Page 27 of Defending What's Mine

I can feel my stomach drop. I glance at my mother, who’s already shaking her head politely. “Nancy, as much as we appreciate the idea, Charlotte and Asher have their own plans. Isn’t that right, darling?”

“Yes,” I say quickly, forcing a smile. “We’re taking our time. We want everything to be perfect.”

“Hmm,” Nancy says, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Well, don’t wait too long, dear. You wouldn’t want people to start speculating.”

There’s an edge to her words, a subtle warning that sends a chill down my spine. I glance at Melanie, who’s watching the exchange like it’s a tennis match, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“Well, this has been lovely,” my mother says, looping her arm through mine and steering me toward the entrance. “But thegirls really must be getting inside. They’ve had such a busy morning. And with the horse incident this morning, I’m sure Char is exhausted.”

“Of course,” Nancy says, her smile never faltering. “I’m glad you’re okay, dear. We’ll talk more later.”

I nod, my heart racing as my mother practically drags me through the doors. Once we’re out of earshot, she turns to me, her expression serious.

“Be careful,” she says quietly. “Nancy is... persistent. If she senses something’s off, she’ll pounce.”

“I know,” I say, my voice shaking slightly. “Thank you for stepping in.”

She squeezes my arm, her gaze softening. “Just keep your story straight, and don’t let her rattle you.”

I nod, but the unease lingers. Nancy’s questions weren’t just idle curiosity. She’s fishing for something, and I have a sinking feeling that she won’t stop until she gets it.

As we head back to the suite, Melanie finally speaks up. “Well, that was... intense.”

“You’re telling me,” I mutter, dropping my bags on the bed.

Melanie flops onto the armchair, crossing her legs. “So, what’s her deal? She seemed... off.”

“She’s always like that,” I say, but even as the words leave my mouth, I know it’s not entirely true. Nancy isn’t just nosy—she’s suspicious. And I need to figure out why before this whole charade comes crashing down.

13

Asher

I push open the door to the suite, expecting quiet. Instead, I walk into chaos.

Melanie is perched on the bed, a wicked grin plastered across her face, while Charlotte is standing near the closet, her cheeks flaming red. There’s tension in the air, and I instantly know I’ve walked in on something.

“Hey,” I say cautiously, letting the door click shut behind me. “What’s going on?”

Melanie swivels toward me, her eyes lighting up like she’s just been handed a golden opportunity. “Perfect timing, Asher. I want to show you what Charlotte bought.”

Charlotte groans, burying her face in her hands. “Melanie, don’t.”

“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad,” Melanie says, reaching into one of the shopping bags and pulling out?—

Oh. Hell.

It’s lingerie. And not just any lingerie. It’s black, lacy, and so barely-there that it’s more suggestion than clothing. Melanie holds it up like she’s showing off a prize catch, the sheer fabric catching the light, and my brain instantly short-circuits.

For one excruciating moment, all I can think about is Charlotte wearing it. The curve of her body, the way the black lace would cling to her skin, the?—

Nope. Abort. Not going there.

I clear my throat, forcing my gaze to the farthest corner of the room. “Uh... nice.”

Melanie cackles, clearly enjoying herself. “Oh, it’s more than nice, Asher. Don’t you agree, Charlotte?”

“Melanie!” Charlotte’s voice is a mix of mortification and fury, and when I finally glance her way, she looks ready to throttle her friend. Her cheeks are bright red, and she’s fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, avoiding my gaze.

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