Page 47 of Siren's Game

"Smile, Asher," I tell him with a small grin and narrow eyes. "You know that thing where you lift the corners of your mouth and don't glare?"

I snap a picture of the two of them and another one when Asher's face relaxes for a moment, as he seems to forget that he's angry.

Fuck him, though. If anyone here has a right to be angry, it's me. I'm still not over the first impression of his parents being me in sweaty workout clothes, probably with a beet red face and sweat running down my neck.

"Can I stealmygirlfriendfor a second?" Asher asks as soon as Josh takes his phone back from me and nods, deeming the pictures okay.

"Huh? Of course."

"You know, you could just ask the girlfriend,Honey," I say, crossing my arms in front of my chest and shooting him a glare.

"Ohhh, you're in trouble," Josh laughs and claps Asher's shoulder. "I'll pray for you." Then he turns to me. “Tell me where I can wait for you?”

“The cafeteria is just around that corner, then another left.” I point to where we were headed, and he gives me a thumbs up.

"Appreciate it," Asher grits out, and with a little wave over his shoulder and an amused grin towards me, Josh wanders off.

"What the fuck is he doing here?" Asher demands with a hiss as soon as he’s out of earshot and I roll my eyes at him.

"I told you Josh was coming and I'd be meeting with him,” I say defensively, then stop myself. Why the hell am I getting defensive about meeting Josh?

"I thought we said we're playing this as exclusive?" Asher asks, raising his eyebrow at me, a muscle in his jaw ticking.

I exhale a deep sigh and cross my arms in front of my chest.

"Did you see me climb him like a tree? The two of us making out?" Fury races through my veins and I force myself to take a deep breath and lower my voice. "I am perfectly capable of being friends with men."

"I don't care who you’re friends with, but I care what it looks like."

"Linking arms is the new kiss or what? So I couldn’t walk around linking arms with Millie is what you’re saying?" He takes a sharp breath and rolls his eyes, but I raise my chin defiantly. "You're overreacting, Asher. Let it go. I’ll link arms with whoever I damned please."

"I won't let it go," he spits and shifts his weight to his other leg.

"So, is that the only reason you had him go on ahead? Marking your territory?" I step closer, looking straight into his eyes as I dare him to answer.

"No,” he says more softly, his shoulders sagging. “That’s not the reason. Van wants us to go to a football game this weekend."

I groan and lay my head back. At least he’s changing the topic but there is nothing more boring I can imagine than having to watch a football game.

It's bad enough I'll have to do it for this charity match and fake my enthusiasm. I'm not exactly fighting for the chance to do it in my free time.

"Do I have to?" I push a strand of hair behind my ear, then pinch the bridge of my nose.

"Yes." A hint of amusement washes over his face when he sees my disdain. "We need to sell this whole thing and we can't do that by not being seen together in public."

"I mean we could,” I say but I know how ridiculous that sounds. We’re trying to fool the media after all. “Alright," I concede and rub a circle between my eyebrows. Fuck, I'm getting a headache. "How about you send me the details, while I continue to hang out with myfriend."

"Okay," he spits out. His jaw tenses again as he bites the inside of his cheek.

"Glad we’re on the same page," I can’t help but grit out and turn right around, walking back to Josh who has made himself comfortable at one of the tables, checking out everyone who enters through the door. I make a beeline to the buffet and get us some cake.

"Did your keeper give his permission?" he asks amusedly when I reach the table and I shoot him a glare as I sit down next to him the two plates, very seriously contemplating not sharing.

"Do I look like I need permission for anything?"

"You're right." He raises his arms defensively. "Sorry, sorry. Your new man is jealous as fuck."

"I mean, youaresomeone I've slept with." I shrug. If Asher were my actual boyfriend, I'd even understand his behavior. Jealousy would at least make sense.

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