Page 35 of Where the Stars Heal

“That’s… That’s okay.” I stumble over my words. “Happy to help.”

Waving at the little girl, I turn and head back toward the counter, feeling a mix of emotions spinning inside me. I wish I could hold onto that same hope and excitement.

As I go to pay for my new supplies, Asher suddenly steps in, handing over his card before I can reach for mine.Frustration boils inside me, and I grab the bag, storming out without a word.

Walking back to his truck, my phone vibrates in my back pocket, but I ignore it, too angry to care. Not only did he get mad at me for something he told me to do, but he ran away and shut me out. Then he has the nerve to go all protective over me, acting like my bodyguard, following me around, and paying for everything like I’m a charity case. I scoff. I have savings from my old job. I’m not broke. And despite having nowhere to go and needing to stay at Hunter’s, I refuse to be treated like a charity case.

My phone vibrates again, and I groan, stopping on the side of the street. Pulling it out of my back pocket, I glance back and notice Asher is doing the same behind me.

WHISKEY CREW

Lights up on my screen with two new messages.

Hunter: Asher you better be looking after my sister.

Connor: I’m sure he’s looking after her just fine, hey Ash

Rolling my eyes at my phone, I look up to find Asher smirking at his. Heat instantly starts to creep its way up my neck when I realize he’s a part of this group text, too. Why do people like these things? Isn’t it easier, better, to text just one person? Why does everyone need to know everything? My phone vibrates again, pulling my attention back to the screen.

Asher: Hunt, did you know your sister doesn’t know the words thank and you?

My eyes fly to his and I growl out, “Are you fucking kidding me?”

I shove my phone back into my pocket, ignoring it, and glare at Asher. Is he actually serious right now? I raise an eyebrow in his direction, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Finally,” he yells, storming closer to me, “there she is.”

Asher stands right in front of me, his body tight and his eyes challenging me. Seriously, what the hell is happening right now? I glance away from him, confusion pounding my head.

“No, Halle,” he snaps his voice firm, “you’ve been inside your head all day. Wanting to ask me questions, wanting to yell at me for how I treated you back at my place.”

He gently places his thumb under my chin, causing a shiver to roll down my spine from his touch, guiding my face to meet his gaze.

“I’m sorry, okay? But you need to know that you are strong enough to stand up for yourself, to stand up against someone’s shitty behavior.”

He’s kidding, right? I stare into his eyes and see nothing but sincerity. He’s not kidding at all.

“Come on, sweetheart,” he says, “let’s go get food before we head back.”

“I’m not your sweetheart.” My eyes narrow on him, shooting daggers his way.

He chuckles under his breath and smirks, taking my hand before pulling me down the street.

16

SHE’S BECOMING MY ADDICTION

ASHER

My world hasn’t felt this alive and colorful in years. Halle has a way of pulling me out of the dark and making me feel like life could be better, could befunagain.

“What the hell is your problem?” she snaps, her sharp tone cutting through my thoughts.

I stare at her from across the table, fighting a grin that’s pulling at my lips. Her arms are crossed over her chest, pushing her tits up as she leans back in her chair, glaring at me. Those sad gray eyes turn a fierce blue, and her lips are pursed in annoyance, waiting for me to answer her, but I can’t help but stare. She’s fucking sexy when she’s this worked up. She’s doing things to me, things I can’t even begin to describe.

Picking up my burger, I take a huge bite and grin. I have to give this town credit—the diner here makes one hell of a burger and milkshake. Leaning forward, I push Halle’s plate toward her.

“Eat first, and then I’ll talk,” I say around a mouthful.

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