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2024-10-29 19:42:56ASHTON
No 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.
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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
Falling for a John 66
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
Falling for a John 67
ASHTON"Fuck," I cursed, forcefully detaching myself from Lennox. I ran my tongue over my teeth. Kaleb was watching us closely from the tour bus. I stood rigidly on the curb, trying to refocus on my phone.Lennox shot Kaleb a cold glare, then adjusted his microphone. "We weren't even kissing."From a distance, I could see Kaleb adjusting his microphone and speaking.Lennox unhooked his earpiece, letting the cord dangle on his shoulder, and turned up the volume on the radio.Kaleb's voice came through the earpiece speaker. "You two look like a couple. If you want to do that, do it on the bus. The windows are tinted."
Falling for a John 68
LENNOXI barely glanced at Perry. "Looks like your client is smarter than you."Perry patted Lincoln's back. "He learned from the best. Me." Such a buddy-guard.Davin squeezed through the hallway. "That's a negative thing, Perry." He stopped by the door and winced at Ashton. "Ouch."Seth peeked his head in. "God, I know how that feels." He pointed at the scar on his crooked nose. "Two years ago, right hook in the ring.""What's that scar from?" Maddy interjected, pointing at the small scar below Seth's eye. She tossed a towel-wrapped ice baggie to Lincoln, who caught it.
Falling for a John 69
ASHTONLennox is at the wheel, steering us through the graveyard shift as we make our way to Cleveland. I find my spot in the passenger seat, keeping him company during the long drive. Out of all the people I know, Lennox is the one I trust to handle the driving. I've been feeling tense lately, on edge, and being behind the wheel would be a welcome relief, but I'm not willing to break the law to satisfy that desire. So, for now, I'm left with a sense of emptiness.The bus is quiet, with dimmed lights and a gentle hum. My family and bodyguards are sleeping in their bunks, and the privacy door separates us from the front lounge. Only one paparazzi van is trailing us, but their view is obstructed by tinted windows, limiting what the cameramen can capture.Lennox, with hi
Falling for a John 70
ASHTONI nearly choke on my sports drink. "What?" I hastily wipe my mouth with the back of my arm. "You're kidding, right?""I wish I was," he replies. "We were working an event together a couple of years ago in New York—""What event?" I interrupt, suspecting it had something to do with my family."You weren't there," he clarifies. "It was a cover photo shoot for Forbes magazine, and the paparazzi leaked our location."I recall that my parents, Aunt Serena and Uncle Grant, and Aunt Natalia and Uncle Colton were all on that cover together. "Why was Kaleb there if he was assigned to Blake?"
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Falling for a John 117
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,
Falling for a John 116
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
Falling for a John 115
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
Falling for a John 112
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
Falling for a John 111
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
