33. Winter
Asher was discharged quickly,having nothing more than bruises and scrapes.
I fussed over getting him settled in his room at his mother's house after, plumping his pillows and fetching him water and painkillers. Guilt sat unspoken behind every move. Had Trent really done this, or was he just taking credit for it? I had no idea. He certainly had the resources for it. The terrifying idea that Trent might be willing to do absolutely crazy, harmful things to innocent bystanders lodged heavily in my chest, like a swallowed stone. How could I stop him?
Asher watched me with amusement as I fussed. Honestly, I'd never really taken care of anyone when they'd been hurt before. There was something simple and satisfying in making sure he had what he needed. Asher, the guy who was larger than life, tough and street-smart. The one who didn't bother about cuts and bruises or any kind of physical discomfort, it seemed. He was tough in a way I had no experience with.
My father was the perfect example of the men in my life. Pampered and coddled, they had soft hands and buffed nails, designer suits, and a member of staff on hand for any occasion. If they had any kind of superhuman power, it was the ability to charge exorbitant amounts on their credit cards. Basically, no useful skills for the zombie apocalypse. Asher Martino, on the other hand, would be one of the last men standing, and, by extension, whoever was along for the ride, given how protective he was.
"Winter, not that I don't like you hovering over me, but I'm fine. Go get some rest. You look exhausted."
I chewed my lip. "What if you start to feel bad after I leave?"
"That's a given," he murmured, his eyes holding mine. "If you're worried, come out to the cabin tomorrow."
"The cabin? You're still going? What is it, exactly?" I asked, sitting next to him.
"Beckett has an old cabin out in the woods, past Miller's Pond a good bit. It's quiet, rustic, and peaceful."
"Are you sure you're well enough for that? And what about your bike?" I fretted.
"The bike is already being worked on. It's only superficial damage, luckily, and as for being well enough…I'll leave that in your hands. You can nurse me to death there, if you want."
I couldn't pretend it didn't sound good. With everything going on, I was confused, overwhelmed, and just plain old exhausted. I wanted to be alone with this man now, while I still had the chance. I had no idea what the future held for us, but I did know I'd never endanger him again, if I could help it.
"Okay. I'll come, but you have to promise not to do anything too strenuous," I warned.
His eyes dipped over me, a wicked glint in them that made my skin feel tight. "No fucking way. I get you out there, I won't be holding back." His deep voice sent shivers through me.
"Ash!" I went to slap his chest and he grabbed my hand and put it to his lips.
"I like when you call me that, Your Majesty." He kissed the palm of my hand and my fingers curved around his, sealing his hand inside my grip.
"Go on now and sleep. I'll pick you up tomorrow so we can head out to the cabin," he said after a moment.
"Are you sure you don't need me here?"
"If you really want to make me feel better, take your clothes off and climb in here with me." He raised an eyebrow at me. "Though it might get awkward when my mom brings dinner in."
"Asher!" I exclaimed, though my entire body responded to his words. "Oh my God," I muttered, my face hot as a furnace at the idea of his mom catching us.
He nodded toward the door. "Go on then, and go now, before I stop caring about being caught and keep you here."
The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed to throw clothes on and meet Asher outside the Zeta Pi Nu house. Despite feeling like shit, I longed for the calm and quiet of a cabin in the woods. I wanted to be surrounded by trees and fresh air. Maybe it would help me get my head in order.
Most of all, I wanted to be around Asher. It felt like there was a giant countdown clock hanging over our heads. If Trent was serious about threatening Asher's safety, then our time together had an expiration date. But hadn't it always? I had to keep reminding myself that Asher was helping me so that we could find his dad. Alan had found him. The deal was over, Asher just didn't know it yet.
When I stepped out the front door and saw him waiting for me, with his brown waves flopping over his forehead, his cocky grin, and the way he immediately stood and took my bag from me…none of it helped the pounding of my heart. Had I crossed the line inside myself and actually fallen for the boy pretending to be my boyfriend? The first guy to show up consistently for me. The first one to break me out of my fortress of solitude and make me feel, after being numb for so long.
I trusted him, I realized, as I got on the back of his bike and wrapped my arms around his waist. He wasn't someone who was getting close to me for money or influence. He wasn't someone swayed by status or all that other bullshit I'd been surrounded by my entire life.
He was real, and I was about to lose the only reason he had for hanging out with me. I just needed this trip. If I could have this trip, maybe I could find the strength to tell him the truth and let him go. Then, at least he'd be safe from Trent.
We drove through town and out to the woods, the bike winding over the bumpy road.
The cabin was quiet when we got there. I stared at it through the trees. From here, it looked straight out a horror movie. Still, it wasn't scary as long as he was there.
"We're first," Asher explained, climbing off the bike and steadying me as I did the same. He gave me a lopsided grin. "I had to find a way to get you alone before the rest showed up. There's only one bedroom, you see."
I gave him a weak smile and followed his direction to walk up the gravel path to the door. He was right behind me, carrying a bag of supplies he'd brought.
"Alan left me a message to call, but I can't reach him now. You met him, right? Did he have news?" Asher suddenly said.
I stiffened. "News?" I couldn't turn around and face Asher. I just couldn't. He'd be able to see the lies in my eyes, I was sure of it. "I'm not sure what he's talking about."
Slowly, his footsteps crunched over the gravel. Asher circled me to stand in front of me.
"Is that right? So, you didn't go and see him yesterday?" he asked in a quiet tone.
I shook my head, the lie feeling like a flashing neon sign above my head.
He tipped up my chin, holding me still with his thumb and forefinger. I couldn't let him look me in the eye and see all my lies piling up. I jerked my head away and tried my best to sound like my usual self.
"What's with the inquisition? You think I wouldn't tell you?" I snorted and made to move past him. "You think I don't have better things to do than sneak around behind your back and keep things from you?" Feeling calmer in my deception, I finally met this gaze. "News flash, my world doesn't revolve around you, Martino." Liar.
Asher stared at me for a long moment and then nodded. "My mistake, Ice Queen. Don't get bratty."
"Whatever, let's set this place up before everyone else gets here," I huffed. I couldn't believe I'd pulled that off. Now, not only was I keeping the truth from him, but I was lying to him, too. Great. A stellar day to reach a new level of terribleness. Maybe it just runs in my family. That dark thought jarred me, and I pushed it violently aside.
Inside the cabin, Asher lit the fire while I tidied up and put away the food that we'd brought. The interior of the cabin was simple, rustic and charming as hell. I could just picture nighttime, with the fire lit, four friends and their girls sitting around, talking and laughing. How I longed to be part of it. Asher's permanent plus-one.
Once the fire was crackling away, I sat in front of it while Asher went outside to chop some wood. I stared into the flames. What was I going to do with all the information I'd gotten in the last few days? Obviously, I had to tell Asher the truth about his dad, but the information about Selena and The Cove, and his accident? I didn't know what to do.
I let out a long sigh and kept staring at the dancing orange flames. I just wanted to shut off my brain for a while. I was exhausted.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Asher asked later as he brought in a load of firewood.
I just shrugged. The less I spoke, the less I'd lie.
He dropped the wood into the basket and crouched in front of me. He looked me over for a long, searching moment and then reached into his pocket. He pulled out a complicated knot. One tied with three ropes.
"Do you know this one?" he wondered.
I shook my head. He turned it over in his hand, smoothing his calloused thumb over the silky material. "Hold out your hand and I'll show you how it works," he prompted.
Maybe it was the emotional burnout, or just the fact that I'd let my guard down so completely around him, but I didn't think twice.
I held out my hand, and he slid one end of the rope over my wrist and pulled it tight.
I stared at him. "Now what?"
He smirked, but there was a serious current just beneath it. He tugged me up by the wrist, and I yelped, surprised more than hurt by the explosive movement. He ruthlessly pushed my bound arm behind my back and tied it to my other hand. My attempts to fight him off were laughable. He was too strong and determined. I flopped back on the couch when he released me, my hands secured at the small of my back.
"What the hell? Untie me."
He sat down on the coffee table and shook his head. "Your demands are no good here, Your Majesty."
"What are you doing? Is this some kinky sex thing?" Honestly, at this point, I could probably get behind that.
He shook his head. "This is a lying brat thing."
My heart nosedived. Somehow, he knows.
He tutted softly. "I gave you a chance to tell me, but you decided not to."
"Asher—" I began.
He stood and reached for something in his pocket. Another rope. I attempted to get up and run from him, but it wasn't easy with my hands tied. He rested a steel-like leg over mine and tied my ankles together.
"Now…What did Alan tell you?"
"How do you know where I went?"
He smirked. "I know everything you do. Did you think I was just letting you walk around without keeping tabs on you?"
A sinking feeling filled my chest. He knew I'd lied, and there was no way of getting around it.
"So, you're stalking me? Really mature."
"What did he tell you, Winter?"
"Why don't you just ask him?"
"He's conveniently out of town. You need to tell me."
I wet my lips. This was it. I was out of options. "Check my bag — by the door."
He got up and grabbed it. It was the same one I'd been carrying yesterday. He dug around for a moment and then pulled out the photo, his whole body freezing as he stared down at it.
My mouth was so dry I could barely swallow. "Asher…" I started.
He stared up at me for a long, blistering moment, and my heart wrenched free of its bindings. I could see all his fear and hope. The betrayal he'd always felt at being rejected before he'd even been born. It all came to the surface.
"Ash! Untie me," I pleaded. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away. I brought it here to tell you."
He appeared undone. Alarmingly unlike himself. He was in shock. The impulse to put my arms around him was so strong, I fought hard against the bonds on my wrists. He was imploding and he was all alone. He took a step forward, his dark eyes a sea of turbulent emotion, then swiveled on his heel and walked out the door.
It slammed behind him, and the sound of the key in the lock was loud inside the quiet cabin.
"Asher!" I screamed, but there was no response.
Outside, I heard the sound of his motorcycle starting up and then roaring away, quickly fading into the distance.
Four fucking hours it took until Beckett and Eve showed up. I lay there on the couch, the fire crackling merrily beside me, the door locked, no one around for miles to hear me shout. If I hadn't been so panicked, I might have had a great nap. Instead, all I could think of was Asher out there, hurtling down the highway to see his father, all alone. Whether that was what he wanted or not, I wished I could have been there with him.
When the door unlocked, I forced myself into a sitting position. "Is someone there?" I called out.
Eve stuck her head around the door. "Winter! You're here. I didn't see Ash's bike outside."
"That's because he's not here. Can you untie me?" I asked quickly.
Beckett snorted. "And Asher has the balls to tell us not to kiss in front of him, while he's leaving his girlfriend hog-tied in the cabin."
"I don't even want to ask what kind of game you two were playing," Eve muttered, taking a sharp knife to the ropes at my wrists and ankles.
I sprang up as soon as I was free. "I need to get back to town. Can you give me a ride?" I asked Beckett.
He looked between me and Eve. "Sure, but what's the rush? Isn't Asher coming back?"
I shook my head. "No, I don't know. I don't think so."
Beckett decided not to question me further. I must have looked as panicked as I felt. Instead, he simply led the way to his truck. He quickly unloaded the bags of food so Eve could get settled and then started driving us back to town. I didn't think about telling Eve the news about her father right now. Finding him was Asher's thing. He could decide when to tell his sister and mom. I just had to find him.
"What's going on with you two?" Beckett asked.
I chewed my lip. "Nothing. Something — I don't know. He's upset right now, that's all I know for sure."
"You're worried about him?"
I turned to Beckett. I didn't know him well, beyond the regular Dunes country club bullshit that kids of members went through together. He was Asher's best friend. Right now, he was staring at me like he'd never really seen me before.
I nodded.
Beckett smiled. "Good."
"Good?" I repeated. "It's good that I'm worried?"
"Damn straight. Ash worries about everyone in his life…it's about time someone worried about him. I approve."
My throat felt tight for a second. I coughed to clear it. "Well, that's good to know. I'll sleep well at night, now that I've got your blessing," I muttered, falling back on sarcasm and a pathological need to push people away to cope with my frenzied emotions.
Beckett laughed, unoffended; it was a booming sound. "Good, I'm glad. Where am I dropping you off?"
I thought of my car, all the way across town. Also, it was late, and I didn't want to drive all night. I didn't trust myself not to fall asleep, but I couldn't afford to wait until morning to leave. It would be at least a six-hour drive to Saratoga Springs, where Asher's dad lived.
"Just let me off downtown. I'm getting a cab."