Damn it. "We've always been the ones protecting them," I explained, frustration evident in my voice. "We even used to confiscate their phones and block numbers of porn producers who called us, just so they wouldn't be able to reach them."
Lennox closed the binder in front of me. "Look at me," he said firmly.
Reluctantly, I turned my gaze towards him, my shoulders tense. I wanted to reopen the damn binder and read through everything again.
"Ashton," he began, his voice calm and understanding, "I understand why you're irritated. I'd feel the same way if my younger cousins decided to repay a debt I didn't want to exist. But this is happening, and you have to deal
LENNOXI watched Ashton step away from a group of girls. He lifted the corner of his red shirt and wiped sweat off his forehead, revealing his perfectly sculpted abs. Then he pulled the shirt up and over his head.Damn.Camp-goers screamed and pulled out their phones. Some were probably recording on Snapchat, capturing the moment for their followers.A girl walked by and froze in her tracks. Her eyes widened. "Oh. My. God."I knew.I stretched my arm, feeling the blood rush downward.She pulled out her phone and started narrating. "He's even more beautiful in p
LENNOXIn the midst of emotional conversations, both girls and guys shedding tears, Ashton offers comfort by placing a consoling hand on their back. He listens intently, leaning closer, and gives them encouragement and praise.At this moment, a young girl, no older than twenty, wipes her teary eyes while clutching her cellphone tightly. She admits, "It may sound silly, but every time you post on Insta**** or if I see you in the news, or if a new episode of We Are Rees comes out, it just brings me happiness. You've always been my favorite. I've been watching you since I was little, and it feels like we've grown up together in this strange way.""It's not strange," Ashton assures her.Tears well up in her eyes, emotions overwhelming her. W
ASHTONAfter the bonfire gathering, Lennox unlocked the tent in the absence of moonlight. It was the second day of our camping trip, and as I pointed a flashlight at the entrance, I couldn't help but observe the deftness with which Lennox handled the key, padlock, and zipper.Lennox had been my bodyguard throughout the day, always a few feet away, exuding an intimidating aura that kept any troublemakers at bay. He was not only physically capable but also incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable in medical matters. It was impossible not to admire him. Yet, despite my best efforts, my mind couldn't help but wander to more explicit thoughts, picturing his intimate moments countless times.Suppressing such thoughts was a challenge, to say the least. The temptation to touch him, to exchange heat
LENNOXOh, my God.I can hardly believe it. I'm overwhelmed with pleasure, and tears well up in my eyes. The weight of his body presses against mine as we lie on the floor.He's on top of me.This is how he wants us to make love. Rough and passionate, yet also tender and protective. We're completely connected, body and soul.He grips my forearms tightly, using them as leverage to thrust deeper inside me. It's mind-blowing. My eyes roll back, and my mouth falls open in ecstasy.In the depths of my ear, Ashton moans my name as an orgasm takes over his body. My muscles contract from the exertion. He slows down, savoring th
ASHTONOn the top bunk bed, Uncle Colton sat beside his wife, my Aunt Natalia, the owner of Camp Rees and Maddy's mom. She had a messy chop of blonde hair and a long scar running down her cheek. Swinging her legs over the side of the bunk, her bright eyes met Colton's darkened gaze.He appeared angry, but then again, that was his usual expression.Below them, on the ground, my mom sat on a black trunk, nervously munching on a baggie of trail mix. I could tell she was anxious.My mom tugged at my dad's crew-neck shirt, silently urging him to sit as well. However, he shook his head and leaned against the post of another bunk bed, arms crossed and eyes filled with daggers.I shifte
ASHTON"But the bite marks can't be from a one-night stand," my dad chimed in.Confused, I frowned, wondering how they had reached that conclusion.Colton explained, his frustration evident. "You haven't been going to clubs for months. I even asked Uriah for the non-disclosure agreements, and he said there weren't any.""That means you haven't had any one-night stands or random hookups," Grant added. "Can't you see the logic, Tony?"I recalled the lie Lennox had told the security team. "You think I'm seeing one girl.""Uriah told me," Colton said, shaking his head. "He said you've been sleeping with the same girl, and y
LENNOXI haven't said those words to Ashton yet, and he's not hearing them for the first time as I speak to his father.Ro stands uneasily, but they all hear the weight of my words."I'm telling you right now," Ashton asserts firmly to everyone in the room, "you're not firing Lennox. None of you are. He's still going to be my bodyguard."Grant speaks up. "For that to happen, your relationship would have to remain a secret from the public."Colton interrupts, "Who said he's staying on the security team or on Tony's detail?""Are you going to fire him?" Ashton counters. "You?"
LENNOXAlthough I wanted to say that my wardrobe had also expanded with his clothes, I knew that wearing them publicly would attract unwanted attention from tabloids and fans. Even with the ongoing rumors about 'JohnWalshCest', they would find a way to twist the story, not letting go of the Tony/Willow love affair but adding me to the equation.Ashton draped his arms over my shoulders. "What happens if I get a new bodyguard?" he pondered.I knew that our time together might not always be so constant. "It's sweet that you like to imagine these alternate realities," I replied, "but let's stick to the one where I'm still your bodyguard."His grip on the back of my head tightened, and he leaned towards me. Every part of him exuded strength a
ASHTONThe silver lining in the midst of losing my job and ending the tour prematurely is the beautiful scene unfolding before me today. Lavender floral bouquets fill the air, accompanied by the presence of tuxedos, a hundred close friends, family members, and a charming garden gazebo.As the spring flowers bloom, I find myself seated in the front row, surrounded by my siblings. From this vantage point, I witness a heartwarming sight. Underneath the gazebo, my mom wears a radiant lilac dress, her face beaming with joy. Beside her stands my dad, dressed in a striking black-on-red tuxedo. Both of them exude pure happiness and contentment.I remember being present at their wedding as a young child, although my memories have faded over time. However,
LENNOXWhat surprises me the most is Ashton's reaction. He ignores Jesse, not giving him a lingering look or allowing his anger to take over. He doesn't storm forward to attack an unconscious body.His eyes lock with mine.He notices the blood, most likely smeared across my forehead, cheeks, and caked in my hair."Not mine," I say quietly. "Animal." Most likely.He continues to approach, unwavering and committed.I remain motionless, clutching the knife, unable to let go.We were
LENNOX"Watch it, you little bastard," I exclaimed as I quickly snatched Warren, the calico kitten, before he could dart into security's townhouse. With a swift kick, I shut the door and Warren meowed while pawing at my cheek.My lips curled into a smile, not because of the cat, but because I couldn't stop replaying the moments I had just shared with Ashton. Every little detail kept playing in my mind: the primal noises he made, the intensity in his eyes, the raw vulnerability, and the overwhelming emotions. Damn it, I was annoyed at myself for leaving my stuff in his room because all I wanted was to be with him.But I needed to focus and make this quick.I released Warren, allow
ASHTONThe realization seized my thoughts, and I could vividly imagine Lennox penetrating me with fervor on that very bed.Fuck. I blinked several times, snapping out of my daydream. I had been lost in my thoughts for too long. Grimacing, I focused on the six-foot-three Yale graduate who leaned casually against the dresser, observing me.A smile tugged at his lips. "Welcome back, space cadet."I scowled and unbuttoned my jeans. "I wasn't spacing out that much."His smile broadened. "Let me ask you something. How many times have you fantasized about me fucking you on my bed?"
ASHTONThey look more like pink suede sandals with a chunky glittery heel attached. My aunt usually sticks to simple black dresses and classic heels, but these are eccentric.These are Willow.Upon seeing them, Willow stops midway down the stairs. "What are those?"Serena delicately holds the heeled sandals. "They're for you, but I'm not trying to buy your love," she says sharply. "I saw them, and they screamed Willow Eleanor Walsh, my beautiful and brilliant firstborn daughter... If you don't want them, I'll return them to the store or throw them into a fire. Watch them burn..." She tries to lift her chin, fighting back tears, quickly brushing the corners of her eyes. "Whatever
LENNOXFor Perry, Kaleb, Seth, and even Davin, it was the only place they had ever known. They never went to college or moved elsewhere. It had always been Philly.Some people have a strong connection to a specific place, as if it's a person, an inseparable part of them. I could see that in Perry's eyes."Say I'm from L.A. one more time!" Perry threatened. People mistakenly believed we were from L.A. because that's where our fame originated.Kaleb started yelling back at the heavyset guy on the end. He was so irritated that being off-duty made him throw the rulebook out the window.Davin whispered to me, "Those S
LENNOX"Get the hell out of Philly!" The profanity-laden heckle echoes through the smoky billiards and darts bar, its packed interior making it difficult to identify the source. However, the contemptuous stares and raised middle fingers leave no doubt about the target of the heckling.Surprisingly, it's not aimed at Ashton or Willow or any of the well-known figures. Instead, the recipient of the insults becomes apparent as I scan the crowd. Davin, who is currently arranging the pool balls, takes in the hostile atmosphere and comments, "Perry is going to lose it when he arrives."Perry, unlike us, wouldn't take kindly to someone demanding his departure from his own city. Philly is home to all of us, and the barrage of jeers began the moment Davin
LENNOXHe cracks his knuckle and briefly acknowledges a boy who calls out his name. His forest-green eyes return to me as he says, "They were vague, but they mentioned that there might be a possibility for me to be reinstated as the CEO. They didn't disclose any details yet."I drum my fingers against my mug, the sound of my rings clinking together. You see, I don't appreciate the fact that they conveniently omitted what he needs to do. It could be anything, and they could demand anything from him."They hold the power," I remind him. He has very little leverage in this situation.Ashton nods. "I know, but it's the only hope I have. They said they would provide more information i
ASHTON"Seven years ago," he continues, relentless. "Molly fell into the creek behind the lake house, sinking into the treacherous mud. I was halfway there, already ankle-deep in water, but you emerged out of nowhere, donning your shining white armor and carrying a ten-foot rope."His eyes are bloodshot as he says, "It's these little moments that define you. You mean everything to my siblings. To the Haynes girls, to your own sisters and brother. You've become an inescapable shadow, because when you're everything to them, I can't be anything. So who am I?" Sandro points at his chest. "Who am I? And what do I become if I follow you to Harvard? Lost and confused? I was already filled with self-loathing and bitterness, but I'd be even more resentful, waking up every day hating myself for not being more like Ashton J