Firestorm - Ellie Masters Page 0,66
back on you.”
Holy hellfire, my ovaries may have just exploded. Not sure if I can fall anymore head over heels, I tumble into the oblivion Asher promises and give up all hope.
My darkest secrets? The most precious pieces of who I am? They all spill into the space between us. He will either stand with me or run.
Either choice is fine by me, but I’m hopeful he will stand firm.
It’s been far too long since I’ve had an anchor which I can depend upon.
Prescott and Gracie—God I love them—but they aren’t enough to see me through the gaping emptiness in my heart.
I can only bridge that distance by exposing my vulnerabilities. I do that now, hoping Asher will catch me, hold me, and carry me through to the other side. I’m well aware this is a crash and burn kind of moment.
But, I’m not afraid of the flames. Into this, I speak the truth Asher needs to know.
“I grew up with Justin. He’s Prescott’s son. We dated. He proposed. I said yes. Prescott is more than just my lawyer. He’s an old family friend and was going to be my father-in-law.” I blurt out the words in one rush of breath, because there’s no way Prescott is going to be the one who tells Asher how we know each other.
Asher doesn’t blink. “What happened with Justin?” His tone is level, controlled, but tight with emotion.
“He died.” That knot in my chest tightens.
The love of my life died a tragic death, and I thought that was what would hurt the most. It isn’t.
Far from it.
The worst part of Justin’s death is the man standing in front of me.
Because I know.
Justin was nothing but the shadow of true love. He was a comfortable excuse, an easy lie I convinced myself was the truth. He was everything which shackled me to the perfect life.
He wasn’t the breath of life, not like Asher. I would have suffocated in that version of my life.
It’s a shame death taught me how to live. I never would have known this cosmic truth if Justin hadn’t died and I hadn’t met Asher.
“Shit, Evelyn. I’m so sorry.” Asher sweeps the ground with his foot, looking guilty for something he has no control over.
“It’s okay.” I glance out the window.
Prescott and Gracie are out of the car and looking around. They expect me to meet them outside. “There’s more.”
So much more.
“It’s okay, luv.” He takes my hand in his. “I’m here for you.”
But I’m not sure that he is. He’s standing differently, stiffer. Tension girds his frame and the smile on his face feels strained and a little bit fake.
Not that I blame him. This is so much worse than me accidentally feeling up his brothers. I just unloaded what amounts to a nuclear bomb by telling him I was in love with another man. But that’s the thing. I wasn’t, but how do I explain that to Asher?
Asher opens the door as if none of this means anything. “Let’s greet your guests.”
Greet my guests?
That’s all he’s going to say?
He ushers me outside and hangs back on the covered porch while I approach Prescott alone.
I feel like a recalcitrant child caught in a web of lies. Which is totally not true. I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m the victim. An innocent bystander affected by a tragic accident.
“Gracie, it’s so nice to see you.” My wooden arms wrap around her.
Gracie kisses both my cheeks and hugs me tight to her bosom. “We’ve been so worried about you, love.”
I clasp her tight then release her to face Prescott. We have other words to share.
“Evie…” His tone is solid, smooth, nonjudgmental, but he’s not pleased with me.
“Hi.” I don’t hug Prescott. Instead, I turn to Asher. “I’d like to introduce my…”
How do I navigate this? Do I introduce him as a friend? A lover? I’m supposed to be married to their son. How do I insert another man into that equation?
Asher takes care of the problem for me. “Hi, I’m Asher La Rouge. I’m the one who brought Evelyn out of the fire.”
“And continue to take care of her, it seems.” Prescott shakes Asher’s hand. “Thank you for looking out for our Evie.” He’s polite, but definitely asserting his dominance.
Asher lets it roll right over him. “Of course, it’s been my pleasure.”
“Well, we appreciate everything you’ve done. Now Evie, I’ve rented you a place to stay in town. I’ve arranged for a meeting with the judge, and I’m hopeful we can expedite your arraignment.