Page 102 of Ruthless Heir

Today I feel like shit and I shouldn't. I knew where Asher and I stood right from the get-go but I pushed and pushed and pushed and now I can't shake this feeling.

More than anything I can't seem to get his mystery woman out of my head.

And I still don’t know her name.

This isn't the first time I've known about Asher having a love interest. I grew up watching him with one girl after another, wishing I were one of them.

How sad is that? And really, can't I do better?

Is this how I want my life to be? Forever pining for my brother's best friend when he doesn't want me?

Except I keep remembering that first night weeks ago when it felt like hedidwant me. Before that night I didn’t have anything to hold on to. Asher and I had never gone that far.

I blamed the alcohol because it was easier, but I was within my limit. I think he was too but it doesn’t matter because we’re sticking to theplan.

I just don’t know what’s going to happen to me along the way. Things are already so much harder and I have another two months to go.

The door swings open, cutting into my thoughts.

Layla strolls in looking more refreshed than I’ve ever seen her. She pulls the white fluffy robe she’s wearing close and a relaxed smile floats across her face.

“Wow, you look reinvigorated,” I say, observing the soft glow in her skin and the looseness of her shoulders.

“I feel it.” She giggles and sits next to me, slouching against the wall. “Are you feeling any better?”

“I'm fine.”

“That sounds like the same kind of lie you told me earlier when you said you were okay. The only difference is you swapped out the word okay withfine.” She narrows her eyes and gives me a half smile. “Admittedly, that's why I thought you could use a spa break.”

“So we’re hereonlybecause of me?” I can’t hide my humor.

Layla laughs again and mischief sweeps over her face. “Not entirely. Let’s just say I needed a spa break too. We’re just lucky we have averycompassionate boss.”

“Asher knows we’re here?”

“Not entirely,” she repeats with another giggle. “He said we couldn't go shopping. However, he didn't say anything about the spa.”

“Oh my gosh.” I burst out laughing. “You really are a girl after my own heart.”

She raises her hands and flicks her palms over. “That’s exactly what I said about you.”

“Thank you for bringing me here.” Layla has been great and I find it easy to talk to her.

“No worries. Any chance you’ll tell me what's on your mind? It looks like serious shit.”

“It’s just some stuff.”

“Stuff to do with Asher?” She stares back at me, curiosity filling her eyes.

“Yeah. Stuff to do with him.”

Layla bites the inside of her lips. “I have a confession to make.”

“What is it?”

“I know about the arrangement you have with Asher.”

Oh no. God was it something I said?

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