Page 6 of Restorations

“Good. Because he needs you, but he does not need you trying to hurt his mom. Who he loves.”

“Jesus, Lols. I thought you would want me here.”

“I do.” She looks pained, and I feel like an asshole. “I’m so glad you’re here, but I love Viv too. And I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. This is her home too.”

“I won’t hurt her. She can just stay the fuck out of my way, and we’ll be fine. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Right. You’re living in the same house.”

I shrug. “She seems to be busy riding Sawyer’s dick these days. That and working for you and being a mom. There won’t be any time for me to torment her.”

“Asher.” My name is a cool warning coming from my big sister.

I hold up my hands in surrender. “I won’t do anything.”

“Good.” She hugs me with her free hand and then releases me, taking a drink of coffee. “I really am glad you’re here. Do you need anything?”

“Nope. I’m all set.”

She smiles, taking another drink of her coffee. “Well, my house is yours. And Viv’s. And Baz’s. Make yourself at home and be good.”

“I’m always good.”

She rolls her eyes and walks up the stairs.

I meant what I said.

I’m here to spend time with Baz, not to torture Viv. Of course, if that happens . . . that’s just a bonus.

3

VIVIENNE

Okay, I can handle this. I will handle this.

There was a time when, I admit, I was weak. I knew nothing about the world. I was young and inexperienced. I got in over my head, and I let things get out of control. I let Asher Sterling be my weakness in the past, but never again.

I’m stronger now. I’ve learned a lot about myself in the past year. I don’t have to do the right thing according to anyone else. I need to do what feels right tome.

I take a deep breath, leaving Baz to play with Hayden and Lola in the living room as I walk back toward the room Asher is staying in.

You can do this.

He cannot make you weak unless you let him.

I raise my hand and knock quietly on his door, half hoping he doesn’t answer. Of course, he does though. He pulls the door open and stands in the doorway, his eyes dark and narrowed on me. “What?”

He really does hate me. I try not to let that slice through me and stand as tall as I can. “Can we please talk?”

“Talk about what?”

“There was a time we were friends. We were incredibly close.”

He doesn’t smile. He doesn’t smirk. He rolls his eyes and scoffs coldly. “It’s impossible not to be close with my cock inside your?—”

I quickly hold up a hand and cut him off. “Stop. You know what I mean.”

“No. It was just fucking for me.” He says it so casually, and I hate his words and how cold he’s become.

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