I crawl back into bed, pulling the covers up over me as I fight another yawn. Scrubbing my hands down my face, I scratch my fingers through the thick growth on my chin. “Does your father own this place?” I ask, needing to break up the tense silence. I get the sense my friends are tiptoeing around me, unsure what to say or do, and I hate it.
I just want things to go back to normal.
Whatevernormalis now.
Jase shakes his head. “Friends of the family own it. Try not to worry. You’re safe here.”
I jerk my chin up at that. “Do Ineedto worry? What’s going on, Jase?”
Dragging his hands through his hair, he sighs, and it’s a tormented, exhausted sound. “I can’t tell you not to worry, but wewillkeep you safe.”
“What are you and Ash mixed up in?” I ask as the sound of running water filling the tub filters into the room.
“I would rather have this conversation with Ash, and truthfully, there isn’t much we are permitted to say.”
That is as close as my buddy has come to telling me he’s mixed up in some crazy insanity. I probably would have let it go. Like the other times when Jase was vague or dismissive, but after the shit that sick bitch divulged, there is no way I’m letting it go.
Whether I like it or not, I’m involved now, and I’m not shying away from it.
But I’ll park it for the moment. I want to speak to both of them about it.
“I want her back,” I say, changing the direction of the conversation.
“I know.”
“Be honest. Do I stand any chance with her?”
There’s a pregnant pause. “This isn’t a conversation you should be having with me. You need to talk to Ash.”
“Come on, man. I’m not asking you to betray her confidence. Just give me something.”
“She came with us to rescue you, and you watched what she did to that twisted bitch. She’s in there running you a bath, and she’s been pacing this floor for hours watching you sleep with fear in her eyes. What does that tell you?”
“I know she still cares, Jase. The same way I still care. You don’t just switch off feelings overnight. But that’s not the same as her being able to forgive me for the horrible things I’ve done. You haven’t exactly been Prince Charming, but you guys seem to be okay.”
“We’re together again,” he confirms before averting his eyes. Briefly, I wonder where that leaves Ares. But I push that thought from my mind. I don’t want to think about him now.
“That’s good.” I mean it. “I’m glad she has you. That you were there for her when I couldn’t be. I’m just hoping I get the same chance. I know our situations are different, but do you think she’s open to trying?”
He drags a hand through his hair again. “I can’t get involved, Chad. It’s between you and Ash. It’s not for me to decide if you can forgive one another. That’s got nothing to do with me.”
“What’s got nothing to do with you?” Ash steps into the room and looks at Jase. “The bath is ready,” she adds, swinging her gaze to me while she dries her hands with a small white towel.
My eyes are drawn to the sparkling diamond on her ring finger. My breath stutters in my chest as my eyes lock on what is clearly an engagement ring. “You’re engaged?” I splutter, looking between them, because the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. I’m presently indifferent to Ares, but that would all change if I find out that ring on her finger was put there by him.
“Yes.” Ash tucks her hair behind one ear in an obvious nervous tell. “We’re getting married on Thursday.”
My eyes pop wide, and my tone carries my considerable disbelief. “ThisThursday?”
“Yeah.” Jase stands, moving over to Ash and pulling her into his side. He presses a kiss to the top of her hair while studiously avoiding eye contact with me. What’s that all about?
There is more to this than meets the eye, but I’ll have my bath, eat, and then pepper them with questions. A maelstrom of emotions twists and turns inside me, but I’m not ready to confront them yet. And I won’t make things difficult for them either. It is what it is. I had my chance—when Ash’s mom asked me to marry her—and I blew it.
I understand it better now.
I sensed Pamela was desperate that day, and I should have just agreed. Who the fuck cares about money? It’s what Ash has been trying to tell me all along, and I’m an idiot because I couldn’t see it.
I can’t get mad at Jase for doing what I failed to do. If this is about Ash’s protection, then I won’t fault my buddy or raise any selfish concerns.
