Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
"He told you about that? That it was me?"
"Honey, he tells me everything."
I slowly nod. For some reason that personal, sweet story felt private. And yet if the public found out it would still remain sweet. But the fact that he told her - that she knew before even I did - feels like a storm came and rained on something special.
"I'm Asher's longest relationship," she hisses. "I will never stop being the most crucial part of his life. And I certainly don't intend to give up my position. I'm the whisperer in his ear and when he's done with you I'll be there to pick up the pieces." She settles back.
I swallow hard.
"He never told you, did he?" Her lips stretch wide.
"Tell me what?"
"I'm his favorite fuck toy. Or was. And soon I will be again."
Huh?
"I know all his likes, especially on a night like tonight. He gets handsy. He feels big. He likes things a certain way. And just like always, when he's done with whomever and still wants more I'll be there. Surely by now you know his stamina, and you can't truly believe you're enough for him."
"He would never-"
"Maybe you're right. Maybe tonight will be different. He's still hell bent on playing out this fantasy with you, but we both know it won't last and once he gets this out of his system I'll be waiting."
"Sounds to me like you're more like sloppy seconds." I hold my head up high, but she doesn't even flinch.
"Or third, or fourth, or fifth. That's the difference between us," she sneers. "I'll do whatever it takes. None of this bothers me. I just want what's best for him."
"Everything okay?" Brad appears and I choke back tears.
"Just briefing Elle on tonight" she smiles sweetly. "I better see if Asher needs anything. You know how he gets," she winks before walking off.
My lips quiver.
"Hey, she’s just jealous because he never gave up anything for her." He places a comforting hand on my shoulder but removes it at my glare.
"So everyone knew they were a thing but me?"
"Whoa," he laughs. "Depends how loosely you define thing."
"That's right," I roll my eyes. "Asher doesn't date. He just fucks around."
"It's no secret she wanted it to be, well, what you guys have. That's what makes you so rare."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"Hey, if you're gonna go around getting upset over all the woman Asher fucked then you better be prepared to hate pretty much everyone in this room."
I give him a look and he shrugs. "He's Asher Montgomery. He'd get bored with models and sometimes liked those more easily accessible."
"Of course," I roll my eyes.
"He's completely changed though! Elle, you know he would never-"
"I need some air."
I push the nearest door open and end up on a patio.
A minute later I hear someone, and I don't need to turn around to know that it's him.
"So all your meaningless fucks get to lurk around while-"
"Stop."
I spin around and he lets out a deep sigh.
"Don't do this. I haven't seen you in so long."
"Asher..."
Our eyes meet. I don't think he realized how upset I was until now. He pushes his hand in his hair and rubs his forehead. "Look, I have to finish getting ready. I have a big performance. It's an important night."
"Right."
"I came out here because you're more important. I stopped what I was doing."
"So sorry to inconvenience you."
"That's not what I meant and you know it."
"Seems like I don't really know much. But thanks for telling how tonight is-"
"Tonight is about vanity awards. You're..." he pauses. "Nevermind," he shakes his head. "Look, I know you're upset. I probably should have been more specific about some things but it's in the past."
"And what about Mona practically attacking me? I didn't know you had sex!"
"Elle," he sighs. "I've had sex with a lot of people. I know that's very different from you but I can't change the past."
"So I'm just supposed to be okay with it, and how she spoke to me?"
"She can be cruel, but she's a damn good assistant."
"Well great then."
“Hey," he takes a step closer, stopping when I move away. "Are we going to be okay?”
"I don't know," I shake my head. "This is... a lot."
He slowly nods.
"There are dresses for you to choose from. I'd like you to still come tonight if that's okay?"
"Don't you think enough is enough?"
"Please," he urges. "Give me tonight. I've been thinking about some things too. We can talk as soon as it's over."
The limo is full of his people. I'm squished in the far corner. Asher is by the door so he can easily exit as soon as we get to the curb.
We pull up to the red carpet. Even through the tinted windows I can see the flashing. I’m not allowed out. It's a whirlwind. He's shoved into the masses so quickly he doesn't get a say.