Page 5 of Sweet Anarchy

Asher

"You're oddly calm."

I glance up from my phone at Zayn. We're sitting downstairs in my mancave, having some brotherly bonding time while Rylee is out with her friends.

Friends.

It's been a difficult concept for me to grasp. It took all of my willpower and control to get over the jealousy I had seeing Rylee with my brothers. But now I've had to face the ultimate test. I need to learn to trust Rylee. I mean, I do trust her. I trust her wholly. But I want her with me all the time, so I can protect her.

After the car accident, that instinct was greater than ever. But I can't smother her. A woman like Rylee needs to be free. She's not someone who can be owned or controlled. God knows I tried. I admit I've been difficult. But it's only because I love her so much.

I've come to realize that loving someone means letting them be themselves. And Rylee… she's always been a free spirit. Someone who does what she wants, when she wants.

So, when I decided to come up with this idea to arrange for her to see her friends, there was no surprise that Zayn and Blake were on board.

"How else am I supposed to be?" I grumble back at Zayn.

Blake peers up from his book, the three of us sitting almost in a circle on the couches.

"Like a psychotic mouse on acid," Blake mumbles to himself.

Zayn laughs and I resist the urge to throw something at him. I'll always be the temperamental brother to them.

I swallow, giving myself a brief moment before I answer. "Rylee's a grown woman. She can handle herself."

Zayn nods. "So, you're not jealous or freaking out at all?"

I scoff. "Nope."

Lie.

A huge fucking lie.

But I'll never admit to my brothers that they are correct. They can kiss my ass.

"You're full of shit," Blake says, putting his book down in his lap. "But points for trying."

"As if you're not feeling the same," I snap.

Blake shrugs. "You'd be surprised, Ash. I know you don't understand it, nor do you want to, but clubs are like family. And Rylee has been one of them for ages, whether you like it or not. They protect their own. She's safe with them." He pauses, raising an eyebrow. "Or is this about Chuck? You worried he's going to steal our girl?"

He says it so casually, like the thought doesn't bother him at all. I bet it does. Blake has always been a protective douche, the one who used to get me out of trouble or step in. He can't resist being the hero, even if he acts like he has a stick wedged in his asshole most of the time.

I snort. "I'm not worried. Rylee loves me."

Zayn taps his temple. "And she loves me. And Blake… and Chuck."

"Shut up!" I snap at him, annoyed that they are ganging up on me.

He laughs. "Don't stress, Ash. It will be fine. She'll be back."

I stand up, making my way over to the mini-fridge in the corner to grab a beer. "I know she will," I answer softly. "Then, I'm going to drag her to my bed so she remembers exactly who I am."

"Possessive shit," Blake murmurs under his breath.

I ignore him, grabbing a beer and walking back over to the couch. I've barely sat down when my phone starts ringing next to me. I glance at the screen, the unsaved number somewhat familiar.

"Are you going to answer that?" Blake asks, annoyed when I don't reach for it straight away.

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