"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
LENNOXAshton appeared completely disconnected from reality, allowing me to take his hand and guide him towards the second lounge. I couldn't help but be surprised that he actually answered that phone call.He held his phone to his ear, listening attentively to his father's words, not yet uttering a response.I swung open the door and found Perth and Kaleb engrossed in a heated discussion about J.P. Without hesitation, I commanded, "Get out of here. Ashton needs to take a call, and both your clients are high in the first lounge."They quickly rushed out into the hallway.Alone with Ashton, I closed the door behin
LENNOXSleep eludes me as my mind is consumed by thoughts of the stalker. I yearn to uncover their identity, so that if they ever come close to Ashton, I can apprehend them and maybe even knock out a few of their teeth.In an attempt to distract myself, I pour a cup of coffee, turn on my iPad, and stretch out in the booth. The bus is divided between those asleep from a marijuana high and those passed out from the drama. Aside from Davin, who is driving, only two other people are awake.On the opposite side of the booth, Perry sits drawing in a notebook, his reading glasses perched on his nose. Beside him, Blanca flips through Isaac Asimov's Foundation, her charm bracelet tinkling. She lowers the orange book and says something funny to me.
ASHTONA few hours ago, Willow took it upon herself to prepare me for New Year's Eve at a bustling nightclub in Dallas. Placing her hands on my shoulders, she instructed, "Repeat after me, I, Ashton Johnson..."With my arms crossed, I echoed, "I, Ashton Johnson," mentally bracing myself for a potentially disastrous evening. You see, Perry had warned me about the Johnson Curse, a belief that whatever can go wrong will go wrong for members of our family. Now, with two Johnsons on this trip, I was prepared for misfortune to befall me, but the thought of it happening to my sister was absolutely unthinkable."...will trust Willow Walsh," she continued.Those words came easily to me. "
ASHTONA smile spreads across his face as he looks me up and down, his eyes lingering with desire. "I never thought I'd feel jealous of the fictional version of myself, but I'm getting there," he says, his voice filled with a mix of longing and admiration.The elevator dings, signaling our arrival on the desired floor. The hallway outside becomes a blur as I focus on a singular thought: the door, unlocking it, and indulging in our desires. My mind becomes consumed by the anticipation of what's to come.As we step into the luxurious suite, Lennox forcefully shuts the door behind us. Without wasting a moment, I push him against the solid wood, desperate to feel him against me. "Fuck," he groans huskily, drawing closer to me. Our hands move with urg
LENNOXNew Year's Eve fireworks exploded in the night sky. The loud bangs filled the air, and the sparkling lights danced through the window, illuminating the luxurious suite.More than the opulence surrounding us, I was captivated by the fact that he had made this view possible for me, despite never doing it for anyone else. The gesture resonated deeply within me.Ashton locked his gaze onto my mouth, silently conveying his desire for a kiss. I didn't give in so easily. Leaning closer, my voice husky, I told him, "My cum is on your chest."His jaw tightened, his arousal almost stirring. He glanced down at his abs and then back at me. "I don't know what the fuck you're talking ab
LENNOXI moved further into the narrow hallway, and I heard Ashton asking Lincoln if he needed anything, if he was okay. It was what he always asked family."Lincoln!" the girls called. "Come back!"Lincoln smiled warmly. "With that, as my little brother would say, 'I bid you farewell'." He waved in salute with his free hand, his bare ass in view, and disappeared into the second lounge.Ashton almost smiled, his shoulders loosening, and he walked past me, texting the girls back. "Food?""Omelet," I replied, sliding the bunk cur
ASHTONAs January transitioned into February, an unexpected tempest descended upon us, catching us off guard. From the window of our hotel room, bathed in the warm glow of the evening sun, I observed the world outside. It had been nearly 24 hours since my cousins, my little sister, and I found ourselves trapped in this cramped space.Standing by the window, I gazed out onto the bustling Los Angeles street below. Hidden behind the opaque glass, I remained unseen, while the world carried on its chaotic dance before my eyes.The streets were teeming with hundreds upon hundreds of bodies, completely filling every inch of pavement and sidewalk. Paparazzi mingled with the masses, their cameras relentlessly flashing. Despite the best efforts of the addi
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