Asher's POV
Asher and David arrived at Milan Restaurant at six sharp to find their newest prospective business partner waiting for them.
"Michael." Asher greeted sticking out his hand for a shake. "I hope you didn't wait for too long."
Michael Andrews was an impressive man from a very powerful family. That was one of the reasons Asher had worked so hard to get him on board with cooperating with them.
That and the fact David had insisted that working with such a big name would make their company reach new heights.
His dark eyes glinted in the last remaining sunlight as he studied Asher who was still waiting on a handshake. Seeming satisfied he stretched out his hand and clasped Asher's.
"Nice to finally meet you Mr. Roth." Michael spoke slowly revealing a slight accent. "If you are both ready shall we head in?"
Nodding Asher and David stepped inside following Michael.
They made their way through the bustling ground floor of the restaurant where many families sat enjoying their meals and each other's company. Wait staff rushed around doing their best to keep up with the dinner rush.
Making it to the back of the establishment they arrived at a set of elevators. Pressing the up button Michael kept his back to them. It didn't take long before the elevator arrived and he motioned for Asher and David to enter.
"I rented a private room for us to discuss our cooperation in." Michael explained as he hit the button for the highest floor.
"No problem." Asher responded before shooting a look to David.
David simply shrugged back in response.
Shaking his head Asher turned his attention to the floor numbers as they rose higher and higher before arriving at their destination. Stepping aside Michael allowed the duo to exit first.
Once out they continued to follow Michael down a hallway before finally stopping in front of a door that read VIP. As they entered they were greeted by a waiter who had clearly been waiting for them to arrive.
"Welcome distinguished guests. " He greeted leading them to their table. "You have full access to the bar over here," he motioned to a self serve bar sitting to the side. "Menus are on the table for you to browse." He continued. "Can I start you with our signature appetizer for the evening?"
Michael nodded, "three sets please."
"Right away." The waiter beamed before scurrying away.
"Would you like a drink?" Michael asked standing.
"No thanks." Asher responded while David nodded that he would. "I'm the driver tonight." He explained when Michael lifted a curious brow.
"Very well." Turning Michael headed to the bar and began pouring himself a glass of whiskey then did likewise for David.
As he sat down again their waiter returned pushing a cart with three covered plates on it. Smiling he lifted the plates one by one setting them in front of each man seated at the table before pulling off their lids revealing shrimp skewers and lobster tail.
'This is an appetizer?' Asher thought to himself examining the plate before him as their waiter began pouring a white creamy sauce across the crustaceans before them.
"Are you gentlemen ready to order or would you like a few minutes to decide?" The waiter pulled out a pad and pen while watching the three men expectantly.
"Three of the chefs special." Michael responded before waving a dismissive hand at the man.
Nodding and giving a bow the waiter rushed out.
"Now shall we get down to business?" Michael asked lifting an already speared piece of lobster meat to his mouth.
"Certainly." Asher responded relieved that their reason for the dinner was finally here. "David if you would pass Mr. Andrew's his copy of the agreement."
David nodded pulling a folder from his briefcase, he proceeded to pull out some papers that he then handed to Michael who was already looking expectantly.
Papers in hand he began to look over them his dark eyes skimming each and every line.
After a few minutes he placed the paperwork down on the table and fixed his gaze on Asher.
"Now tell me why I should agree to joining hands with you Mr. Roth." He urged clasping his hands on the table before him.
Nodding Asher jumped into his already prepared explanation. "Our technology is nothing like any other. We provide full proof understanding and the best security system out there. Even if you have clients who don't quite understand how to install and run your product with our technology added in they will find it 100% easier to do. With that promise you will gain more clientele because those who were usually afraid of buying won't have to fear doing so with what we provide."
As Asher continued to speak he kept his gaze fixed on Michael, making sure to pay close attention to his facial expressions. As long as his gaze continued to show interest then they had a better chance of signing the contract.
Michael listened politely keeping his face neutral until Asher finished. Only then did he show his interest in what had been said.
Clapping Michael stood, "bravo Mr. Roth you have my interest."
Asher let out a sigh of relief before nodding. "Can I take that as you are willing to work with us Mr. Andrews?"
"I have to discuss it with my fiance first since it is her father's company and I am simply the middle man." Michael admitted.
Frowning Asher tried to process what had just been said. As far as he knew Michael was the only party involved, so why was there suddenly another?
"Don't you worry Mr. Roth she should be here any minute." Michael began as a soft knock on the door sounded. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
Standing Michael walked over and opened the door before stepping aside as someone walked in. Someone Asher would recognize anywhere. He had seen that same face in his dreams for the past six years. The same face that he had been missing for so very long.
She hadn't changed a bit since the last time he had seen her almost like she was immortal and would forever be young and beautiful. Her bright blue eyes scanned the room before resting on Asher, her expression remained flat as she studied him for a minute before she returned her gaze to Michael.
"Summer these are the men I told you about that want to work with us." Michael said as he gave her a quick welcome kiss.
"Nice to meet you." She said smiling. "Michael has told me a lot about you and the contract that you have been discussing."
Asher wasn't sure if she was feigning ignorance to their past relationship or if she truly didn't remember him. His mind was going a mile a minute trying to process the situation. How after six years was she suddenly here? How could she not have any reaction to seeing him?
He was on the verge of asking until she met his eyes and gave him a small almost unnoticeable sad smile. Just as quickly as it appeared it was gone and all expression disappeared as she turned to Michael. "Shall we sit honey?"
"Oh, I'm so sorry baby. I was so distracted by your beauty I forgot we were still standing." Michael responded wrapping an arm around Summer's waist and leading her to the table.
Summer went to pull out a chair beside Michael only to be roughly pulled onto his lap instead. A strong pang of pain and jealously surged through Asher as he tried his best to pretend nothing was wrong and that this was infact his and Summer's first time meeting.
It took all his strength to not start bombarding her with questions. Ones that he had piled up since the day she disappeared from his life six years ago. Where had she been, what happened to her all those years ago, how did she suddenly have a rich and powerful father, but most of all how could she suddenly have a fiance?!?
Had she completely forgotten about him and it was only him one sidedly holding onto something that could never be again.
"Sweetheart." Michael spoke pulling Ashers mind back to reality. "I was quite pleased with their proposal, but I told them the decision is ultimately yours to make since it is your father's company."
Nodding Summer smiled, "I trust your decision my love."
Asher could feel his heart stop the minute the words left Summer's lips.
Her love.
How could this possibly even be happening. He had been missing her, so much so he felt like at times he was going mad, and here she was snuggling up to another man and acting like she didn't even know him.
"Well then gentlemen." Michael said breaking Asher from his torrent of thoughts. "Since the boss seems in agreement, shall we meet in your office Monday, say nine AM?"
"Sounds like a plan." David chirped happily completely oblivious to Asher's internal struggle beside him.
"Mr. Roth?" Michael asked setting his dark gaze on him.
Startled for a moment Asher just stared before finally composing himself. "I will write up the final agreement and have it ready by then."
As upset as he was he couldn't possibly let this deal slip through his fingers. He and David had worked too hard to get this far after all. Also, he realized if they worked together it would give him the opportunity to see Summer again. If he could just meet her without Michael around he could finally get some answers to the questions that haunted him for years.
"Well then," Michael spoke while standing "I will see you gentlemen Monday. Feel free to continue your meal, everything is on us tonight."
"See you Monday." Asher said quietly.
With one last nod Michael with his arm wrapped around Summer headed out of the room leaving only Asher and David there.
Feeling anxious Asher tried to remain seated reminding himself he just needed to bide his time until Monday and then he could hopefully see Summer once more.
He had to ignore his burning urge to follow them and take her away right then and there. He had just gotten the deal he couldn't ruin it. He desperately knew that but his mind and heart continued to scream at him to follow.
"Asher?" David asked finally noticing something was very off about his friend. "You ok man?"
Gritting his teeth Asher nodded, "I'm fine."
He took a deep breath and let it out trying his best to compose himself.
"I'm fine."
THE HELL I AM!
With this thought he jumped up and raced out of the room leaving David completely stunned.
Not wanting to wait on the elevator Asher quickly located the stairs and started running down them as quickly as he could, at times skipping multiple at a time.
Huffing over the exertion he slammed through the door when he reached the bottom floor causing it to hit the wall with an audible bang. All the patrons in the restaurant before him looked his way with curious and shocked expressions on their faces as they watched the now rabid looking Asher standing there while breathing in deep gulps of air.
Not caring Asher started across the floor hoping it wasn't too late and he would somehow magically find Michael and Summer once more.
Exiting the restaurant Asher looked around desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of the figures he was looking for, but all he was greeted with was an empty street. Anger flaring he wanted to scream.
Seeing that Michael and Summer were truly gone already he could only find himself wondering if they were going to the same home, after all they did say they were engaged. Of course they lived together, and when living together things happen.
Unforgiving images began flashing in his head causing Asher to feel such anguish it nearly took his breath away.
Near collapse Asher suddenly felt a hand touch his shoulder. Whirling around he half expected to see Summer.
Disappointment gripped him as his eyes met David's brown eyes instead of Summer's blue ones.
"What's wrong with you?" David asked concern dripping from his every word. "I haven't seen you this distraught since...."
David stopped mid sentence his eyes widening. He was aware of Asher's past love and how she had disappeared from his life. He didn't know the whole story but he knew enough.
"No way." David whistled. "Please tell me that she wasn't."
Asher watched David silently before giving a slight nod.
Letting out a long breath David ran a hand through his bleach blonde hair. His face contorted into one of discomfort.
"Small world." David murmured.
Small world, too small for Asher's liking. He had found the girl he missed for so long, but it seemed like she was still miles away from him and forever out of his reach. At that moment all he could think was, fate was truly a cruel and heartless bitch.
Asher's POV That night Asher lay in bed staring at his ceiling. Thoughts of Summer bombarded his mind not allowing him to sleep. Despite trying his best to push them away he lost in the end, succumbing to the torrent of images that drove him madder and madder by the minute. He knew he should be happy enough seeing that she was alive and well, but he just couldn't help feeling slightly betrayed. Why hadn't she contacted him this whole time? Why didn't she at least let him know she was OK? She should have known how distressed he was. He had thought they were close enough for her to have given him that much. His phone that had laid silent beside him suddenly lit up drawing his attention. Heart pounding he grabbed it with the ridiculous notion it would be her. With a frown he let out a breath and answered. "Why are you calling me so late?" He couldn't hide the disappointment and agitation tha
Asher's POV Staring up at the large casino like building before him Asher steadied his heartbeat as he exited a taxi. Lights lit its 20 story walls, flashing from different shades of red, blue, and green. The words 'La Fiet' glowed golden above the double door entrance where a man clad in all black stood checking ID'S of patrons. The place seemed as grandiose as he had heard and immediately all he could think was, what am I even doing here? The only thing he had ever truly heard about this specific club was that it was one where drug lords, gangsters, and some of the most powerful people in the city enjoyed congregating. It wasn't a place someone like himself should even be stepping foot in. "Ready to go in?" David asked stepping from behind Asher and giving a long whistle. Nodding Asher and David made their way to the waiting bouncer and presented their ID'S. Satisfied that they were the real deal the bounc
Summer's POV Michael didn't bother giving her time to keep up with his angry stride, allowing Summer to stay back just out of arms reach. She knew what was going to come, after all she had truly made a huge mistake in his eyes. No amount of explanation would change that. Also, convincing him that one of his very own was betraying him would deem pointless. All Summer could do at the moment was brace herself for the onslaught that was waiting for her. She had made sure to check that all guards were on high alert this evening due to Michael's presence. She had double checked everything herself just to be sure. All had been secure and well guarded insuring Michael's utmost safety while he enjoyed a relaxing evening. That was why the news they received was concerning. Someone from a rival gang had infiltrated the premises right under their noses. That meant one or two things, the first was that someone was betray
Summer's POV Summer returned home to find the mansion she shared with Michael devoid of all light. For the first time that evening she felt a sense of relief, even if it was only for a moment she could relax. If she was lucky Michael was already asleep and would be much easier to deal with the following morning after having time to cool down. Holding her breath she headed inside braced for the worst but hoping for the best. Heart plummeting she found Michael standing in front of their bay window staring out into the night. He was shirtless allowing Summer a glimpse of the intricate dragon tattoo on his back, the same tattoo that she herself had received after being forced into marrying Michael. A cup dangled from his fingers at his side, that was when Summer finally noticed the intense smell of alcohol permeating throughout the entire living room. Not only was Michael not asleep, but he was also most l
Asher's POV Half past Eleven Asher sat back in his desk chair and gave a mighty yawn. He hadn't been able to sleep very much after the events of the night before. No matter how much he tried to think nothing of it, Summer had looked much too shaken after speaking with whoever was behind their club room door. Michael had also looked pretty angry despite his blatant effort to hide it. Knowing whatever had happened was not his business it had still taken all of Asher's energy to not follow behind demanding to know what was going on. It had also drained him having to keep Gustavo and Stefen company until they too left in a flurry. By the time he and David had left that evening Asher had felt like he had run a marathon, his exhaustion was bone deep. The icing on the cake for the night had been how drunk David had gotten before they finally left. Being the good friend he was Asher had esc
Summer's POV "Where have you been?" Michael's cold voice was the first thing Summer heard when returning home. The man stood in the middle of the entryway arms crossed over his chest glaring at her as if she was a disobedient child. "Mr. Andrews asked to meet up to fine tune the contract we will be signing tomorrow." Summer responded while taking off her shoes. The last thing Summer wanted to do at the moment was deal with Michael's interrogation. Her heart was hurting and it was taking everything she had to remain calm and composed. The look on Asher's face when she told him that they were strangers had damn near killed her. Now all she wanted to do was shower and lay down, not deal with the very jealous man sitting before her. Still glaring Michael searched her face trying to find any sign of deceit. "Why didn't you mention it to me?" Sighing Summer walked up and wrapped her arms around Mic
Summer's POV The sun had long gone down and the moon had already risen when Summer and Michael arrived at Golden Ridges' head quarters. Using the cover of the night they had easily infiltrated the premises and were now staking out the front of a simple brick building with only one way in and out waiting for Gregory Noble, Golden Ridges' leader, to exit for the evening. Michael had made it clear prior to their arrival that they were to be as discreet as possible when it came time to take Gregory hostage. He wanted this mission to go quickly and smoothly. If anyone so much as made a sound to alert him they would be punished no questions asked. Although his men had been disappointed that violence wasn't their first option, they dared not disobey Michael's command and obediently remained nearby incase Summer and Michael needed back up, but far enough away that they wouldn't tip anyone off. Now, Summer sat watching as the me
Asher's POVMonday morning came much too slowly for Asher. Filled with anxiety and excitement he had spent the night tossing and turning. It was only when the sun began to rise that he gave up on sleep altogether and went for a run before showering and getting ready for the day.Unable to sit still for long he headed to work much earlier than usual, shocking the overnight guard, who looked about ready to fall over from exhaustion with his sudden appearance.Taking a mental note to speak with the man's supervisor later in regards to his lax disposition, Asher headed into the building.As Asher now paced in his office like a caged animal he anxiously waited for Michael and Summer's arrival to sign their finalized cooporation agreement.Initially he had been thrilled to see Summer, but as the time grew closer that excitement turned sour as he remembered what she had said to him the day before. He wasn't sure if he could calmly
Asher's POVThe car Reggie was driving screeched to a stop in front of Jackson's house. The scene in front was that of a horror movie with all the ambulances and firetrucks that lined the streets and driveways.On the lawn ahead laid an unmoving woman that paramedics crowded around, while a foot away from her lay a body underneath a white sheet.Filling his heart begin to pound in his chest Asher jumped out of the car despite the yells of Reggie and Taylor, making his way quickly forward."SUMMER!" Asher yelled just as a police officer held out an arm to stop him from coming any closer. "LET ME GO!""I'm sorry but you can't move any closer." The police responded calmly while easily holding the frantic Asher back."Please!" Asher begged trying to break free.The longer Asher was held back by the officer the more his panic and fear grew. Everything about the scene he was watching was similar to that of six years ago.&n
Summer's POV "....How much....." The irrirated voice drifted to Summer through her hazy state. "......Longer..." As Summer began to come to she felt a chill run up her spine at the voices that were breaking through her hazy state. Memories of what had happened right before she blacked out began to drift to her as she slowly became aware. "Did you use too much electricity?" Michael demanded sounding ready to explode. "Does it really matter?" Jackson responded in annoyance. "Worst that happens the bitch dies, best she wakes up an idiot." Summer had to stop herself from laughing at her father's harsh words, neither man had noticed that she had woken up yet and she wanted to keep it that way. "The men will be here soon." Michael huffed, "If she doesn't wake up soon what good will she be for them?" "I'm sure they'd enjoy even if she was asleep." Jackson chuckled. No longer able to remain calm Summer shot
Summer's POV "Leave them out of this." Summer hissed keeping her gaze fixed on her father. "This is between us and neither one have anything to do with this." "Son?" The word could just be heard through the earpiece Summer was wearing. "Did he just say son?" Trying to ignore the chaos that was beginning to break out on the other side of the line Summer watched as Jackson began to move towards her. "But they do." He said now laughing. "Had neither existed then you wouldn't have been disobedient. You would have listened to everything I said and been a good submissive daughter." "I wouldn't have been submissive even if they didn't exist." Summer pointed out in disgust. "People aren't tools you can use as you please." "Oh aren't they?" Jackson countered as he closed the distance between them. "Everyone is a dispensable tool to me." Summer didn't have enough time to react as Jackson produced a taz
"What's the plan dad?" Reggie asked once everyone was settled and ready to listen. "Better be a good one." "I think we should have Summer purposely give herself away." Vincent explained. "ARE YOU INSANE!" Reggie yelled hitting the table. "Are you going insane in your old age?" "Hear him out." Summer murmured piqued by Vincent's suggestion. "What do you have in mind?" "I have some people on the inside that Jackson still isn't aware of." Vincent continued to explain. "They can keep us updated on what is happening with Summer and help us get on the inside." "But what if he hurts her?" Asher demanded taking Reggie's side on thinking the old mans plan wasn't the best. "Could you let him finish please." Summer snapped shutting up the two men. "Vincent please continue." "As I was saying," Vince grumbled, "we can let her get on the inside...." "DAD!" Reggie bellowed cutting the man off again.
Summer waited until Asher was fully asleep before she snuck out of the room and headed towards the common room of the Wilson's hideout to find the twins and their father still awake and deep in discussion. From the looks on their faces, it was clear that whatever they were talking about was pretty serious.Noticing Summer's presence they lifted their heads and fixed their eyes on her as she made her way towards them."What's up?" Summer asked as she reached. "I didn't mean to disrupt you.""It's no big deal." Reggie quickly said. "This involves you too anyway.""Oh yeah?" Summer asked sitting down beside Vincent. "What's going on?""Your father called." Vincent said slowly weighing Summer's reaction to this news. "He wants to have a meeting with you.""With me?" Summer repeated. "Did he say when?""Tomorrow." Reggie respoded as his face darkened. "You can't possibly be planning on going."
"You've grown some balls Summer." Allen whistled after Summer finished telling her story.During her tale Asher had managed to get an arm around her pulling her to sit on the bed beside him. Even after she had obliged he hadn't removed the arm, making it clear he was showing her emotional support. Summer appreciated the notion, but the looks she was recieving from everyone in the room due to it was a little much for her."It was a long time comin' if you think about it." Reggie pointed out in Summer's defense. "Should she just has stuck around with Michael all her life?"At the mention of Michael's name Asher's arm tightened around Summer's waist a movement that went unnoticed to everyone except Summer."I think she should have gone about this smarter." Allen countered shooting Reggie a look. "To do it this way, this was just asking to die.""She was almost killed before this!" Asher who had remained quiet until now snapped.
"Are you sure it is safe to move him?" Summer asked as Reggie and Taylor began lifting Asher off of his hospital bed. Wincing Asher tried to feign being okay, but by the look of pain on his face it was easy to tell that he was hurting. Summer couldn't help but blame herself as she watched, she was sure the exertion from earlier hadn't helped matters, even if he seemed fine during, it didn't mean that he actually was. "Stop being a worried mother." Reggie chuckled as he and Taylor began to move towards the exit. "Your man's going to be just fine." "He isn't...." Summer began only to stop mid sentence with a look from Asher. With everything that had been going on Summer wasn't entirely sure what they were. They hadn't set any particular label and they hadn't even really discussed anything. To her they were just two people who were sleeping together, but she didn't know what Asher thought. Shaking his head Reggie let out a
The sun had fully gone down by the time Summer rolled away from Asher gasping for breath. For a man who had been severely beaten and had even had surgery he was still so full of energy. Despite Summer attempting to stop him and insisting he needed rest he just couldn't be satiated."Are you okay?" Asher asked turning his head to look at Summer. "Was that too much?""I should be asking you that." Summer countered still trying to catch her breath. "You're a patient after all.""Minor wounds." Asher insisted reaching towards Summer again."No more." Summer said sternly swatting Asher's hand away. "You need to focus on recovery.""I think I've shown that I'm just fine." Asher pointed out."Be serious please." Summer insisted sitting up and scooting to the edge of the hospital bed.She wasn't sure how long it would take for the doctor to come back and take a look at Asher, but she didn't want to be caught comp
"Are you done?" Asher asked as Summer's tears finally dried up.Nodding Summer sniffled, "Yeah, sorry about that."Feeling embarassed she tried not to look at Asher. She couldn't believe that she had just spent all that time crying like a baby while the person that should be crying watched."Don't say sorry." Asher muttered as he attempted to smile. "Especially to me.""But..." Summer tried only to be stopped by Asher shaking his head."I told you that you aren't the one to blame for this." He repeated sternly. "You tried to keep me away and I was the stubborn one that refused.""None of this is fair to you." Summer sighed. "I should have never let you get involved.""Too late for that now." Asher pointed out. "And even if we repeated the same situation I would have made the same choices all over again.""Why are you so kind?" Summer asked sitting up to look into Asher's eyes. "I don't