Chapter 40 Asha
ASHA
Iwoke in the morning to a splitting headache, an empty bed, and a stark recollection of why I wore no underwear.
I slapped a hand over my face and groaned. “Brilliant. Just brilliant.”
Giving an Irish gangster explicit instructions on how to eat me out wasn’t on last night’s bingo card, but here we were.
What the hell was wrong with me?
Alcohol. I was firmly blaming my lack of morals on alcohol.
And yet I didn’t regret it. Not even a little, and that was the part that scared me the most. Because somewhere between Rook’s dirty mouth and reverent hands, between the control he’d handed over and the tenderness he’d shown after, something inside me had changed.
Rook was still my captor. Still the man who’d forced me into a fake marriage. Still dangerous, manipulative, and entirely untrustworthy. But he also made me feel wanted in a way no one had before. And when he’d carried me to bed last night and held me as if I were—
Shit.
I squeezed my eyes shut and inhaled a slow breath.
I wasn’t supposed to feel safe with him. I wasn’t supposed to feel cared for, adored, or like I actually mattered to Rook at all.
When I opened my eyes, I rolled over and spotted two pills, a glass of water, and a handwritten note on the bedside table.
Take these to help with the hangover. Rest today so you’ll feel better for the opening tonight.
R
Of course he had to go and be thoughtful just to mess with my head.
I stared at the note. “Don’t you dare be nice, gangster.”
My phone buzzed.
Husband
Let me know when you’re awake.
I’m up.
How’s the head?
It’s been better.
Did you take the pills?
Not yet.
Do it now.
Yes, Dad.
I picked up the mystery meds. With any luck, they were cyanide, and this entire emotional crisis would be over in minutes.
Down they went with the glass of water. Nope. No foaming at the mouth and imminent death. Dammit.
Husband
I think you mean Yes, Bad Sugar Daddy.
I groaned into the pillow. My past self really had called him that out loud. I was never drinking again.
I’m ready to report a workplace violation to HR now. My boss is a menace.
Husband
I heard your boss gave you the day off. He sounds fantastic.
He’s a tyrant. Go away. I need to work.
Suit yourself.
I have a mad busy day today. Finn will bring you to the party tonight, and I’ll meet you there.
K.
I left something in the nightstand. Wear them tonight.
Swear to God, if this wiseass expected me to wear some lacy dental-floss panties, I’d wrap them around his throat.
Tugging open the drawer, I found two white gift boxes, one bigger than the other. I opened the small one first.
Emerald teardrop earrings. Huge emeralds surrounded by tiny diamonds in a setting that mirrored the wedding ring still weighing down my finger.
I lifted the lid of the larger box. An equally extravagant necklace to match.
Please tell me these are on loan.
Husband
They are not.
Do you like them?
That depends. Is a royal family somewhere going to hunt me down and reclaim their stolen loot?
Please. I have more class than to gift you stolen jewels.
Which meant Rook had bought them for me. I didn’t even want to imagine how much they’d cost.
I can’t accept these.
Husband
The jeweler has a no-returns policy. They’re yours, Asha.
I held the necklace up to the light. Sunbeams caught the stones and scattered starbursts across the ceiling.
“You crazy Irish bastard.”