Page 27 of Crave Me

I cleared my throat and stepped further into the store, making my footsteps known this time, using an exaggerated heavier step.

It had Asher shooting a look over his shoulder.

Surprise flickered in his eyes for a mere moment before he was able to school his expression back to the impassive, unreadable demeanor he was known for.

“Caspian.”

“Asher,” I returned evenly.

He took in my incognito look with my plain gray jeans and a dark hooded denim jacket, the hood still up and concealing my distinctive long hair that I’d pulled back into a ponytail. “Not here on business, I see.”

“This is personal.”

“Hmm.” He gestured to the jeweler. “Give us five.”

The guy nodded and did his bidding instantly, taking off into the back.

Asher pushed off the counter and regarded me studiously. “Why has something of a personal nature brought you to me? Or, to put it more bluntly, why have you used invasive and extremely violating methods to track me down here, rather than doing the obvious and coming to Hexwood House?”

He wasn’t incorrect about the violation.

To track him to this specific off-the wall place at this specific moment in time, ensuring he was alone as well, had been no easy task. It had required a great deal of manipulation and invasiveness.

“You are aware that the Infidels was never the source of my power?” he said with a noticeable edge. A very clear warning full of malice, with ill intent just a hair’s breadth away.

That was certainly the Asher Monroe I’d come to know by reputation.

However, the version of him that I needed was that which Caleb had managed to access.

The humanity beneath all the armor.

“I’m sure you’re having to emphasize that a great deal right now, considering the shifting landscape following your impressive accomplishment of a few weeks ago. However, you don’t need to do that with me. In fact, I will assist you with spreading the word. I am also a powerful ally who you may keep in your back pocket should the need arise down the road.”

He stared at me in that invasive way he was known for, trying to see into me.

All he would see was confirmation that I was speaking the truth, that I meant him no ill will.

While he was busy doing that, I explained, “I didn’t come to Hexwood House because I needed to approach you while you were alone. It’s my understanding that your significant others are adamant that you continue with your recovery and avoid situations that could complicate that.”

“And yet you’ve come to me believing you have the means to challenge that, the impetus to pull me back in?”

“I have, yes.”

He arched an eyebrow expectantly. “Well? You have my attention.”

“Caleb has been taken.”

His face fell.

He couldn’t school his reaction this time.

Pain and worry twisted his features.

Urgency spilled from him as he stepped closer and demanded, “Tell me everything.”

I gestured around the shop. “It’s a sensitive matter. Not here. Finish up and we’ll relocate to somewhere more conducive to entertaining a discussion of this nature.”

He gave a nod, then headed back to the counter, hurrying his business along.

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