I knew Ashton. He wasn’t the monster they thought he was. But if I was asked to choose, I’d want him to play his part to perfection. Because Ashton’s acting kept him safe.
The minute the door closed, Ashton became the relaxed, sweet man who’d stolen my heart. “What are you thinking about?” Ashton asked, searching my face for answers.
“I’ll tell you later.” I winked at him and watched as the tension left his shoulders and the creases around his eyes smoothed out.
“Well then, eat your dinner so we can leave. You can tell me on the ride home.”
Desire coursed through me. Like water, it found its way to every part of me, and my body thrummed with anticipation. I’d wanted dessert, but the look in Ashton’s eyes told me there would be something much more delicious at home.
So I ate my dinner.
Fast.
CHAPTER 30
Elena
We were halfway home when Ashton glanced over at me. “It’s later.”
I knew exactly what he wanted but I decided to play coy anyway. “I guess that happens when time passes.”
He chuckled. “When did you become a smartass?”
“Let’s just say I had a great teacher.” I took a deep breath, letting my voice take on a serious tone. “I did learn something about you tonight.”
His hands twisted around the steering wheel, waiting to hear what I had to say. “And that is?”
“That your clients are lucky to deal with you, instead of your brother or father.” He glanced over like he wanted to say something, but I continued before he got the chance. “Don’t get me wrong, both of them have been wonderful to me since I met them. But I know there’s no way they would have let that man out of the box without injury for not having the money. You’re willing to give people a second chance when they truly deserve one.” I reached over and covered his thigh with my hand. “It may not be the ideal situation, but I understand.”
A deep sigh escaped his lips and his grip loosened, the corners of his mouth turning up into a grin. “You make me sound like some kind of knight.”
I giggled. “A dark, sexy knight maybe.”
“You think I’m sexy?”
Déjà vu made me answer the question the same way he did what seemed like forever ago. “Fuck yes, I think you’re sexy.”
He groaned. “God, I love it when you curse at me.”
Ashton leaned on the accelerator and my back was pushed against the seat. He seemed anxious to get home; but so was I. I could only imagine what he had in store for me when we got home.
Whatever it might be, I was more than ready.
A week had passed and there was no sign of Dominic. The divorce papers had been served, and Arthur assured me that he’d already asked for a court date for a contested divorce in case Dominic refused to sign them. Either way, I didn’t have to stay married to him.
“Elena, where are you?”
“In your room.”
I was getting my things together for the day’s shows. Saturdays were hectic because there was a matinee as well as an evening performance.
“How many times do I need to remind you—this is our bedroom, not mine.”
“Sorry. I’m still trying to get used to it. It’s still a little weird for me.”
He smiled and wound his arms around my waist. “I wanted to tell you to break a leg tonight. I’m not happy I’m missing both shows.”
I still couldn’t believe he’d been to every single performance, despite being ridiculously busy with the restaurants and work for Malcolm. Somehow, he always managed to buy the same seat so I knew where to look for him. Even though I didn’t mind that he had to work, it was going to be weird looking over to see someone else in “his” seat.
“I know, but missing one isn’t a big deal. We still have five weeks of shows left. Besides, you need to deal with that wedding tonight.”
“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“No, it doesn’t, but I’ll have Brock and Lewis bring me to you when I’m done and we can go get something to eat.”
“I think that’s a great idea. Are you still okay with Brock and Lewis going with you?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I think Dominic might have skipped town.”
“The fucker still owes me money, but losing the money is worth it if it means he stays away from you.”
“Everything will be fine. Now go, before you’re late. I’ll see you tonight.”
Ashton gave me more than a quick peck to remember him by before leaving for the restaurant. I threw the last few pieces into my bag and headed out.
When we arrived at the theater, I told Brock and Lewis they didn’t need to sit through both performances today. I’d be back stage with security. They could come back around nine, which should be a little after intermission.
“Only if you’re sure,” Brock said.
“I’m positive. Brock, you’ve been here so much, you know this show as well as I do. I’m safe here, take a break.”
He watched me for a second then nodded. “Okay. We’re going to grab something to eat down the street. We’ll come back every so often to check on you.”
“Okay.” I smiled.
I wasn’t trying to get rid of him—he could have stayed if he really wanted to, but this was the first time he’d have to sit through the show twice on the same day. I just couldn’t do that to him. With all of the security in place to keep out the crazies I was fine, as long as I stayed back stage.
That was the thing with having two shows: there wasn’t any time to get bored. Between sound checks and costume changes, lunch breaks, and shows, the day passed quickly.
The final performance over, I was in my room, changing to meet Ashton for dinner. Brock had already stopped inside and I’d told him I’d be a few. He searched the place, then told me he’d be in the car waiting. It had been our routine for the last few weeks, ever since Ashton had been arrested. Brock still scared me to a certain degree, but I was beginning to see flashes of the real him, and we’d built a good routine. He was a good guy, and I was pleased I had him around to keep an eye on me.
Stepping through the door, the crisp night air wrapped around me cooling my skin. Across the lot sat the Bentley. Everyone else was still inside, having a drink, celebrating the show, but I’d made my excuses, wanting to get to Ashton. It was weirder than I’d thought to not have him watch the show, and I was anxious to get to him.
Two steps toward the car a hand gripped my arm pulling me to a stop. A shudder raced down my spine when the voice spoke next to my ear.
“My dumb little wife thinks she’s moved onto bigger and better things, does she?” Dominic’s voice slithered across my senses.
“Get your hands off me.”
“Fuck that. You’re coming home with me, where you belong.”
I attempted to jerk my arm out of his grasp. My gaze darted to the car and I realized that he’d pulled me out of their line of sight. Eventually they would come looking for me, but it was still early. I was going to have to deal with Dominic on my own.
“I don’t belong anywhere near you. You want a slave you can emotionally destroy, not a wife.”
“A wife is supposed to serve her husband in every way.”
When he moved his head, I noticed the crazy glint to his eyes. He’d always been cruel to me, but now he looked as if he’d completely lost it. I clenched my fists to keep him from seeing my hands tremble.
“No, marriage is supposed to be a partnership. Ashton has shown me exactly how I deserve to be treated and it’s nothing like the way you tortured me.”