Conrad’s eyes meet mine and a clear look of disdain and anger flash in them.
My stomach sinks as his cruel words from weeks ago about Asher marrying a suitable woman from a proper family slither through my mind. Only Asher and I know how much the dynamic of our relationship has changed. His immediate family suspects, but Asher hasn’t even divulged to them where his head is at. My insecurities about our relationship starting as a farce come flooding back, and I worry again about the future. What if Asher really does regret this one day?
“Why do you want me in a photo for posterity?” I whisper as he pulls me to his side. “What if things change? What if you change your mind one day?”
Asher gives me a stern look and his jaw ticks. “Enough of that. I want you by my side.”
“But—”
“Relax, baby,” Asher whispers in my ear as he pulls me closer. “Don’t overthink this.”
I shake my head and try push the insecurities away. But I can’t totally relax. This arrangement was supposed to be temporary, and even though things have evolved, I can’t help but be reminded that photos are forever.
I want to speak to Asher about it, but as soon as the photo is done, Asher takes my hand and turns us toward an elderly woman walking slowly, if a bit hunched, alongside Declan, who is holding onto her arm to assist her. She’s wearing a large sun hat, loads of jewelry, and a dated, but very expensive-looking dress.
“Grandmother, it’s so good to see you,” Asher says as Declan walks her to us. Asher bends down quite far to give her a kiss on her cheek. “This is my girlfriend, Ella,” he says, placing his hand on my lower back. “Ella, this is my grandmother, Jane Langford.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I say, smiling. But her face does not match mine. Her eyes narrow, and her lips thin.
“So, this is the common girl.” She eyes me up and downthen clucks her tongue. “No family of importance to speak of and no business alliances to bring to the table.”
Asher closes his eyes and sighs through gritted teeth. “No one cares about those things anymore, Grandma.”
Jane cackles. “Don’t play stupid, boy. It doesn’t suit you. And neither does fawning and simpering over a pretty girl. In our world, alliances and families are of the utmost importance. That hasn’t changed. Pretty girls like this are a distraction you should keep on the side.”
My eyes nearly pop out of my head.
“Grandmother,” Asher snaps. “I’ll not have you insulting Ella. She is an amazing woman, and I’m lucky to have her.”
His grandmother eyes me with a look of contempt. “Ha! You must be good in bed; I’ll give you that.”
“Grandma!” Declan groans.
A furious blush warms my cheeks and neck, and I’ve never been more grateful to have olive skin. If I had Maya’s creamy complexion, there would be no masking the embarrassment and shame I’m feeling.
Asher takes a long breath, as if searching for patience. “The world has changed, and old families are not all they once were. Ella brings many things to the table.”
“No money, no connections.”
“And what do I need those for?” he says in a forced calm. “I have more money than almost any person on this planet. And I have the power to connect to almost any person I want to. Any additional money or connections are superfluous.”
“There is no such word as superfluous for our kind of people.”
“I disagree.”
Harrington seems to sense trouble, because he hurriedly ends his conversation and walks toward us with purpose.
“Find a suitable girl, Asher. And if you can’t let this one go, keep her on the side. No one will care if you have a mistress.”
Now my mouth pops open, and I’m grasping at words. I want to tell her to fuck off, but she’s a little old lady and Asher’s grandmother, so I bite my tongue.
“That’s enough,” Asher says firmly.
“Mother,” Harrington says, grasping her shoulders and diffusing the tension. He starts to lead her toward the table. “It’s getting warm; let’s find you a seat before you get heated.”
I think my mouth is still bobbing open and closed like fish as I watch them walk away.
What the literal fuck was that?
