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2024-10-29 19:42:56ASHTON
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
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ASHTONThe conversation abruptly halted as the door creaked open. Willow and Lincoln entered, carrying trays of coffee for everyone. Willow handed me a mug of hot tea, and we all dispersed around the study.Lennox and I were the only ones still standing. While he leaned against a bookshelf, absentmindedly playing with a handheld wooden puzzle he had already solved twice, I held my mug of tea and listened to the conversation drift towards FanCon-related matters and logistics.Kaleb motioned towards Willow, who sat on a rocking chair, and Lincoln, who settled on the couch beside Perry. He said, "If you have any acquaintances or friends or..." Kaleb paused to find the right word."NSA," Davin clarified.
Falling for a John 60
LENNOXThe weather reports warned of a white-out blizzard at 0900 hours, and Kaleb's voice echoed through the communication devices. Exhausted from a never-ending Omega meeting, I climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor, removing my earpiece. I had hoped to escape Kaleb's presence, but his voice still reached my ears, even with the volume high. "Be alert if you're driving to the lake house," he cautioned.Turning the knob on my radio, I silenced his voice. Security had agreed to stay at the main house instead of the cabin a mile away. There were plenty of empty rooms, but I decided to share one with Ashton.Quietly, I entered the bedroom, expecting to find him fast asleep. To my surprise, he was sitting up, leaning against the log headboard, typing furiously on
Falling for a John 61
LENNOXThe weather reports warned of a white-out blizzard at 0900 hours, and Kaleb's voice echoed through the communication devices. Exhausted from a never-ending Omega meeting, I climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor, removing my earpiece. I had hoped to escape Kaleb's presence, but his voice still reached my ears, even with the volume high. "Be alert if you're driving to the lake house," he cautioned.Turning the knob on my radio, I silenced his voice. Security had agreed to stay at the main house instead of the cabin a mile away. There were plenty of empty rooms, but I decided to share one with Ashton.Quietly, I entered the bedroom, expecting to find him fast asleep. To my surprise, he
Falling for a John 62
ASHTONNo matter what I had planned to say or how I thought I would feel, it all vanishes when I see my dad. He paces anxiously between the living room fireplace and the window, his hand clenched into a fist. His gaze drifts towards the kitchen, a longing in his eyes.It's a familiar craving, one that screams for just one drink. Throughout my entire life, he has never given in to that urge, never taken a sip of alcohol, never broken his sobriety. But now he's looking again.I stand on the balcony of the second floor, overlooking the living room with its high ceilings and tall windows. Sunlight streams in, illuminating the leather furniture and wooden floors. Outside, snow falls heavily on this cold morning.
Falling for a John 63
ASHTON"Your mom, your aunts and uncles, and I—we wouldn't typically trust the media over your word in almost any circumstance. But the security's information about your non-disclosure agreements and the mention of a 'mystery girl' that we wouldn't approve of—it aligned with what the media was saying. Something wasn't adding up. We thought it could be anything, not just a rumor. You could have been drinking or..." He takes a deep breath.I lied about Lennox.I take responsibility for that."Questioning each other," he explains, "is how we deal with lies. Your aunts and uncles have done it to me, and I've done it to them." He pauses. "We were all worried that you and Willow were in trouble.
Falling for a John 64
LENNOX"Uriah to the security team, everyone stay out of the study," the Alpha lead commanded through the communication devices. The atmosphere in the lake house abruptly shifted as all three famous families gathered. While Ashton joined his parents and uncles outside, I decided to retreat to the basement gym.Inside the gym, four bodyguards from Security Force Alpha were working out, but I paid them no attention. I despised being scrutinized and hated being part of cliques just as much. Their disapproving glances were directed at me because I had broken their golden rule of getting involved with a client romantically.Perth, the lone representative from Omega, was present. As I completed my twentieth pull-up, sweat clinging to my black shirt, he delivered quick kicks
Falling for a John 65
LENNOX"You missed your period?" Ashton asked sternly. He effortlessly switched into big brother mode, his body tensing, and he shot me a glare, as if I hadn't informed him about the possibility of his eighteen-year-old sister being pregnant."I didn't know," I quickly replied, then turned to Blanca. "You can't make your period appear by dancing, but nice try."Primrose scoffed. "You're a guy. You know nothing about periods or the female anatomy. You haven't even touched a vagina.""Primrose," Ashton growled.I couldn't help but smile. It was endearing to see him defend me, but I could handle this situation. "I graduated from medical
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ASHTON"We're leaving," I declared, my voice filled with a mix of excitement and disbelief. It was finally happening, not some distant fantasy but a real-life event. The surroundings painted a picturesque scene as six inches of snow covered the empty parking lot outside the Food Lion. In the storage bays of our parked tour bus, I struggled to fit in the tenth suitcase.Around me, Security Force Omega buzzed with energy, communicating through their microphones and transporting cases of water, beer, soda, and other supplies. My four cousins scurried on and off the sleek black sleeper bus, carrying snacks and pillows.The paparazzi, who had relentlessly followed our families to Philadelphia, were nowhere to be seen. They likely assumed we were with our relatives, unaware
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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,
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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
Falling for a John 114
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?"
Falling for a John 113
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
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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
Falling for a John 110
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
Falling for a John 109
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
