Tagged & Ashed(33)

“What did they say?”

“Some were graphic depictions of the type of rape and torture the sick bastard thought she deserved. Others were different drawings of the ways he wanted to kill her. It was the most sadistic, twisted shit I’ve ever seen.”

I get sick at my stomach. This is a hell of a lot worse than I thought. She downplayed it big time when she confided in me during our game of truth.

My anger toward her for fleeing is suddenly replaced with fear. If this is why she changed so much so quickly, then she needs protection. I’ll hire her some bodyguards if I have to.

“I just really need to talk to her,” he mumbles, making it almost a guilty whisper. “What I said was stupid and petty. I don’t want it to end our friendship. I know you don’t care, but I love her like a sister. Right now, she doesn’t really have anyone else. With her parents now out on the road, she’s alone. It’s always been us against the world, and now she’s having to deal with this alone.”

This is the first time I’ve ever seen Bity show concern for anyone but himself. I suppose Ash has that effect on everyone.

“I’m sure the two of you will make up if you’re seriously her friend. Until then, I need to get going. I’ve got a couple out-of-office meetings to attend."

“Thanks for at least meeting with me. I would have just called, but I didn’t think you’d really talk to me after… well, everything.”

I wouldn’t have.

“Just tell me something. Did you talk Ash into leaving the day of the wedding?”

He looks at me, keeping his eyes honest and his lips tight.

“No. I actually went to tell her I was sorry after we finished up with the photo session, and I found her room completely cleaned out. As much as you and I don’t get along, I was going to tell her it wasn’t my business and I crossed a huge line with what I said.”

Yes you did.

At least I know Ash left on her on accord. It makes swallowing how much I miss her all the more infuriating though. I wanted to blame Bity so I could forgive her. Now… I just want to get the hell over her.



***

Ashiara



“Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Kent. I promise I’ll do what I can to make you pleased with your website,” I murmur while shaking the hand of the portly old man.

I rarely have to do a face-to-face. Only the Sterling Shore clients want to meet me, since they're so close. I hate it. I prefer to be a hermit. People often annoy me.

“I’m sure you will. I love your work. You came highly recommended, and now I see why. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

I nod as I stand from the table, and the waitress rushes over to hand him the check.

“I’ll get it,” I offer sweetly.

“Nonsense. I asked for lunch, so I’ll take care of it. A pretty girl such as yourself shouldn’t be out paying for a business lunch. Until next time, Ms. Branderwood.”

I nod, and he hands the girl a card while he and his assistant grab up their briefcases and notes. I put my own notes away just as the girl sweeps back in with the tab in her hand.

Mr. Kent signs it, and then he heads out to make room for my last client of the evening. It’s almost three now. I had no idea that was going to take so long. My last meeting is for drinks only.

“Anything else, Ms. Branderwood?” the meek girl asks.

“Um, yeah. I’ll take a white wine; whatever you suggest. My last client should be here shortly.”

“Of course.”

She scurries off, and I start fumbling around on my phone to double check my notes for the Kent project while waiting on the representative for Kinset Industries. I’ve never heard of them, but apparently they need a website to make sure people do start hearing about them. It's an internet business, but apparently the founder lives in Sterling Shore. I really need to take my location off my website.

“Ms. Branderwood?” a smooth, familiar voice asks, and my phone drops to my lap as my heart stops beating.

Very slowly, my eyes peek up to see if my ears have heard right, and I get sick to my stomach when I see they have. There he is - icy blue eyes, perfectly tailored suit, and sexy dark hair tousled to perfection.

Oh damn.



***

Tag



She looks stunned, speechless, and completely flabbergasted. I almost smirk, but I keep my stern, businesslike face as I stare down at the trembling girl who is frozen in shock.

“Should I sit?” I finally ask, mockery in my tone.

“I…um… well… I’m supposed to be meeting someone.”

I finally do smirk as she stands and her phone drops from her lap and slaps the floor.

“Damn it,” she says under her breath, but I bend to pick it up before she can reach it, my eyes falling on her sleek, perfect legs as I slowly stand back up and take a step toward her.