Chapter 8

ASHER

Walking next to Daniel is a chore I despise. The fact that Ella is waiting for us when we get back from his triple court hearing this morning is even worse.

He never once invites me into the courtroom, never once asks me to work with him, and we never have a normal conversation. It is as if my mom’s narrative of him is a complete lie.

But honestly, it doesn’t matter. I don’t want this job or a strange boss-employee relationship, let alone a typical uncle-nephew bond.

So here we are, back at his office.

He’s given me the task of filing his papers and bringing them back to him when I’m done. Lexie, the other assistant, is nowhere in sight, which is a shame.

I would have liked to chat with her, get a sense of what kind of assistant she is. Instead, I’m stuck at her desk, making sure I punch the holes exactly where Daniel wants them.

Did I mention he’s a total control freak? It’s odd for a guy, right? But it’s true. He’s meticulous about everything, has specific spots for specific things, and I’ve seen him have a few meltdowns over the years.

Anyway, back to my sister…

I leave her and Daniel in his office, the door closing softly behind me. Now, I’m sitting outside, staring at the door with a scowl on my face.

My heart is pounding with disapproval, and my stomach is churning with worry about what might be happening behind that door.

I hurry to get the documents punched and filed as quickly and efficiently as possible, so I can interrupt whatever they’re doing.

It’s eerily quiet, and I’m not sure what to make of it. Is it quiet because they’re trying to be discreet, or is it quiet because they’re not doing anything?

Or is it quiet because—

Finally, I’m done. Thank God. I hate overthinking things like this.

I don’t waste any time knocking on his office door before barging in without waiting for a response. Seeing Ella sitting between his legs as they look at something on his laptop makes my stomach turn.

“Finished?” he asks, as my eyes scan my sister.

I’m looking for any signs of lipstick transfer from a kiss. But I find nothing, and her lips are still a vibrant red.

She smiles at me innocently. “Done,” I reply, shaking off my momentary silence.

“Good, come and sit down. We need to go over your contract,” Daniel orders.

I can’t stand this new confident version of him. I grab the paperwork from his side of the desk, drop the folders, and take a few steps back.

I don’t sit down, making it clear that he doesn’t control me. I skim through the ten-page contract.

I’m required to work two afternoons of my choice and one weekend every month. I must be ready to fly out at a moment’s notice.

I’m expected to be punctual and efficient. My job includes being Daniel’s personal assistant, which means I’ll be doing more than just office work.

And then there’s the pay. A thousand dollars a month? Is that all?

What kind of salary does he think he’s offering me? I look up to find him watching me, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Does he think this is funny? I want to lash out at him, call him out for being a jerk, but I won’t upset Ella any more than I already have.

I also refuse to disrespect my mom and whatever she did to get me this job. So, a thousand dollars a month it is.

With my mom’s help, that’s two thousand, and my dad’s covering my rent. Will two grand be enough for bills, insurance, and food?

I don’t know, but it’s better than nothing. For now, it’s a paycheck, so I guess I’ll have to hustle, earn that money, and start looking for another job as soon as possible.

I stretch out my hand, grabbing the pen from the desk. I hastily initial each page, ready to hand it back to him, but the unbearable jerk insists I make copies.

I clench my jaw, guiding myself to the other office to use the photocopier. I make a point to produce three copies.

One for Daniel, one for me, and one for my mom. This should be proof enough that I’m ready to play her game.

I shake my head, stepping into Daniel’s office only to find them locked in a passionate kiss. The sight sears into my brain as I cough awkwardly, my tongue tripping over itself.

“Why? Why don’t I knock? Holy shit, this is exactly what I don’t want to see!”

“I’m out,” I declare, slamming one of the contracts on his desk, spinning around, and exiting swiftly without paying any attention to whatever he is saying.

I bolt, practically sprinting from the building as I brainstorm ways to erase that image from my mind.

“Wait, Ash!” Ella’s sweet and innocent voice calls out from behind me.

I halt on the sidewalk, spinning around to see her chasing after me, her bag slung over her shoulder and her leather jacket in her hand.

“What are you doing, El? Go back to your lover boy…” I grumble, resuming my walk.

“I actually came to see you; I thought maybe we could grab an early dinner or something?” she suggests, panting as she tries to keep pace with me while I round the corner to find my car.

I don’t even need to press the button like most people; the key is in my pocket, unlocking my baby as I approach her.

She’s a two-seater Aston GT—a twenty-first birthday gift I can’t turn down.

She’s a bronze beauty, with only three thousand miles on her. The leather still has that new car smell, and the carpets are spotless. This baby is the only woman I keep around…

“Dinner? Where at?” I ask, hesitant to turn down any time Ella offers me.

Maybe I can ask her if she needs any help, bypass Daniel’s offer completely, and work for someone I trust.

“My treat, wherever you want,” she offers.

“You know Mom raised us to be gentlemen; it’s my treat. How about the Thai restaurant?” I suggest.

“Sure.” She smiles, waving her hand so the door swings open for her.