move, you were still able to do something better.”
“Oh?” I paused. “And what was that?”
“You made her fall in love with you.”
My blood stirred at that. Even though Piper and I had only just started confessing our feelings for one another, every time she told me she loved me, it brought out this force in me that I had never felt before. It was possessive and controlling. It was a darkness I craved.
“I don’t give a shit what you do or even say to me, but you need to show Piper that you are a friend. It’s not her fault that she’s been distant this whole time. It’s mine. And I know she’s a big girl and could have kept in touch but what happened…” My fists clenched at my sides. “It fucked her up.”
“I’ve always been a friend. And so has my brother.” Ashton took a step toward me. “It’s you who keeps getting in the way of that. And it’s her who stayed away this whole damn time.” He went to turn to open the door when I grabbed his arm.
“She’s been through hell, Ashton. None of this is her fault.”
“How can I believe that when I have no idea what the fuck is going on?” He shrugged me off of him, left the bathroom, and started walking down the hall.
“Have you ever thought that maybe it’s none of your damn business? Or that if you asked her nicely, she would tell you? No. Probably not because you’re too damn jealous that it’s not you and your brother who she’s fucking anymore.”
Ashton spun on me. “I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.”
“No?” I closed the distance between us and got in his face. I was vaguely aware that we were no longer alone. “What’s in this for you?”
“I want her happy,” he muttered.
“She is happy.” And I would make damn sure that she would be happy for the rest of her life too.
“Is she?” Ashton raised an eyebrow. “Can you honestly stand there and tell me that Piper is actually happy? With you?”
“Ashton,” said a soft voice but neither of us looked to see who it was that was speaking.
“What are you getting at, fucker?” I growled. “Is there something that I don’t know?”
“Do you love him?” he snapped at Piper.
I realized that she was now standing beside us.
Her eyes widened, a flush hitting her cheeks. “Yes, I do.”
“Interesting.” He scratched his jaw. Instead of answering, he shouldered past me and headed out to the backyard.
I glanced at Piper.
She chewed her bottom lip, looking between me and the door that led outside.
“Jaron, you got a moment?”
I turned as Vince Jr. came up toward me.
“Something’s wrong with Gigi’s car again.” He gave my shoulder a squeeze and headed to the front door.
Going up to Piper, I cupped the back of her head and kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she whispered.
Releasing her, I followed Vince out of the house and into the front yard. “Trying to stop me from kicking his ass?”
Vince chuckled, leaning against the railing of the front porch. “I’m keeping my girl happy. She asked me to stop you two.”
I grunted, slumped onto the patio couch, and let out a hard sigh. “I thought it would be normal, coming back here.”
“Has it felt normal yet? Since you’ve been out?”
Stretching my legs out in front of me, I crossed my arms under my chest. “Nope. Not at all.”
“Didn’t think so.”
“I heard about what you and Gigi went through.” I wasn’t sure where that had come from. It wasn’t like guys usually talked about this shit, but I said it, so there was no taking back the words now.
Vince’s gaze slowly slid to mine. “Gigi still has nightmares.”
I nodded. “So does Piper. I’ve heard her mumbling in her sleep. She won’t admit it though and says that everything’s fine.”
“Sounds like Gigi.” Vince pushed away from the fence and joined me on the couch. “Our girls need each other. You and I can only do so much.”
“I know.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’ll get Piper to stop by more often. I think now that I’m home, it’ll help.”
He nodded. “I agree. Gigi didn’t want to pressure her, but I know she’s been missing her.”
“Piper misses her too.”
As if they knew we were talking about them, both Piper and Gigi walked out from the side of the house, arm in arm. They spoke amongst themselves.
My body stirred at the smile currently