Page 102 of Fractured Fear

“Sweet dreams, Wolf!” Rio calls after me.

Ignoring him, I finally leave Spencer's intoxicating scent behind. I’ll be able to think more clearly without her near.

My shoulders droop from exhaustion as I stroll to my Camaro. I’m not looking forward to the long drive home. I’m only stopping there to pick up supplies before I head out again.

I told Rio and Z that I was going to get some sleep, but I never said where I’d be sleeping.

CHAPTER 40

SPENCER

Being confused as to how I got in bed is not an experience I want to repeat. The last thing I remember is finger banging myself in front of the man that makes me want to punch things while he came all over my chest. It was the single hottest moment of my life, but he doesn’t need to know that. In fact, I would prefer it if he never found out.

But the real question is, how did I get a shirt and panties on?

I have chosen to ignore that question and pretend it never existed, because like Asher said, “it’s still complicated,” therefore I see no reason in mentioning that last night happened.

Today is a gallery day, so I got dressed in my usual work get-up. I begrudgingly took a little extra time with my makeup and hair this morning, but that’s only because Zane turned off my alarm and I missed out on my morning run,again.

My sour mood was quickly remedied when I left the bathroom and the sweet aroma of waffles, bacon, and eggs filled my nose. Rio had run out for breakfast, and Zane ran downstairs and got my favorite coffee. For a few minutes I allowed myself to envision my life if I stayed. If Anthony didn’t exist. Rio, Zane, and I would live happily here, eat meals together, never cook,and have movie nights. I have more space in this apartment than I know what to do with, or maybe we’d buy a house outside the city and commute to work together every day.

Would Asher live with us? Would he want to?

As quickly as the picture appeared, it vanished. It’s a fairytale, just a dream, not real.

Now I’m in the real world with Iris going over numbers, marketing strategies, and emails from artists who want to display their work. All the while Asher sits in a chair with his arms folded, looking even more grumpy than yesterday. Why he’s grumpy in the first place, I have no idea. It’s not like he didn’t enjoy himself last night.

I sigh and remind myself that I’m not responsible for his mood. I can’t control how he feels. That is his choice.

My day can’t get any worse.

Famous last words. The universe loves proving me wrong, a fact that I’m reminded of when Lance walks in.

He’s dressed to impress. Well, I assume he believes his outfit would impress someone, but that someone isn’t me. It’s also not Iris, judging by her muffled laugh. He’s wearing a beige suit with an ivory shirt, the top few buttons undone, leaving all of our eyes with an awful view of his hairless chest. He has a fresh spray tan and his nails are perfectly manicured. In his hands he has a large bouquet of pink roses.

“Hello, Spencer. Don’t you look lovely today!” The way my skin crawls is impossible to ignore.

“Hi, Lance. What can I do for you?” Asher perks up at my reply.

“Some lovely flowers for a lovely woman.” Lance hands over the obscenely large bundle. It’s so tall, I can barely see over the top. Little does Lance know, I’m not a fan of roses.

“Ew. Don’t ever say that again,” Iris says.

Lance turns his nose up at Iris. “They’re not for you, so your input is not needed here. Run along.”

I drop the bouquet on the desk and glare at him. “Do not speak to her that way.”

“I think it’s time you leave, Lance Richards.” Lance’s shoulders tense at Asher’s gruff tone. I don’t know how I missed Asher standing right behind Lance.

“And who are you?”

“I’m Ms. Gray’s bodyguard.” Asher shoots me a grin.

“It’s fine, Asher. I’m sure Lance was just going to have a quick look around and then be on his way,” Lance narrows his eyes at Asher and walks to a painting on the back wall. “Lance is harmless.”

“I don’t like him.” His words are for me, but his stare doesn’t leave Lance.

“I’m with Viking Hottie on this,” Iris adds.

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