Page 8 of Ashton

How did I end up with a bunch of men in my life again?

Chapter four

Ashton

The door barely closes, and Atticus is already up and storming around Jinx’s small living room. The poor bird keeps watching him every time he passes his box, and I swear he’ll end up getting whiplash. I’m getting amusement out of this entire situation. Atticus needs to learn to let go of control. He isn’t always in control, especially when it comes to her.

That’s the one thing about my brother that drives me up the wall. The need for control, and I know the thought of a stalker out there still kills him. I told him already that finding the prick would take time. Then again, Ace listens to no one.

“How long does it take to drop ass wipe off?” he snaps at me.

“Hey, fuck you. I thought you were trying to be a nice guy. What happened to that?”

He waves me off. “That’s only when Jinx is around. Besides, you already know I’m an asshole. Why sugarcoat it?”

I relax on the couch, resting my head on the back cushion. My eyes slowly droop close. I shouldn’t be this tired; the stupid swim practices are kicking my ass. It doesn’t help that my head hurts somewhat from being smashed into the side of the pool.

Ace digs his fingers into my shoulder. “Head hurting?”

“A little. I’ll be fine.”

“We’ll figure out who did this, and we still need to deal with Liam. I’m not done tormenting Cameron, either. I won’t be until he’s groveling at my feet.” His voice had a savage edge.

I keep my eyes closed, bringing my hand up to his and squeezing it. “Thanks, brother.”

I’m jolted awake when the door slams closed. I blink a few times, trying to find my bearings, when I realize I’m still in Jinx’splace. Maddox now takes the position of pacing the room. Rubbing my face, I try to wake up; that’s one thing I hate about naps is they mess with your inner clock.

“Maddox, what’s going on?” I mumble. Watching him closely; even Ace does, too. My eyes follow Maddox across the room, waiting for him to answer.

Maddox lets out a frustrated groan, running his hands through his hair. “Spencer’s place gave me flashbacks to my parent’s house. It was a mess, and I know he isn’t always like that, but my mind couldn’t look past that. I had to leave before I mentally broke down in front of Jinx and Spencer.”

“Do you need anything?” Atticus asks cautiously.

I dig into my pocket, pulling out a joint. “You can smoke it in the laundry room. Go relax for a minute before Jinx comes back. I take it that’s why you came back alone?”

He walks closer to me, plucking the joint from my hands. “I had to. It was that, or do something stupid.”

“How about you two go smoke, and I’ll wait for Jinx downstairs. I don’t want her walking back alone, anyway.” Atticus suggests.

I shrug, getting up. I’m always up for smoking; besides, it may help Maddox with whatever is going through his head. I’ve been in the depths of the mind, and it’s hard to get out. Once that dark hole grabs you, it can take all your willpower to fight for your life. Even now, it’s a fight not to return.

We don’t talk until we reach the laundry room. Thankfully, it’s empty. Lighting up the joint, I quickly take a puff before passing it to Maddox.

“Wanna talk about it?”

He exhales a cloud of smoke, and his shoulders sink. “Ash, the demons are banging at the door, and I’m not sure I can hold them back anymore. Jinx found my room a disaster after I went on a bender. She never said I disappointed her, but how could you not be? Then, to have her find me in the bathroom. I can’t be the guy she needs right now.”

“So, what’s your plan? Ditch out?”

He walks around the small laundry room, taking another puff, swinging to look at me, smoke curling from his lips. “What do you want from me?”

I storm closer to him, snatching the joint from his fingers. “I want you to man up and own your shit. Talk to Jinx. You know she won’t judge you. She’s not like that.” I watched as he struggled to keep the tears at bay. “Maddox, she won’t leave you,” I spoke gently this time.

“What if she does? She did before.”

I pull him close, crushing my arms around him. His body shakes as mine breaks for him. No matter how often I tell him he’s good enough or no one will leave him, he’ll never believe me. The demons refuse to leave him alone. I’m afraid that one day they’ll win. I was lucky. Atticus saved me when I hit rock bottom after that night.

“Come on, let’s get you back upstairs. I think you should stay with Jinx tonight,” I say, steering him toward the door.

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