Ashton Scott

However, when she moves even closer to him and touches him again, I know her visit here today is all for Ashton. And when she speaks, I know every word of it is for me. “Ashton, Kendall and I are like family. You and I might not be as close as we once were, but your mother and I are closer than ever. She would want me to be here. Please let me come and wait with you for more news.”

He opens his mouth to reply, but his father joins us and says to Cassia, “Good, you’re here.”

Cassia steps away from Ashton and turns to his father. “I’m so sorry to hear about Kendall, Gregory. I was just saying to Ashton that I’ll stay with you all through this awful time. The Scotts are family to me.”

Gregory nods and indicates for Cassia to follow him. With a catty smile thrown my way, and a squeeze of Ashton’s hand, she goes with Gregory, leaving me staring after her feeling like everything just changed in the blink of an eye.

And that damn knot in my stomach has morphed into what feels like a million knots.

38

Ashton

“Why is Cassia here?” Alessandra asks a few hours after the doctor confirms that Mum is okay. They’re giving her stents, after which she’ll most likely be in hospital for a few days.

“I have no fucking clue,” I mutter, eyeing Cassia with my father. I’m more than surprised at their closeness. He left for a couple of hours and has just returned, and they’re huddled discussing something in hushed tones.

Alessandra exhales a long breath while crossing her legs and scrolling through emails on her phone. “I had no idea she was friendly with Mum and Dad. I’ve not seen her at their house, and Mum hasn’t mentioned anything except for the couple of times she said she wishes you two were still together. I didn’t take that to mean she’d welcomed Cassia with open arms.”

My thoughts drift off while she talks about this. I couldn’t care less about whatever they’ve got going on. What I do care about, besides Mum’s health, is Lorelei and the issues with her building. She’s just stepped out of the waiting room to take another call from one of her tenants. It’s the third call today, and with each one I’ve watched her become more stressed.

“Ashton, are you listening to me?” Alessandra smacks my arm while staring at me, demanding an answer to her question.

I shift in my chair, irritated. “Fuck, Aly. And no, I’m not listening to you because what’s the point in dwelling on Cassia and whatever she’s doing with Mum and Dad. It doesn’t affect us.”

Her eyebrows arch. “You’re kidding me, right? Cassia is known for manipulating people. Whatever she’s doing with them is because of you, so you should be paying attention.”

“Why? She can’t manipulate me into anything.”

She stares at me like I’ve grown another head. “For a smart man, you can be dumb when it comes to women. But luckily you’ve got me. I’ll pay attention for you.”

“I have no doubt,” I mutter.

She smacks me again but doesn’t say anything else on the matter.

My attention is drawn to Lorelei walking our way. I stand to meet her, noticing the worry in her eyes. “What’s happened, now?” I ask as I curl my hand around her waist. I’ve never been the kind of man to engage in public displays of affection, but with Lorelei, I can’t help myself. The need to touch her is too strong to resist.

She sighs. “My tenant is consulting with a lawyer about getting out of the lease. She’s had enough of all this graffiti and the break-ins. I don’t blame her, but the last thing I need right now is that shop empty. It’ll be a hard sell leasing it with all the stuff that’s been happening.”

She’s right. I make a mental note to have my guy look into it.

“Do the police have any new leads?”

She shakes her head. “No.” Her gaze shifts to my father for a moment before coming back to me. “I’m really sorry to do this to you, but I’m going to have to leave so I can go and try to sort this out.”

I pull her close and brush my lips over hers. “You go. I’ll call you later.”

Lorelei glances in Dad’s direction again, a strange look on her face, and then she nods. “Okay,” she says softly.

I frown. “What’s wrong?”

With a quick shake of her head, she says, “No, nothing. I’m just worried about you guys, that’s all.”

“We’re good. Don’t worry about us.”

She says goodbye to Alessandra and then leaves. I watch her go until I can’t see her anymore. It’s been a shit of a day, but having her by my side has made it bearable in a way I’ve never known before.

A hand on my arm draws my attention back to the moment, and I find Cassia looking up at me with concern. “Are you okay, Ashton? Your dad and I are worried that you’re not taking this very well.”