Page 90 of Restrictions

She nods her head slowly, being cautious. “I love all my brothers.” Her eyes full of pain and regret meet mine. “But I let them down. I was so lost in my own world that I didn’t see all of them drowning. Not just Colt.”

When she says Colt’s name it’s a strangled whisper, the pain cutting deep. “You were so young.”

“Not that young. And I saw it all. I just didn’t stop it. So now, I'm trying my best when I see one of them drowning... going under...” Her eyes close momentarily, and then she opens them. “I’m going to do my best to pull them up. And that includes you and Penelope because whether either of you like it or not,... I’m your sister now too.”

I stare into her gaze, and I know how much she means it. “Thank you.”

I hate that I have to talk to Asher about this. That I broke the promise I made.

I fell for him, and there’s no way we’re coming back from this unscathed.

39

ASHER

The rest of the trip was uneventful. More going through the motions bullshit that my family is fucking phenomenal at. Because we’re all dead inside—every single one of us. Even if they plaster a smile on their faces. Even if Lincoln and Penelope are doing their best to appear happy.

None of us are.

And they’ll never convince me otherwise.

Vivienne was quiet for the rest of the trip, soaking in the utter shitshow that is the Sterlings, I suppose.

It’s late when we get back to the house, and Baz is fast asleep when we climb out of the Uber. I carry him up to his bed and lay him down, the little guy barely moving as I tuck him in.

Viv lays a kiss to his temple, and we exit his room. Her eyes meet mine in the dim hallway, only lit by the moonlight filtering in from the window at the end of the hall. “Goodnight, Asher.”

I study her, slightly disappointed she isn’t coming with me, but I don’t allow myself to show any vulnerability.

“Goodnight, Viv.”

She turns and starts toward her bedroom, and my entire soul is yearning to go after her.

I scrub a hand over my face and try to talk myself out of doing that.

Don’t follow her.

Do not be her little bitch boy.

That’s not you.

I see her bedroom light turn on with the flick of her hand as she disappears inside.

Ah, fuck it.

I follow her into her room and close the door behind me, making sure to push the lock in. She turns to me, standing by her dresser, and it almost infuriates me how incredibly beautiful she is. “Asher.” Her voice seems strange. “I’m tired.”

I move near her, a smirk playing on my lips. “I don’t mind doing all the work.”

Her bottom lip folds under her teeth, and I feel victorious, knowing she wants me as bad as I want her. My body stalks hers, pressing flush against her as she faces the mirror above the dresser, her hands planted firmly on the oak top.

My mouth nuzzles her neck, my tongue darting out to get just a small taste, wanting every bit of her. Craving her.

“Asher . . .”

It’s a plea from her lips, but I don’t think she’s begging for what I want her to be asking from me. She spins around, now in my cage as I place a hand on each side of her.

“What is it?”

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