Chapter 41 Asha
ASHA
Istepped off the elevator and onto the rooftop of the Lynch Ambassador, flanked by Finn in a crisp black tux.
The terrace was pure opulence. The Lynch empire’s signature colors of emerald and gold were everywhere—cushions, table centerpieces, strings of lights arching overhead.
High-top tables glowed with flickering candlelight.
A string quartet played something classical and romantic under a draped-silk canopy.
It was the kind of party you read about on the social pages.
Because this wasn’t just a grand opening. It was a power display.
And thanks to Orla, I’d been dressed like the Lynch Ambassador’s freaking poster girl.
The forest-green gown made me feel like an Irish princess.
Velvet bodice beaded in gold, sheer chiffon skirt embroidered with Celtic filigree that shimmered at every step.
A harp-shaped clasp cinched a belt at my waist. And the matching earrings and necklace Rook had bought me felt too heavy, and far too expensive for someone who’d recently survived off Costco ramen and cabernet sauvignon in a box.
I’d had my hair styled into an elegant twist with loose curls framing my face. Something about the way Orla had looked at the finished product and smiled, like a proud big sister dressing me for prom, made me want to live up to her expectations.
I wondered if all her efforts were intended to impress Rook or his boss. She seemed determined I make a good impression on the head of the Philadelphia Irish Mob.
My eyes passed over groups of elegantly dressed people mingling.
And then I saw him.
Rook.
He leaned against the bar in an all-black tuxedo custom-made to fry women’s brains and soak their panties. He looked like a wicked prince of the underworld, a questionable life choice waiting to happen.
I ought to know.
Damn him for being so unbearably appealing.
Rook stood next to the man who’d played witness at our phony wedding—Aidan. And he looked just as disarming and lethal as my gangster. He was a similar height to Rook, with dark hair and blue eyes that sparkled with mischief. The tattoos creeping up his neck only stopped at his cut jawline.
Since I’d been unconscious the only time we’d shared a room, I hadn’t been formally introduced to Aidan. But after spending time with Orla, I felt like I already knew him. When he wasn’t working for the Beasts, Aidan ran Red Hand MMA, the gym he and Orla co-owned.
Aidan was intimidating, no question. But he was also the fiercely protective single dad of a thirteen-year-old daughter. Any man who accepted that challenge couldn’t be all bad.
The two men seemed deep in a serious conversation, until Aidan caught sight of me and his words faltered.
Rook turned to follow his cousin’s line of sight, and his gaze collided with mine. Blue eyes traveled down my body and up again, sending warmth to my core.
Rook swallowed, said something to Aidan without looking away from me, then made his way toward me, eating up the space between us on his long legs.
I moved, too. That intense stare pulled me toward him as if he were tugging a string wrapped around my waist.
I snatched a flute of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray and took a long gulp to ease my nerves.
Finn peeled off into the crowd once Rook and I stood toe to toe.
“You look”—he wiped his hand over his mouth—“Christ, Asha.”
“You approve?”
He gave a slow blink. “I’m barely breathing.”
A nervous laugh bubbled in my throat. I smothered it with another sip.
“You could’ve warned me,” he said.
My brow pinched. “Warn you about what?”
“That I’d want to drag you somewhere private, tear that pretty dress off, and remind you what it feels like to be properly fucked by your husband.”
“Rook,” I hissed, glancing at the nearby partygoers. “You can’t say things like that in public.”
“Why not? It’s the truth.”
“I think you just sent that poor lady into heart failure.” I flicked my gaze toward the silver-haired woman gaping at us with her champagne frozen an inch from her lips.
To be fair, she might be experiencing a spontaneous orgasm. I couldn’t be sure.
“And for the record, I did warn you,” I added. “It cost twenty grand. What did you expect?”
“It’s not the dress, love. It’s you in the dress.” He shook his head. “Just…don’t leave my side all night. Okay?”
“Why?”
“Because if you’re not with me, I won’t be able to concentrate. I’ll be too busy trying not to murder every asshole who makes the mistake of eye fucking you.”
“Relax.” I shoved my champagne into his hands. “These are your people, aren’t they?”
“Some, aye. But Torin has also invited investors, politicians, and the media.”
“You’re overreacting. Everyone here looks incredible.
No one is going to be paying attention to me, especially if you keep glaring at them like that.
Stop it!” I slapped Rook on the arm when he gave a guy in a pin-striped tux a scowl that promised a slow and painful death.
“Dial down the attack-dog routine and try to be charming for one night, would you?”
“Charming’s not my specialty, love.”
A gravelly voice interrupted. “Is everything okay?”
I turned and immediately stepped back.
Torin Lynch stood before me, tall and broad shouldered, dressed in charcoal gray and wearing a gold watch that probably cost more than my apartment. His dark hair was swept back, and a close-cut beard sharpened the angles of his face.
I bumped into Rook’s chest, and his hands found my hips, steadying me.
“Everything’s fine,” Rook said smoothly. “Tor, this is—”
“Miss Asha Sparks.” Torin offered a small smile that was surprisingly warm.
“Mrs. Asha O’Connell,” Rook corrected.
I had to stifle the urge to roll my eyes when Rook’s grip tightened.
“Torin Lynch. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He extended a hand, and I shook it, startled when he lifted my knuckles to his lips.
Okay. That was…unexpected. And oddly charismatic.
“Likewise,” I managed.
Rook growled and tugged me back until there was no space between us. His hand flattened possessively across my stomach.
Torin’s eyes glinted as they flicked past me to Rook. “Easy, soldier,” he said with a smirk. “I’m not trying to steal your wife.”
“There are a hundred other women here, Tor. Go flirt with one of them.”
I forced a polite smile. “Apologies for my husband. We’re still working on simple commands. Sit, stay, try not to maul anyone.”
Torin leaned in slightly, his voice dropping low enough that only Rook and I could hear. “Incredible act, you two. I wasn’t sure you could pull it off, but you have everyone here convinced you’re a real married couple.”
My fake smile vanished. Torin’s comment hit harder than it should. Because we weren’t acting. Not really. The way Rook’s body fit against mine, the warmth and reassurance of his hold. It all felt too natural. Too easy.
Rook’s thumb traced slow, deliberate circles against my belly. “It’s not that hard.”
Torin slid his hands into his pockets. “Rook, get yourself a drink. I’d like a word with Asha.”
“You can talk with me here.”
“That’s an order.”
Rook hesitated for half a second. A rush of warm air hit the back of my neck when he exhaled sharply and brought his lips to my ear. “I’ll be close. If you need me, just say the word.”
I turned my head until we were cheek to cheek. “Okay.”
Nervousness churned in my belly, and something strange must’ve been happening to me, because the thought of Rook leaving my side made me anxious.
Rook gave his boss a nod, then walked away. The second he was gone, I felt the absence of his body heat.
“Wow,” I said, turning back to Torin. “I didn’t think anyone could boss Rook around.”
“Interesting. I was thinking the same thing as I approached the two of you. Walk with me.”
He offered his arm, and I took it. We strolled to a quiet spot near the edge of the rooftop, where the view stretched in every direction.
“Congratulations on the opening,” I said. “The hotel’s stunning. I passed the casino on the way in. Very Vegas.”
“Do you gamble?”
“No.”
“Neither do I.” His mouth curved, but it wasn’t quite a smile. “I don’t like leaving anything to chance.”
The words sat heavy between us. Why did I get the feeling we weren’t talking about slot machines and poker?
He studied the skyline for a moment, long enough that I started to wonder why he’d pulled me aside.
Then he said, “You’re living with Rook. That puts you inside our world and gives you access to information that should stay buried.” His gaze shot to me. “You understand the risk in that, don’t you? Especially with the reach of your podcast.”
“I’m not a threat to Rook.” The words came out harsher than I expected. “Or the Beasts.”
One brow lifted, faintly amused, faintly warning. “Good. Keep it that way.”
He let the quiet stretch again, the hum of the party filling the void. “Is Rook treating you well?”
“The situation is far from perfect, but yeah. He’s been good to me.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” He paused, then added, “Make no mistake, the man you live with is capable of terrible things. We all are. But sometimes, the best person to defeat a monster is a different kind of monster. Remember that when you’re judging him.”
I didn’t respond, letting his words sink in.
Torin waved to someone behind me. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m being summoned for photos. Enjoy the party, Asha.”
He disappeared into the crowd, and I was left standing at the rooftop’s edge, unable to shake the feeling that the real danger tonight hadn’t come from Rook’s jealousy. It’d come camouflaged in Torin Lynch’s charm.