I heard Rowan’s voice in the background, shouting. I didn’t catch all his words, but enough to know he was making himself seem to be the abused, innocent party. Fury bubbled up inside of me. I glanced over at my woman. She heard what was said. Her response was to nod and mouth,Let him up.
“Give me five minutes, then send him up. Tell him to stop with the theatrics, or I won’t see him and the cops will be called,” I instructed.
“Yes, sir. Right away,” was the response.
“And I’m sorry for snapping your head off. It was due to Rowan, not you,” I added.
“Thank you, Mr. Caldwell.” The relief was evident in his voice.
Hanging up, I went to the bathroom. Anastasia got off the bed and followed me.
“I’ll deal with him. You can stay in bed or do whatever you want,” I stated as I combed my hair and grabbed a washcloth to clean myself.
Anastasia said nothing. She brushed her teeth and hair as I cleaned, and then we traded off. I hated that she wiped across the areas where my cum was. Next, I threw on shorts and a T-shirt. She did the same. The surprise came when I kissed her, then headed for the bedroom door because time was almost up and Rowan would be here any second. Instead of staying in the bedroom, Anastasia took my hand and went with me.
“I want to be there, if that’s okay. We’re a couple. Solidarity. You stand by me when my family acts ignorantly. I want to do the same for you,” my woman informed me.
Warmth from the sensation of being supported and loved filled me. I brought up our clasped hands and kissed her knuckles.
“I’d love nothing more.”
Our timing was spot on. We got to the front door and stood waiting for the knock. That came thirty seconds later. I disarmed the alarm, unlocked the door, and then opened it. Rowan stood there with a mutinous expression. His hair was disheveled and his clothes slightly wrinkled, as if he’d slept in them. His eyes narrowed when he noted Anastasia was with me.
“We need to talk,privately,” he said, marching into my home.
I allowed him entry. I would allow him to hang himself. This time would be the last. Instead of saying anything, I waved my hand toward the living room. He traipsed over and dropped onto my favorite chair. I closed and locked the door before steering Anastasia over to the sofa to take a seat with me.
“She’s not invited,” Ro snapped.
“This is my fucking home, not yours, Ro. Anastasia stays, or you can just turn around and walk your bitch ass right out that door. She has more right to be here than you do. Try me,” I threatened.
His face flushed redder, but he didn’t push.
“Reign, we need to talk. I’ve waited to allow you time to cool off and realize that you made a mistake. I’m worried about you. You’re making wild decisions professionally and personally. You had me fired, Reign. I’m your brother. Family before all else, man.”
He paused to glance at Anastasia before he continued.
“Since you met her, your attitude has changed. I don’t know what she’s saying or doing, but she’s destroying our family. The old Reign wouldn’t fire me, kick me out of his life, and declare he was leaving his business and other wealth to some woman he barely knows. Please, brother, get rid of her before she ruins everything,” he pleaded.
Before I could respond, Rowan kept speaking.
“Reign, rehire me. Give me more responsibility so I can prove to you I can handle it. Regardless of whether you ever settle down with someone for good, they’ll need guidance. It should be me. Family helps family.”
The audacity of Rowan still struck me. I swear, he lived in his own world. Before I could respond, Anastasia snorted and spoke.
“Wow, we both sure have winners when it comes to family, don’t we?” She directed it at me.
Rowan’s face darkened, and he scowled before he snapped at her.
“No one asked for your opinion. Just because my brother is allowing you to ride his dick at the moment doesn’t make you special. He has women do that all the time. You’ll be gone by next week.” He ran his gaze up and down her body, half-leering.
I started to rise but halted when she placed her hand on my arm and tugged. I eased back, but made sure I shot daggers at Rowan.
“Wow, I guess then moving in with you is off the table next week. Good thing I didn’t pack.” Anastasia said to me.
She pretended Rowan wasn’t here. Her statement made my brother sit up and pay attention.
“Tell me she’s joking. You’re not moving her in here, are you? Come on, Reign, you’ll never get rid of her if you do that.” He said, sounding almost hysterical.
