Zara HowardI reached the Lancaster Penthouse while my mind was still numb with everything that had just happened. I sit on the couch, waiting for Asher. I fidget with my hands, placed on my lap as I try to figure out a way to explain everything that had happened to Asher. Where do I even start? How do I even begin to explain- Wait, does he even want to see me here after last night? Was he embarrassed to be seen with me like that? Is he pissed at me after yesterday? I didn't even say a proper goodbye. I just rushed out like I saw some ghost.Too many thoughts flood my mind as I notice Asher casually walking down the stairs. I stand up as he approaches me. As I stand there, I feel my body quivering like a leaf."Miss Howard, you are early today," Asher states in his usual casual demeanour. Once he finally stands close enough to face me, he instantly knows something is up. I guess the look on my face really gives it away. "What's wrong? Did something happen?" Asher asks, his no-no
Zara HowardAs we reached Asher's car, I stand there awkwardly, contemplating where to sit. Asher probably caught up on it and opened the passenger door for me. I muttered a small thank you as I settled in my seat. UGH. Sometimes I wish he wasn't such a gentleman. I know I'd be less miserable if he had a little bit of 'shitty jerkface' side to him.I look up as if I were talking to God and tell him or her, whoever it is, that they very generous while blessing Asher. Power, Beauty, Virtues. Now that I think of it, God might be a woman. Only a woman would create something like Asher. I mean come on, have you seen him? "Is everything alright? You have been staring at the car roof for a questionable amount of time." Asher asked as I snapped out of my thoughts."Yeah no, it's all good," I stuttered awkwardly and for some bizarre reason show him the peace sign.He just scoffs as he shakes his head. As he pulls out of the parking lot, I make a very wise decision. To shut the fuck up for
Zara HowardXander comes to drop me off at the Lancaster Enterprises the next morning, thanks to the additional security and protection. As soon as I drop my stuff at my desk, I make a beeline straight to Xena’s cabin."Morning," I announced as I walk into her cabin. We dropped the good of the good morning a long time ago. With Jerold as our direct superior, it was only rational to drop that expectation. Fewer expectations, fewer disappointments. "Morning! How was your day yesterday? Did you manage to distract yourself with work?" Xena asked while she was busy arranging a few sheets in the file. “Kind of,” I reply, not knowing what else to say. Because well, I was pretty distracted. “I will never understand how you use work as coping mechanism. It would only drain me further. You should learn something from me. I just sleep it off.” Xena brags and I find myself zoning out."Earth to Zara!" Xena snapped her fingers to get my attention. Oh boy, I gotta drop the ball. After I
Zara HowardCaleb decided to take me to a Chinese restaurant. A Man of his word indeed. After the last few hectic days that I have had, Chinese food sounds like absolute heaven. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of food is Asher's favourite. That man probably chews on bullets for all I care. Maybe I will ask Mrs. Costanza about his favourites. There is no better way to know about Asher's tastes and preferences. As I get ready for the date, I couldn't help but feel a nervous ball in my stomach, not knowing what to feel about the date.This is what happens when your life has been rather man-less. I am not a virgin but let's just say there has been a drought downtown for quite some time. Ever since I joined the Lancaster Enterprises it has been a little too hard to focus on anything else except Asher.People around me seem to have at least some sort of action going on for them. Xena has been in a relationship with Jerold for what feels like ages. Not too thrilled about that one.And
Zara Howard"I don't think we should be friends anymore. You have betrayed my trust too many times for me to be okay with it." I grumble to Xena as I take a monstrous bite of the burrito Scarlett packed for me in my tiffin. "What the hell are you talking about?" Xena asks, almost offended as she digs into her dry, tasteless salad.Is she eating only lettuce?"Your plans suck. They never work. You think they do but they always backfire. I went out on a date without counter-questioning you, I trusted you when you said it was a good idea and this is how you repay all my love and trust?" I accuse her as I narrow my eyes at her. "Asher literally called you just to check up on you last night. I would think that is a pretty successful outcome of my plan." Xena says as I continue to stuff food in my mouth. With how shitty everything is going in my life, food is the only thing that seems to comfort me right now. "Sure, and he hung up right after I told him I was out on a date as if nothing
Zara Howard"Xander, this is the last time I am going to ask you. What are your intentions with my sister?" I ask in my tough voice as I cross my arms over my chest. It is kind of hard to boss around and intimidate an armed bodyguard, who is almost a foot taller than you. "Miss Howard, is this why you dragged me in here? I was more than happy to wait outside." Xander rubs his forehead as he conveniently ignores my grave interrogation. "It is productive utilisation of our time. Mister Lancaster takes forever to come down whenever I come for the update. Plus, if you just gave me the answers when I was pestering you during the car ride here, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now." I stated in a duh tone. "Don't you think it would be much easier if you just asked these apparently crucial questions directly to your sister?" He asked as he shifted in his place awkwardly. "No, I don't trust her. She treats me like I am some little kid and doesn't tell me everything thoroughly
Zara HowardAs I brush my teeth, I couldn't help but replay the events of last night. I remember how the first thing I did after getting back home last night was scream into the pillow. It is a miracle I even have a voice this morning.It was almost as if my brain was stuck on a loop as I continued to replay the events of last night. Each time, slower than before. Taking in all the details. The only thought in my head is disbelief. All these years of crushing on Asher, I have fantasised an embarrassing amount of things about him.But last night, being there captured like a little mouse in his massive body cage made me realise the kind of power Asher actually holds over me.I feel my cheeks heat up just at the thought of how good his mouth felt against my skin. I look at my reflection in the mirror and feel shame course through me. Asher is not even here and I am so flustered. I don't even want to think about how flustered and blushy I actually get in his presence. I whine as I real
Asher Lancaster"To what do I owe the displeasure?" I ask as Axel walks into my room without knocking."Oh, I am so sorry. Did I catch you in the middle of doing nothing?" Axel retorts with his classic dry sarcasm."That’s it. I am going to tell mom you are bullying me." I chuck the files I was going through on my desk and face Axel properly.“Sure, go ahead. I’ll happily tell her the number of people you slaughtered to death.” Axel raised his eyebrow as a challenge. “It was not on purpose. I swear that man fell on my knife”“What about Paul?”“I had a faulty gun.” I stated matter-of-factly.“And Jack?”“That was in self-defence. His attack was ruthless-”“And somehow you came out without a scratch and his face was beaten beyond recognition.” Axel says without letting me finish my sentence. “No scratches? My knuckles were bleeding!” I exasperate, almost offended.“Because you punched a man to death.” Axel deadpanned.“This is what is wrong with you. You a glass-half-empty kinda guy.