Page 20 of Ashton

Like hell, I’m telling him what I’m about to do tomorrow. He’ll only try to stop me. I can only think of one thing.

“Girly things.”

He narrows his eyes, thinking for a second before letting me go. “I mean it when you want to talk.”

“I know. Thanks, Ash.”

“Just don’t do anything stupid because I’m afraid of what I might do.”

Crashing a meeting with the members isn’t stupid. I leave him standing by the bathroom and head into the kitchen. Edgar lets out an ear splitting squawk when he sees me. I guess I did ignore him earlier. I watch as he hobbles toward me, and I swear he glares at me.

I kneel, placing my hand out for him. “I’m sorry. You come first from now on.” He rubs his head into my hand, letting out a low kraa.

“When does his splint come off?” Atticus kneels next to me with his box of treats.

I grab a few and hold them out for Edgar to take. “I think it could come off this week. He seems to be doing much better and should be outside. I’ve grown accustomed to him being around everyday. It’ll be hard to see him leave.”Edgar quickly grabs a treat, swallowing it whole, pausing a moment before catching the last one.

“I think you’ll do wonderful without him. Besides, do you think he won’t visit you daily for treats?” He chuckles as Edgar hobbles to the jar, trying to get another treat.

Atticus wraps his hand around my hair, tugging it twice. I look up at him, and his face is all serious.

“I wanted to kill Cameron. Never be scared to tell me what is going on. I’ll never be upset with you. I need you to know that. I can tell you blame yourself for what happened. Cameron is a predator. He feeds on people’s fear, Jinx. I should’ve done more to him last time.”

Great. Everyone is blaming themselves.

“Atticus. It’s not your battle. It’s mine.”

“That you’re not fighting alone,” Ashton says from behind me.

I open my mouth, but Atticus jerks his head toward Ashton. A silent message is exchanged, and my heart skips a beat when Ashton scoops me up. A small scream spills from my mouth as I fly onto the couch.

“What the fuck?” I coughed out.

Ashton shrugs. “You needed a diversion.”

Atticus walks around the couch, stopping at my head. “You need to get out of that head.”

Ashton sits, lifting my legs into his lap, while Atticus lifts my head into his as he sits. Ashton grabs a foot, digging his thumb into a tender spot; my toes curl, and I groan. Atticus’ fingers curl into my hair, massaging my scalp. My head flops back as my body relaxes. This is a perfect distraction. My eyes slowly drift close.

My body jolts awake, and it takes my brain a while to figure out where I am. A pool of sweat lies around me in bed, and my heart is thrumming wildly. It was only a nightmare; I tell myself. I’m in my dorm, not in the office with Cameron and Liam. I grab my phone off the nightstand, checking the time—2 a.m.

I peel theblanket away and step out of bed. I move to the dresser, finding a pair of shorts and Atticus’s hoodie. Then, I moved to the bathroom. I’m surprised the guys didn’t fall asleep with me. I don’t even know if they are still here. I doubt they would leave me alone. The space is welcoming, I’ll admit. I just need them to keep it up until I go. Sneaking around isn’t my best attribute.

Turning on the shower, I twist around to grab a towel and jump when I notice Ashton leaning on the doorframe. His white-blond hair stands randomly, and my eyes drift down his chest, counting each ab. I’ve seen him shirtless before, but something about seeing him in his boxers does something to me. I’ve never seen Ashton like this before. He’s always been reserved.

“Little swan. Did you have a nightmare?”

I nod.

He pushes off the doorframe, enveloping me in his arms. His skin is warm against my cheek, and he still smells like chlorine from his last swim.

“Do you need another distraction?” he whispers into my ear. He moves his hands down my back, over my ass, with a firm squeeze to my thighs; he lifts me onto the counter.

Ashton runs his hands down my thighs to my knees, pushing my legs wide. I almost forgot how to breathe when he stepped in between them. He coils his finger around the hem of Atticus’ hoodie.

“I love my brother, but I hate him for letting you wear his clothes.” He pulls the hoodie over my head, leaving me exposed. “You would put Aphrodite to shame, Jinx.”

“Ashton,” I murmured, bowing my head.

---