Page 64 of Ruthless Heir

The simple, sincere kiss sends a shiver through my hard exterior and is the most emotive thing I’ve felt in years. The last time I felt anything close was that night I rejected her. And back then she never even touched me.

Instinctively I reach out and cup the side of her face, allowing myself the few seconds to feel her. Feel her smooth silky skin beneath my fingertips.

Our eyes lock for a moment and I immerse myself in that moment, pretending that there is no Josh to worry about andshe’s not just my best friend’s sister, or even his little sister. She’s just Harper.

Zany Harper, who can sweep you out of this world with her musical talent one moment, then drive you batshit crazy with her insane antics the next.

“Good night, Asher.” Her voice breaks the spell and I drop my hand to my side, checking myself.

“Good night, Harper.” I drag in a slow breath, my gaze still riveted to hers.

She steps away, dipping her head, then I watch her go. I stare after her like always. Except this time I feel worse than ever, and numb.

Because I’m the one who’s stirring trouble.

I still want her.

I never stopped.

Chapter Thirteen

Harper

“Are you okay?” Beth asks, looking across at me.

We’ve just pulled up in the parking lot of the Dark Odyssey and my heart is heavier than lead.

Am I okay?

That’s a good question. I just don’t know how to truly answer it.

I guess the simple answer would be no. Because I’m far, far, far from okay. But there’s so much going on with me that I don’t know which parts are worse.

Being here at the Dark Odyssey about to start my first night at this job?

Or Asher?

I was grateful that he gave me the PR job. We also seemed to connect when I told him about my crazy good luck ritual—which I actually did to calm myself after I got a check-in call from one of Vito’s lackey’s. If only good luck were as simple as swimming around the sea at night. I’d be immersed in it every night.

Aside from that everything else Asher and I spoke about felt strange.

Hewas strange and I saw that confusing desire in his eyes again that caused conflict in my soul.

At one point when he touched me I almost thought he was going to kiss me. Then I realized how ridiculous that thought was and how ridiculousIwas.

He’s getting married. Which brings me to the main reason I felt he was acting strange.

He never told me his fiancée’s name or anything about her. He never mentioned a wedding date, even though it seemed like it was soonish when I heard him on the phone talking to Hunter. He also never spoke about any of the usual stuff people talk about when they’re getting married.

Maybe he didn’t want me to know. But that would be strange too.

“Let’s just go in,” I say, trying not to sound as despondent as I feel.

Beth is playing my support system. Like a mother taking her child to school on its first day. She’s going to see me off and make sure I’m okay then head home.

“Harper, you’re going to be fine.”

I nod slowly and force a smile. “Thanks for being here.”

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