“Yes.”
The word lands like a punch.
Liam’s entire body goes rigid. “Are you out of yourmind?” His voice jumps an octave, the fury coming fast now.
“Liam—” I start, but he’s already on his feet, looming over Ash.
“You’re myfriend, Ash. I’ve known you foryears. And you think it’s okay to get into bed with my sister?” His voice echoes off the walls, every word dripping with disbelief and betrayal.
Ash stays still, shoulders squared, but I see the muscle ticking in his jaw. “I’m not going to apologize for having a connection with her.”
“Connection?” Liam’s laugh is humorless, sharp. “You don’t doconnection. You do flings. You do a few weeks of fun before you get bored and move on to the next pretty face.” He jabs a finger toward Ash’s chest. “But this isn’t some random girl you met at a party—this isOlive.”
Ash’s voice drops low, controlled, but I can feel the steel in it. “Don’t you think it’s Olive’s choice whether to start something with me? She’s a grown woman. It’s time you treat her like one.”
Liam shakes his head like he’s trying to process the words, his breathing fast. “No. No, you’ve crossed a line. A big one. You should’ve come to me. Olive isn’t this kind of girl. She cares about people. She is writing a goddamn romance novel, for heaven’s sake. Don’t you think she might have other expectations than one of your model flings? You should’ve saidsomething—” He cuts himself off, scrubbing a hand over his face, like he’s trying to rein in the anger boiling under his skin.
The air between them crackles, heavy and hot.
Liam takes a step forward, his chest brushing Ash’s. “You think I’d just sit back and watch while you—” He breaks off, the muscles in his neck straining. “You’re sleeping with my sister. And you’re standing here acting like you’reowedmy blessing?”
Ash doesn’t move, doesn’t blink. “I’m not asking for your blessing, Liam. I’m telling you how it is.”
“Wrong answer,” Liam snaps, and now they’re so close I can feel the heat radiating off both of them.
The words between them are sharp enough to cut, and I can feel it coming before it happens.
“Liam—” I start, but it’s too late.
Ash opens his mouth—probably to make some cool, controlled comeback—and Liam’s fist connects with his cheekbone in a clean, brutal arc. The sound is sickeningly solid, and Ash staggers back into the arm of the couch, one hand flying to his face.
“Jesus—” Ash hisses through his teeth, blinking fast like he’s trying to clear stars from his vision.
My gasp feels too loud in the stillness. “Liam!”
He’s breathing hard, shoulders rising and falling, eyes still blazing. But he barrels on. “You break her heart, and I swear to God—”
Ash cuts him off, voice low, dangerous. “I’m not going to.”
Liam’s fists clench at his sides. “You can’t promise that. No one can promise that.”
Ash’s shoulders are tight, his stance unyielding. “Then you’ll just have to trust me.”
Liam’s face hardens, and he takes another step into Ash’s space. “I don’t.” Liam’s eyes are still locked on Ash over my shoulder. “You think I’m overreacting? Fine. But I’ve known you for years, Ash, and I know your track record. You’re not the guy who sticks around.” And with that, he turns and storms out, the door slamming so hard the frame rattles.
For a beat, all I can hear is the rush of my own pulse.
Ash lowers his hand, and I see the already-darkening bruise blooming under his left eye. “Well,” he mutters, wincing, “that went well.”
I drop to my knees in front of him, my hands cupping his jaw, tilting his face toward the light. “Hold still.” My voice shakes. “God, Ash, he—”
“It’s fine, Hart.” He tries for a smirk, but it’s half-hearted. “I’ve taken worse hits.”
“Not from my brother.” I grab the nearest dish towel from the kitchen counter, wrap some ice in it, and press it gently to his cheek.
He winces, sucking in a sharp breath. “Careful. My face is my moneymaker.”
The smirk slips, and for just a heartbeat, something raw flickers in his eyes—something that scares me more than the bruise. Maybe regret?
