that. It’s why our dad’s stepping down and I’m taking over. It keeps me busy.”

“Oli says you take on too much. He misses you, Ash. He wanted you to be his best man but hasn’t asked because he doesn’t want to add more to your plate.”

I blinked, the cigarette pausing midair. “I would gladly do it. He shouldn’t hesitate to ask me. I’d never be too busy for that.”

“He was going to ask you the day we met, but you spent the whole time on your phone. Then, at our housewarming party…” She trailed off, letting the implication hang.

Understanding hit me like a wave, followed by crushing guilt. I’d been too busy. The only time I’d made lately was for work—and Ethan.

“Shit,” I muttered. “I’m sorry.”

She chuckled softly. “I don’t want to sound like I’m scolding you—it’s not my place. But maybe you could talk to him? He’s been a little jealous of Henry.”

I smiled, though it didn’t quite reach my eyes. “That’s not new. Oli’s always felt a bit left out, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing—especially for you, considering why it happens,” I added.

She shrugged. “They have a lot of common ground. We see Henry all the time. I mean, Oli’s jealous that you mostly make time for him, like going on the boat tomorrow.”

A pang of guilt twisted in my gut.

“I’ll make time, Charlie. Thank you for telling me.” I stubbed the cigarette out in my glass.

“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 on your brother 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.