Page 31 of Asher

It takes me a moment to realize what he means. “Yes. Andrew Turner.”

Asher blinks uncomprehendingly twice, and then his eyes widen. “He’s in Grandmother’s gallery. She’s not very fond of him.”

“The story I heard was that she tried to kill him.”

Our eyes meet. Do we want our wedding to be the site of a rematch? Admittedly, it would be wonderful entertainment. But the bill to clean blood out of my aunt’s carpet probably isn’t worth it.

“I’ll talk to her and see how difficult it would make things,” Asher says, wincing slightly. Every time he’s talked to her about the wedding lately, it’s been to give bad news.

“Tell her how much I loved her idea to use winter foliage instead of flowers for decoration,” I offer. I’ve already told her that, but it can’t hurt to mention it again. “You can say I gushed, if you want.”

His grateful look is worth any amount of gushing I might have to do, and as our server glides over with our next course, I find myself thinking how much I’m looking forward to observing our wedding guests. Asher’s family and mine, plus a few random friends thrown in for contrast.

It’s going to be the party to end all parties.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Asher

The day has come.

Today I’m marrying Garrett, and I can’t seem to stay still. Pacing doesn’t really help with nerves. Whoever decided it does was deluded. Yes, it helps to spend nervous energy, but since it does nothing about the cause of the nerves, you’re just left walking back and forth in a line like an idiot indefinitely.

Like I am now.

I don’t know why I’m so nervous. After all, this is really just the contract signing on another business negotiation… and it’s not even one that’s been difficult. Garrett and I are both wholly committed to moving forward with this. It suits and benefits us both. All the prenuptial contracts have been agreed on and signed—our legal arrangement is already in play. This is just the icing, a show for our families.

So why am I behaving as though I fear being left at the altar?

Micah and Zac watch me, their eyes tracking back and forth as though they’re at a tennis match. Neither of them has said a word about my nerves, which is unusual for us. I know what’s holding them back—it’s been a month since the drama over their loose lips, and they don’t want to risk making me mad again.

Dammit.

“It’s fine,” I snap. “I forgave you. You were idiots, but that’s nothing new. It’s over now, Garrett’s over it, so it’s in the past.”

They both stare at me.

“Are you sure?” Zac asks. “Really, really sure?”

“Yes. I’ve told you that before.”

“Thank you.” Micah speaks quietly as he stands. “We’ll always regret that we made him feel bad, Asher. And made you feel bad.”

Aw. My family loves me. “I know.”

He nods. “Good.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Zac asks. “Are there ants crawling up your legs? You haven’t been this fidgety since we were children.”

Ahhh, there it is. Something in my chest relaxes. “I’m getting married, you doofus. I’m supposed to be fidgety.”

Micah snorts. “He’s nervous, Zac. Try to understand. He’s finally found an attractive, intelligent person willing to marry him, and he’s terrified Garrett will realize Asher’s punching above his weight and run away.”

Zac smiles slyly. “I bet that’s where Gideon is. Garrett’s run away, and the lucifer’s sent his people to try to find him.”

Panic seizes me. I didn’t give any real weight to the idea that Garrett might back out, but Gideonwassupposed to be here an hour ago, and the whole scenario is plausible. What if—

The door to the sitting room we’re waiting in opens, and Gideon strides in, frowning fiercely, even for a demon.

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