Perth interrupted, drumming his fingers on his whiskey glass. "Hey, everyone. Ashton should be able to skip any dares or truths that he wants—"
"No," I interjected, not wanting to appear too controlling or rigid. I couldn't be passive in this situation. "I can play the game just like you guys."
Perth shifted on his stool, surprised by my response. "Are you sure? You can skip anything I wrote down. You should, really. I didn't think you'd be here."
Davin playfully wrapped his arm around Perth's shoulders. "Perth strongly suggests and recommends it."
Clearly, they all knew something I didn't. Before I
ASHTONLennox steps down from the stool and stands in front of Kaleb. "Write 'fuck you, Lennox' wherever you find space," he says.Without uttering a word, Kaleb uncaps the pen and writes "I promise to follow the rules" near Lennox's collarbone.Lennox rolls his eyes and tucks his shirt into his back pocket before returning to the stool beside me.With another roll, Kaleb loses the bet again. He loses his second dice and reads, "Truth: how attracted are you to your client—no, this is inappropriate, Davin.""I can explain,
ASHTONLennox's gaze shifts towards me, surprise flickering in his eyes."It'll be really quick," the nerdy guy insists."Sorry," I reply, resolute in my decision.Lennox interjects, "The bar is closed."The sportier guy gestures towards the Jack Daniels. "Then how did you get that?""We're special," Davin asserts."Whiskey?" the geekier guy says, shaking his head. He places his hands on his J. Son beanie and looks at me. "You shouldn't be drinking, man."
ASHTONThe ballroom was packed with enthusiastic fans, every chair occupied. A pathway divided the room, leading to a microphone where fans eagerly awaited their turn to ask questions. A large banner, proudly displaying "FanCon presented by J.H.W. Philanthropies," served as the backdrop for a decent-sized stage. Five chairs were neatly arranged in a row, with the tour's moderator gently tapping the microphone at the podium.As soon as the moderator introduced us, we stepped onto the stage, causing an eruption of cheers from the crowd. The room echoed with applause and whistling, accompanied by the flashing of cameras. I couldn't help but smile and wave in response to the overwhelming support.I picked up a microphone from my designated seat, taki
LENNOXHe pauses, deep in thought, his mind churning with contemplation. "I'd survive either way," he says, breaking the silence. His hand moves from my chest to his own, emphasizing his point. "Between the two of us, I'm the trained swimmer."A smile forms on my lips as I respond, trying to steer the conversation in a metaphorical direction. "I meant metaphorically drowning."His expression darkens, a mix of 2% amusement and 98% irritation. But that doesn't bother me. I'm 100% satisfied with our exchange, and without realizing it, we draw closer to each other. The dirt and moss beneath our boots scuff and crunch."I'm not losing at anything," he asserts, attempting to reassure m
LENNOX"I'm going to ask you this once," Kaleb confronted me on Christmas Eve. We were all gathered in the second lounge at SFO, except for Davin who was driving us to Atlanta. It wasn't for a meeting or a pointless fight. We were undressing for a Hot Santa Underwear Contest, with our clients serving as the judges in the first lounge. We had randomly picked underwear styles from a hat, ranging from tame to nearly-naked. Perth had dubbed the evening as chill and fun, but everyone seemed to have forgotten that Kaleb had no concept of either.As I pulled my black shirt over my head, I tried to suppress an eye-roll. "Okay, ask me," I replied. Multicolored bulbs flashed to the beat of a holiday jingle, and more lights were strung throughout the bus.K
ASHTONMaddy whispered to herself, pondering the judging parameters. With a pen in her mouth, she sat with a blank sheet of paper on her lap. Meanwhile, I zipped up the back of Willow's reindeer onesie."Merci," Willow smiled, dropping to the floor in front of Lincoln. Although there were two gray couches available in the first lounge, Lincoln opened a sewing kit, planning to attach antlers to Willow's hood. He had already sewed identical antlers onto Maddy's onesie, and now she sat cross-legged on the opposite couch, deep in thought.A smile began to form on my lips.It was our first Christmas Eve away from our families, and although it felt strange, it wasn't a bad experience. Both Lincoln and I
ASHTON"Introducing Perry, also known as Samson Perry," Willow narrates, "a twenty-six-year-old Leo and former tattoo artist. He comes from an Irish background and is skilled in mixed martial arts."Perry twirls at the end of his walk and takes a bow.Without realizing it, I've been absentmindedly munching on some mediocre cookies. I finish my third one, surprised that Maddy seems to enjoy them enough to reach for more.Willow straightens herself up. "Perry, if you had to choose one word to describe yourself, what would it be?""Thirsty," he replies.
ASHTONThe sound of crunching ice beneath our feet resonates as we approach the Dairy Queen entrance, drawing closer to the curb. The wind howls around us, matching the intensity of my inner turmoil.Lennox and Davin are right by my side, the only other individuals braving the cold outdoors with us. They are probably here to ensure that Sandro and I don't end up killing each other."She called me!" Sandro yells. "You're angry at the wrong person!""I don't think so!" I scream, the cold air stinging my throat. "You're the one who should have told me. Told us. Informed a goddamn bodyguard—anyone in Omega should have known that she would be here without her own protection." I
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