Asher's POV
Staring up at the large casino like building before him Asher steadied his heartbeat as he exited a taxi.
Lights lit its 20 story walls, flashing from different shades of red, blue, and green. The words 'La Fiet' glowed golden above the double door entrance where a man clad in all black stood checking ID'S of patrons. The place seemed as grandiose as he had heard and immediately all he could think was, what am I even doing here?
The only thing he had ever truly heard about this specific club was that it was one where drug lords, gangsters, and some of the most powerful people in the city enjoyed congregating. It wasn't a place someone like himself should even be stepping foot in.
"Ready to go in?" David asked stepping from behind Asher and giving a long whistle.
Nodding Asher and David made their way to the waiting bouncer and presented their ID'S. Satisfied that they were the real deal the bouncer stepped aside and motioned for the two men to enter.
Upon entering Asher's senses were assaulted by too loud club music, flashing disco lights, and the smell of stale beer and sweat.
Again he found himself wondering why Michael had asked to meet at a place like this.
"He said to take the elevator to the 15th floor!" David shouted over the blaring club track that had just switched over.
Walking through the crowds of drunk and high dancers grinding against each other, having to avoid the occasional person who reached out to try to dance with them, they made their way to the far end of the first floor where the elevator waited for them.
Entering David hit the button for the 15th floor and stepped back as the elevator jerked to life. The music outside its two sliding doors grew quieter as they rose higher and higher, until it disappeared entirely leaving the lift with an eerie silence.
A ding indicated they had arrived at their destination followed by the elevators doors sliding open. Exiting Asher and David made their way to room 1510 where Michael said he would be waiting for them.
Asher admired how this floor seemed like a completely different world from the club down below.
The Golden walls around them sported fancy faux oil lamps that gave the hall a calming glow. The carpets below their feet were blood red with golden accents and the doors to either of their sides were simple wood with golden overlay and gold metal plates displaying room numbers.
Anyone with eyes could easily understand the higher the floors the more important the people were.
Room 1510 appeared just to Ashers right. Taking a deep breath he motioned for David to knock, feeling it would be rude to just enter. Nodding David balled his fist and connected it with the door.
"Enter." Came Michael's deep voice after one knock.
Obliging David entered first followed closely by Asher, who couldn't quite help but widen his eyes a bit at the scene before him.
Their private room sported a small dance floor with a poll positioned directly in the middle. A woman in nothing but bra and underwear twirled around it maneuvering herself to the ground, then she began to crawl towards the dance floors edge all the while moving her gaze to each and every man in the room. On the other side of the room was a personal bar with a bartender busy making drinks behind it. In the center of the room were plush red chairs where three men including Michael sat chatting.
It took Asher a minute to process everything before his eyes finally landed on the person he had wanted to see the most. She sat on Michael's lap once again as he held her waist with a protective arm.
She seemed to stiffen as Michael held his drink up for her to take a sip. Scrunching her nose she obliged taking a dainty sip. Whatever was in the cup caused her eyes to water and her cheeks to flush. Keeping a smile on her face she tried her best to hide her dislike of whatever she was being made to drink.
Feeling his anger building Asher looked to Michael's face trying to determine if he even cared about how uncomfortable Summer was. Everything about her disposition screamed she didn't want to be there.
"Welcome." Michael boomed, "Come and sit, have some drinks."
"Don't mind if we do." David said happily heading to the bar first.
"Mr. Roth come have a drink and relax. Your expression screams I am uncomfortable." Michael chuckled motioning to the bar.
"I'm ok for now." Asher insisted as he headed for a seat instead.
Michael's eyes zoned in on Asher as he made his way to an empty chair and slowly lowered his body into it. Only when he was seated did Michael smile and snap his fingers. At the sound the woman who had been dancing for them made her way over happily.
"Sheila," Michael began. "I want you to go grab a friend and bring her here to help you entertain my guests."
"Yes sir." Sheila purred before turning around and exiting the room.
Frowning Asher looked to Michael. "You really don't need to do that."
"I insist." Michael countered.
His tone held an air of finality as he spoke the words meaning 'don't argue with me'. Taking the hint Asher sat back and looked to where David was talking animatedly with the bar tender.
"Sweetheart." Michael said now pinching Summer's hip. "Why don't you greet our guest and see what he will have to drink."
An emotion Asher couldn't quite place his finger on appeared in Michael's eyes as he spoke the words.
Plastering a smile on her face Summer turned her attention to Asher. "Good to see you again Mr. Roth."
Asher nodded, "Likewise."
As much as he had wanted to speak openly with her, Asher knew that he had to remain acting like a stranger with Summer at this moment.
Putting on a hostess' smile Summer lifted herself from Michael's lap.
"What'll it be Mr. Roth?"
"Water." Asher responded.
Eyes widening for a fraction of a moment Summer looked to be mulling over something in her head before turning and heading to the bar.
As Asher turned his eyes to Michael he saw a look of curiosity on his face as the man watched him.
"You aren't a fan of drinking are you Mr. Roth?" He asked accent deepening as his expression changed from curiousity to something darker.
"Something like that." Asher responded slowly.
It wasn't that he didn't like drinking, it was the fact Summer was also in this very room. Out of respect for her he just couldn't bring himself to touch a drop of the stuff in her presence. Especially while knowing how much pain and suffering alcohol had caused her.
Michael searched Asher's face, for what though Asher didn't know. Furrowing his thick brows ever so slightly he slouched back in his seat even more before motioning to the two men at his sides.
"I almost forgot," he exclaimed. "These are two of my associates."
Asher studied the men on either side of Michael. The one sitting directly to his right was a very large bald man with crystal clear eyes that held a sense of foreboding. His arms and what Asher could see of his chest from his half undone shirt sported some intricate tattoo. Michael introduced him as Gustavo.
Next came the man to the left who was much smaller, but just as stocky as Gustavo. His raven black hair was shaved at the sides and the long hair left at the top was tied in a ponytail. His eyes were black as night, devoid of all emotions as he glared at Asher. His mouth which turned down in a frown had a nasty scar right above his top lip. Also like Gustavo, this man sported tattoos all along his arms and up around his neck as well. Michael deemed him to be Stefen.
Neither man spoke as they took Asher in. Their eyes held no signs of interest or warmth as they examined him. Under their scrutinizing gazes Asher could feel himself wanting to shrink back.
Just as he felt himself fighting the urge to flee Summer returned and the men's eyes turned to her sizing her up hungrily as she sat Asher's cup of water in front of him.
"Thanks."
The words weren't so much for the water Summer had brought him, instead they were for the fact she had come just in time to free him from the uncomfortable stares of Gustavo and Stefen.
Summer who had already turned and was making her way back to Michael didn't bother responding.
Asher's heart tugged at her blatant cold shoulder towards him.
As she reached her destination she once again sat in Michael's lap and even smiled sweetly as he wrapped his arm back around her once more. This time instead of looking stiff she seemed to relax into his embrace placing her head comfortably on his chest right where his heart was located.
The scene sent waves of anger and jealousy rolling through Asher making it more difficult for him to keep his mask of composure and nonchalance in place.
Just when he felt he would snap David finally arrived having finished his conversation with the bartender.
"Fancy place you got here Mr.Andrews." he said lowering himself into a chair beside Asher.
Eyes widening Asher looked to Michael who was smirking.
He owned this place?
"You caught me." Michael chuckled. "I didn't think either of you would realize I invited you to one of my clubs."
"One?" David didn't hide his look of shock.
Michael nodded while he kissed the top of Summer's head, a motion that almost sent Asher into a frenzy.
"So, you also dabbled in the nightlife industry?" David pushed.
"It is just a side hobby of mine. Ever since taking over Summer's fathers business I haven't had much time to expand any further." Michael revealed.
"That's a bummer." Sipping his drink David had a look of sympathy. "It is always hard to push aside things that we are passionate about."
"Too true Mr. Johnson."
Just as David opened his mouth to say something more the door to their room opened and Sheila sauntered in with another woman following close behind her. Unlike Sheila, who was in nothing but bra and thong, this woman had on a skin tight minidress that accentuated her much too large to be real curves.
They stopped long enough to whisper something between themselves before heading to the bar where each grabbed a bottle of La Fiet's best wine. Wine in hand they headed to where everyone sat.
"This is my coworker Darlene." Sheila introduced. "She is one of the best La Fiet has to offer."
Smiling Darlene turned her hungry eyes to Asher before she headed over and plopped herself onto his lap.
Since Asher had already been claimed Sheila made her way to David.
Their actions vaguely reminded Asher of something a woman in a brothel would do. This thought had him on edge as Darlene began rubbing a hand up and down his chest stopping every now and then to play with one of the buttons of his shirt.
"Um, Darlene, was it?" Asher spoke as he grabbed the woman's wrist. "I'm sure you mean well but..."
"Don't hurt her feelings now." Michael who had been watching the scene intervened. "You're here to relax and enjoy yourself after all Mr. Roth."
Acting along Darlene put a pout on her face. "You don't like me Mr. Roth?"
Torn Asher slowly shook his head. "It isn't that."
"Then this much is ok, right?" Darlene pushed.
Defeated Asher leaned back more and let out a long breath.
"It's fine." He responded.
"That's the spirit." Michael clapped while letting out a chuckle. "Barkeep, a round of drinks here please." The bartender nodded and began busying himself with mixing alcohols. "Now let us get down to business gentlemen."
"Lets." Asher agreed while stopping Darlenes hand that was now trying to undo the top button of his shirt.
"I invited both of you here tonight so you could meet Stefen and Gustavo before we signed our contract Monday. These two are my most trusted confidantes. They will be the ones overseeing most of the cooporation since I will be too busy with other work matters."
Michael stopped speaking as the bartender handed him a drink. He chugged it in one fell swoop before continuing. "While my men are under your wing they will be on their utmost behavior and will go along with anything you say."
As if to show their sincerity the men nodded simultaneously. How the motion was almost synchronized and mechanical put a bad taste in Asher's mouth.
"Gustavo is the tech genius." Michael beamed proudly. "Stefen will work as the go between for you and I."
"Summer here." Michael said now patting Summer's head. "She will be the one you can bring any concerns to that Gustavo or Stefen can't help with."
Hope immediately blossomed in Asher's chest at the prospect. He could find a reason to meet her now under the guise of needing assistance. When that happened he would finally get the answers he longed to have.
"Keep in mind." Michael said breaking Asher from his quickly drifting thoughts. "Although she will be available for assistance she won't be openly available. We are in the process of preparing for our wedding so she will be busy with that as well."
Planning their wedding.
The words sliced into Asher's heart like angry daggers, each one more painful than the next.
"When's the big day?" David asked once again oblivious to his friends suffering.
"Next month." Summer answered. "I have three weeks left to finish preparations."
"If it was left up to me it would happen tomorrow." Michael added. "However, Summer's father won't be released from the hospital for another week. So, we had to plan around that. Of course my baby needs to be walked down the aisle by her father."
"Of course." David agreed chuckling.
A loud knock sounded, drawing everyone's attention from talk of Michael and Summer's wedding.
Seeming slightly annoyed Michael tapped Summer's shoulder indicating for her to go and see who was at the door.
Disengaging herself from Michael Summer strolled over to the exit and disappeared outside. When she returned her face looked pale and she made an immediate beeline for Michael. After whispering something in his ear the man shot up.
"Sorry again for having to leave early gentleman, but it seems I need to handle some important business."
All pretense of calm was gone from Michael's face and in it's place was a sinister look that he was trying hard to conceal.
Gustavo and Stefen made to get up and follow Michael who was already halfway out the door Summer in tow, only to be stopped by an upheld hand by Michael. Understanding crossed their faces as they sat back down turning their attention back to Asher and David.
Confusion and curiosity welling over what had caused Summer and Michael both to react like that Asher watched as the couple quickly disappeared from view as the door shut with an audible click. The finality of it putting Asher even more on edge as he was left to wonder what exactly was going on.
Summer's POV Michael didn't bother giving her time to keep up with his angry stride, allowing Summer to stay back just out of arms reach. She knew what was going to come, after all she had truly made a huge mistake in his eyes. No amount of explanation would change that. Also, convincing him that one of his very own was betraying him would deem pointless. All Summer could do at the moment was brace herself for the onslaught that was waiting for her. She had made sure to check that all guards were on high alert this evening due to Michael's presence. She had double checked everything herself just to be sure. All had been secure and well guarded insuring Michael's utmost safety while he enjoyed a relaxing evening. That was why the news they received was concerning. Someone from a rival gang had infiltrated the premises right under their noses. That meant one or two things, the first was that someone was betray
Summer's POV Summer returned home to find the mansion she shared with Michael devoid of all light. For the first time that evening she felt a sense of relief, even if it was only for a moment she could relax. If she was lucky Michael was already asleep and would be much easier to deal with the following morning after having time to cool down. Holding her breath she headed inside braced for the worst but hoping for the best. Heart plummeting she found Michael standing in front of their bay window staring out into the night. He was shirtless allowing Summer a glimpse of the intricate dragon tattoo on his back, the same tattoo that she herself had received after being forced into marrying Michael. A cup dangled from his fingers at his side, that was when Summer finally noticed the intense smell of alcohol permeating throughout the entire living room. Not only was Michael not asleep, but he was also most l
Asher's POV Half past Eleven Asher sat back in his desk chair and gave a mighty yawn. He hadn't been able to sleep very much after the events of the night before. No matter how much he tried to think nothing of it, Summer had looked much too shaken after speaking with whoever was behind their club room door. Michael had also looked pretty angry despite his blatant effort to hide it. Knowing whatever had happened was not his business it had still taken all of Asher's energy to not follow behind demanding to know what was going on. It had also drained him having to keep Gustavo and Stefen company until they too left in a flurry. By the time he and David had left that evening Asher had felt like he had run a marathon, his exhaustion was bone deep. The icing on the cake for the night had been how drunk David had gotten before they finally left. Being the good friend he was Asher had esc
Summer's POV "Where have you been?" Michael's cold voice was the first thing Summer heard when returning home. The man stood in the middle of the entryway arms crossed over his chest glaring at her as if she was a disobedient child. "Mr. Andrews asked to meet up to fine tune the contract we will be signing tomorrow." Summer responded while taking off her shoes. The last thing Summer wanted to do at the moment was deal with Michael's interrogation. Her heart was hurting and it was taking everything she had to remain calm and composed. The look on Asher's face when she told him that they were strangers had damn near killed her. Now all she wanted to do was shower and lay down, not deal with the very jealous man sitting before her. Still glaring Michael searched her face trying to find any sign of deceit. "Why didn't you mention it to me?" Sighing Summer walked up and wrapped her arms around Mic
Summer's POV The sun had long gone down and the moon had already risen when Summer and Michael arrived at Golden Ridges' head quarters. Using the cover of the night they had easily infiltrated the premises and were now staking out the front of a simple brick building with only one way in and out waiting for Gregory Noble, Golden Ridges' leader, to exit for the evening. Michael had made it clear prior to their arrival that they were to be as discreet as possible when it came time to take Gregory hostage. He wanted this mission to go quickly and smoothly. If anyone so much as made a sound to alert him they would be punished no questions asked. Although his men had been disappointed that violence wasn't their first option, they dared not disobey Michael's command and obediently remained nearby incase Summer and Michael needed back up, but far enough away that they wouldn't tip anyone off. Now, Summer sat watching as the me
Asher's POVMonday morning came much too slowly for Asher. Filled with anxiety and excitement he had spent the night tossing and turning. It was only when the sun began to rise that he gave up on sleep altogether and went for a run before showering and getting ready for the day.Unable to sit still for long he headed to work much earlier than usual, shocking the overnight guard, who looked about ready to fall over from exhaustion with his sudden appearance.Taking a mental note to speak with the man's supervisor later in regards to his lax disposition, Asher headed into the building.As Asher now paced in his office like a caged animal he anxiously waited for Michael and Summer's arrival to sign their finalized cooporation agreement.Initially he had been thrilled to see Summer, but as the time grew closer that excitement turned sour as he remembered what she had said to him the day before. He wasn't sure if he could calmly
Asher's POV For the next few days Asher busied himself in work to keep from thinking about the crazy woman Sarah's words. Anytime he would be idle they would replay again and again in his mind threatening to drive him mad. He would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't the slightest bit interested in what exactly it was she wanted from him. However, due to her manic behavior during their meet he knew getting involved with her would do nothing but bring him trouble. It was due to that realization each time temptation would start rearing its ugly head, a small voice in the back of his mind would remind him to forget it and find something else to keep himself occupied. However, as each day passed and the day of Summer's wedding grew closer, Asher found himself thinking of Sarah's words almost constantly and wondering if what she had to say involved being able to get Summer to leave Michael. The prospect of it was so ver
Asher's POVSarah had remained silent as they ate, insisting that it was best that they had their discussion afterwards over a few drinks. Due to her insistence Asher ate quickly paying no mind to the taste or look of whatever was on the plate in front of him."Slow down Asher, it won't run away." Sarah joked as she watched him eat as if this was his last meal.Swallowing Asher pushed his now empty plate away from him before lifting his gaze to meet Sarah's amused eyes."I was just famished." He argued even though his reasoning sounded weak even to him.Raising an eyebrow Sarah chuckled, "of course you were."As she spoke she wiped her mouth with a napkin and pushed her plate away as well indicating that she too was finished with her meal.Finally, Asher couldn't help feel anticipation begin to buzz through his body."You like Summer don't you?" Sarah asked suddenly, her words catching Asher