“Oh, Nathan,” he muttered. “I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes.” A strange, twisted smile crossed Carl’s face. He held back his chuckle.
†
Professor appeared at the bottom of the rickety old steps in the file room then paused and looked around. There wasn’t any sound, although how much sound did filing actually make? The file room was eerie, as were most basements, and it made Professor slightly uneasy.
“Hello?”
There was no response. The room wasn’t that big. If Roxy were downstairs, she would have heard him. Despite a lack of response, he walked along the main aisle and peered into each side aisle as he passed. He paused at the back of the file room and saw a folder containing scattered papers and an envelope with photos beneath it. It appeared as if someone had left in a hurry. Professor again looked around, this time with added concern. He looked back at the scattered papers and the envelope with the photos. The photos caught his attention. He entered the aisle, crouched down, and sifted through the black and white photos in the plain, unmarked manila envelope. As he studied the pictures of Asher with Brian, obviously taken from a spy cam, someone stepped into the aisle behind him. He heard someone approaching and was about to straighten when he was struck on the head with a baton style flashlight. Professor barely had time to gasp before collapsing the rest of the way to the floor.
Chapter Twenty-eight
It was early afternoon by the time Jacey returned to Asher’s cabin with his borrowed Audi SUV. After stopping to visit Professor, she had gone to her house to feed the horses. It seemed unlikely that Asher would be up before noon anyway. Jacey entered the front sitting room with Asher’s keys dangling from her finger. The large, front sitting room was the more formal less used room in the house with expensive, barely touched furniture. She personally had never sat on the furniture. When she visited Asher, they spent most of their time in the sunroom, which was Asher’s preferred room. Jacey shut the door behind her, laid the keys on the nearby table, and headed across the room.
“Asher, I’m back,” she called out.
There was no response, which wasn’t surprising. She could see him sleeping most of the day after his 24-hour bender. Jacey entered the back hallway and approached his bedroom. The bedroom door was open and the room was relatively dark with the curtains drawn to keep out the dreary morning. As Jacey entered, she looked at the already made bed and was surprised that he was up, considering the night he had. She heard the shower running and approached the bathroom.
“Asher, I’m back,” she called through the closed bathroom door.
There was still no response, but she didn’t think much of it. Jacey headed across the room, noticed something on the dresser that seemed out of place, and approached. The last remaining framed photo of Katie within the house now lie face down on top of the dresser. Jacey picked up the picture, studied it a moment, and then replaced it to its usual position on the dresser. Her eyes strayed to the carved, wooden antique jewelry box. A man’s platinum wedding band lie on top. Jacey uncertainly picked up the wedding band and stared at it with bewilderment. She was deep in thought and didn’t even notice the shower has stopped. Jacey looked back at the picture of Katie and wondered what was going through Asher’s head. Why had the picture been turned down? Why had he removed the rest of her pictures? What was up with his wedding ring? The questions were nagging at her.
“What do you have there?” came Asher’s voice.
She saw a brief image of Asher in the bathroom doorway through the dresser mirror. Jacey replaced the ring to the top of the box, turned to face him, and attempted a tiny smile. She took in an eyeful of him in the bathroom doorway wearing just an old pair of shorts. She didn’t often seen him without his shirt. Although not excessively muscular, he maintained a solid build with a light coating of chest hair. The scars along his upper body were plentiful enough to play tic-tac-toe. He’d seen plenty of action during his tour with the CIA. The newest scar on his shoulder was a reminder of the museum party gone bad, reminding her how he saved her life while taking a bullet meant for her.
“Just looking at Katie’s picture.”
Asher smiled gently with a slight nod but didn’t comment. He approached his closet and casually opened it.
“I’d wondered what became of my car,” he announced. “I called the club, but no one answered.” Asher removed a shirt and a pair of pants then glanced at her. “I feared I’d be stranded here all day.”
“More like you were about to call a cab and hunt me down,” Jacey replied.
He chuckled softly. “You’re probably right.”
Asher tossed his clothes on the bed then approached her and the dresser. Jacey appeared uneasy and moved out of his way. He removed a pair of underwear and socks then casually turned Katie’s picture face down once again. He turned toward Jacey with a casual smile that seemed to mock her.
“We could continue this conversation while I dress, but it might be a bit awkward for you.”
Jacey appeared embarrassed and forced a smile while blushing. A few thoughts bounced around inside her mind, which she quickly dismissed. She pointed to the bedroom door.
“I’ll be making coffee,” Jacey announced then slipped from the bedroom.
Chapter Twenty-nine
The rain poured against the glass sunroom windows. They were having a severe thunderstorm, but it would pass soon and give away to late afternoon sunshine. Jacey sat on the floor while resting her back against the wicker sofa. She held a mug of coffee while flipping through an old photo album usually kept beneath the coffee table for easy access. Asher didn’t have many photo albums, just those from the three-year period he’d been with Katie. Before Stony Ridge, it seemed as if he didn’t exist. His secret stint with the CIA may have had something to do with that. Jacey was the only one in town who knew about Asher’s secret past. Asher entered the room with a mug of coffee in his hand. He paused, looked at her where she sat, and then joined her on the floor. After last night, she couldn’t deny she enjoyed his closeness a little more than usual. He propped his elbow on the sofa near her and rested his temple on his knuckles while watching her.
“You have a strange fascination for photos today,” he casually remarked.
She glanced at him and grinned in response. “Photos are the door to a person’s past,” Jacey announced then sighed while looking at a photo of Asher with Katie. “You must’ve made Katie very happy.”
Asher glanced at the album in her hands. He gently removed the album from her, shut it, and placed it on the sofa behind him. Jacey gave him a strange look. It was odd behavior. Of course, he’d been behaving oddly for the last three months. Katie had always been his favorite subject, but lately, he seemed reluctant even to mention her name. His behavior was starting to get the better of her, and she decided it was time to call him on it.
“Don’t care for the topic?” she asked while raising her brows in question.
“Just closing the door.”
Jacey studied him a moment with some uncertainty. She turned onto her hip, leaned her elbow on the sofa, and faced him. She stared into his blue eyes and attempted to get a read on the hard to read man.
“What’s bothering you, Asher?”
“Nothing’s bothering me,” he announced while grinning and stared back at her. “What’s bothering you?”
Jacey casually took his left hand and held it up, revealing the indent where his wedding band had once been for many years. Asher ran his thumb over the indent then gently pulled his hand away. He smiled casually.
“Just another fond memory,” he informed her. “Why does it bother you?”
“She was the most important part of your life,” Jacey replied and tilted her head while giving him a curious look. “Have you lost that?”
Asher smiled at her then stood and approached the stereo in the corner. He turned on a slow song then returned to Jacey and extended his hand to her. Jacey accepted his hand, stood, and allowed him to pull her int
o his arms for a slow dance. Jacey enjoyed his suave style of slow dancing. The first time she had ever danced with Asher was at the museum gala. Of course, it was also the first time someone had tried to kill her too. He gracefully dipped her, causing her to smile and laugh softly. As he pulled her back up and into his arms, they danced closer.
“No one dips quite like you,” she teased.
“Please submit all compliments in writing and leave them at the front desk.”
Asher smiled, gracefully dipped her deep, and held her there a moment. He brought her back up, spun them slightly, and continued to dance close. Jacey smiled with a soft laugh and touched his face. He took her hand, gently kissed it, and once more held it to his chest. She placed her head on his shoulder and enjoyed the way his body gently brushed past hers as they slow danced. Her body ached with desire, wanting to feel him once more pressed against her. Images of their brief encounter last night filled her thoughts, and she didn’t know how to make them stop.
“It’s nice having you all to myself again,” he teased, breaking her out of her fantasy.
Jacey lifted her head slightly and brushed her cheek against his. “You never were big on sharing.”
“Maxwell was far too possessive,” he remarked without care. “You already have me. There’s no room for two possessive men in your life.” He considered then sighed deeply. “Can’t trust the quiet, shy type, I suppose.”
“Exactly what type would suit you?” she asked while meeting his gaze with a teasing grin.
He considered the comment and withheld his chuckle. “Maybe I’ll just get you a puppy instead.”
Jacey rolled her eyes and returned her head to his shoulder. She brushed her lips gently past his cheek then cursed herself for her actions.
“I don’t want a puppy, and I certainly don’t want your help finding a man,” she remarked simply. “I have my hands full with you.”
Both danced a moment longer in silence. Asher gently caressed her back while they slow danced and avoided looking at her. Something was troubling him. She could almost feel his body tense as he inhaled deeply.
“Should I bring up my behavior last night or are we pretending nothing happened?” he finally asked.
Jacey pulled away to meet his gaze with a look of concern and surprise as they stopped dancing. She was suddenly uneasy and moderately embarrassed that he had remembered, which meant he also remembered she didn’t exactly put up a fight either. She possibly had more reason to be embarrassed than he did. Asher remained his usual, casual self as he stared into her eyes awaiting a response.
“I didn’t think you’d remember, so I didn’t see the point in mentioning it.”
“You’d cover for me no matter what wrong I did, this I’m convinced,” he responded almost proudly. He tilted his head and appeared curious. “Not feeling betrayed?”
“You were drunk and mistook me for Katie,” she replied gently. “I understand.”
Asher chuckled lowly and appeared slightly humored. “Would you really like to believe that?” he asked while raising his brow. “You seem to think Katie is the only woman I think about.” He hesitated then sighed softly. “I’d like to keep that fantasy alive for you, darling, but Katie’s just a fond memory of a wonderful three years. She was a very long time ago.”
She couldn’t help but stare into his eyes after the seemingly harsh comment, although she wasn’t certain how to respond. Thankfully, he didn’t give her the option.
“I’ve known you three times longer than I had Katie,” he announced simply. “To be honest; if she came through that door right now and I had to choose between you and her, I’d choose you, darling.”
She was rendered almost speechless by the comment, although it did make her feel special. “That’s quite a compliment from you.”
Asher smiled warmly, pulled her into his arms, and held her against him in a warm embrace. She clung to him and enjoyed the warmth of his arms around her and his body firmly pressed against hers.
“Darling, I’d walk through the gates of hell for you,” he announced then hesitated. “I’d do anything for you. I’d even go away forever, if you asked me too.”
Jacey pulled away just far enough to stare into his eyes. She smiled and affectionately caressed his chest. She could feel her heart pounding as the words rolled around in her head. She was almost in disbelief when she spoke them aloud.
“Would you make love to me if I asked you to?” she softly questioned.
Asher appeared slightly surprised by the question and stared at her a moment while unusually silent. As she stared into his blue eyes, she could feel his entire body tense against hers, causing her to momentarily panic. She feared his reaction to her words and regretted having said them. His arms tightened around her waist as he firmly caressed her back.
“Without hesitation,” he whispered softly then drew a sharp breath. “But the price would be steep. I’d require a ‘til death do us part’ clause.”
There was an awkward silence as they stared at each other, uncertain if either had been serious. Neither looked away. Jacey ran her hand firmly along his chest and smiled timidly.
“Happily.”
For a moment, he could only stare at her then appeared curious. “Did I just ask you to marry me?” he suddenly questioned. “But more importantly, did you just say ‘yes’?”
“Without thinking twice,” she replied softly.
He stared at her only a brief moment before pulling her against him. Asher kissed her passionately and with moderate aggression that she’d never felt before. Although his aggressive kiss took her by surprise, her entire body ached for him. She tightened her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with urgency. As his hands firmly traveled her body, their kiss turned more aggressive. Her heart was pounding, and she felt a little lightheaded. For a moment, she feared Asher was too much man for her. Her sexual experience was severely limited, while she imagined Asher being an American version of James Bond. As if sensing her apprehensions, Asher broke off the kiss. He kept his mouth close to hers while breathing heavily.
“Are you sure?” he asked softly. “I don’t want you to feel pressured.”
His words reminded her that she had nothing to fear with him. He wasn’t a horny teenager looking to score. This was Asher, her best friend. She relaxed in his arms then gently brushed her lips past his.
“You’re the one thing I’ve always been sure about,” she replied softly then looked up to meet his gaze.
Asher groaned and kissed her with great passion and affection. He swept her off her feet and into his arms without breaking off the kiss. Asher effortlessly carried her to his bedroom and lowered her to the bed. He continued kissing her with a wild passion she had never felt before. Her head was spinning and everything after that was a complete blur. Jacey felt almost drunk with desire. She didn’t remember taking off her clothes or how he managed to slip out of his seemingly unnoticed; she just remembered feeling his naked body against hers. She never felt such pleasure before. The sensation of his hands caressing her body had her writhing with ecstasy. She heard him speaking to her in his soothing, monotone voice. He repeatedly asked ‘are you okay’ and said ‘stop me if it hurts’.
Jacey heard the questions, but she was so enthralled with his hands caressing her in places she’d never allowed any man before, she could barely murmur a response. His earlier aggression aside, he didn’t rush the moment and took his time to ensure her comfort. Her body accepted him without hesitation, welcoming every action and movement. Despite a moment of discomfort, his body against hers and his mouth kissing sensitive spots along her body kept her from acknowledging it. The discomfort had quickly passed, and she could feel her heart pounding in rhythm with his. Her head continued to spin with ecstasy even after their lovemaking had finally died down.
Jacey and Asher clung to each other beneath the sheets as they kissed warmly but passionately, both moderately exhausted. They breathed heavily while attempting to recover from
their lengthy round of passion. She’d finally lost her virginity, although she never would have imagined it would be with Asher. It was possibly the single greatest experience in her young life, yet she could barely remember everything that had happened. It was followed by warm kisses, gentle caresses, and another round of him questioning how she felt. She felt great! She wasn’t sure what other women experienced during their first time, but Asher was perfect. He was gentle and passionate until the very end when he displayed a brief moment of wild aggression. If she was truthful, she enjoyed the wildly aggressive part most. She wondered if it would be expecting too much to have a repeat performance later, after his heart rate slowed enough to convince her he wasn’t going to have a heart attack.
They lay there for several minutes in each other’s arms just listening to the sound of their pounding hearts. Jacey’s hair was mussed, wildly flowing across Asher’s chest, as she rested her head on his shoulder while he held her. Asher finally seemed to come back to life, brushed the hair away from her face, and met her gaze with a sly grin.
“What have I done to you?” he teased. “You look like you’ve been through hell.”
She was glad the old Asher had returned, allowing him to tease with her rather than continually asking if she felt okay. Jacey smiled in response to his remark.
“At least your version of it.”
Asher chuckled lowly in his throat and appeared eager to accept the challenge. “As soon as I get my strength back, you’re getting it.”
She maintained her humor and again nuzzled his chest. “You’ll need a lot more than strength in order to give it to me again.”
Asher glared at her then cast her onto her back and moved on top of her. She let out a surprised scream then mocked him with a soft laugh.
“Told you so,” she teased.
Asher pulled her lower body against his. Jacey let out a surprised gasp. Asher chuckled lowly and kissed her shoulder while moving against her.
“Never doubt me.”
The Deadliest Institution Collection Page 38
