Addicted to the Billionaire

-21-

Song for this chapter: Devil doesn't bargain by Alec Benjamin

Asher and I are seated opposite each other, separated by a table, in a tiny cubicle of a fast food restaurant. I am so relieved because I thought that he would be like Xavier, and demand that we go to a five-star restaurant.

"Are you sure that you are ok eating here?", I question, and Asher looks up at me a quirky smile on his lips.

"I prefer to enjoy the grease and unhealthiness of a burger and maybe a soda. Unlike some people, I don't judge a restaurant by how high it is rated.

I blush, knowing that he is talking about Xavier. I want to say something, but the waiter comes to our table at that moment, and we place our orders.

"I'll have a double chicken cheese burger with a side of fries and a large chocolate milkshake. And bring the lady whatever she wants."

I smile, acknowledging the fact that Asher is actually allowing me to order for myself. I order chicken nuggets with fries and a strawberry and vanilla milkshake.

The waiter goes away, and Asher leans closer. "Now, as I said earlier, I noticed that something was wrong, and I feel that you need to talk about it to someone. You don't have to tell me if you don't feel comfortable about it, but I feel like you need a friend that you can trust."

Maybe, it's his tone of voice or the kind look in his blue eyes, but I break down into tears. Asher leaves his seat and sits beside me, placing a comforting arm over my shoulder. He pulls me close, and I am enveloped in his strong arms and the smell of fresh mint emanating from his body.

When I am calm, I tell him about the pictures, about how my bff wasn't the person I thought her to be, and even about my suspension and my parents kicking me out.

"They said I'm like Ava", I sobbed.

"Who is she?", Asher askes, his arm still protectively around me.

"Ava is my older sister.", I say. "She was far too wild for my parents to control, and they didn't like her. They tried everything – threats, beatings, boarding school, therapy – nothing seemed to work. She dropped out of college, and started hanging out with boys and smoking. Eventually, she just ran away and, as far as my parents are concerned, she's dead." I sniffed away my tears. "To be compared to her is the worst insult that my parents can throw at me."

"Shh... don't cry", Asher says, stroking my hair and calming me down. Suddenly, we are interrupted by someone clearing their throat behind us and I jump, thinking for a moment that it is Xavier – you never know. However, it is just the waiter who has come with our orders. He drops a huge burger, a bowl of chicken nuggets, two orders of chips, and a large chocolate milkshake for Asher, leaving a gorgeous strawberry milkshake, with a huge strawberry on top for me.

Asher takes a bite into his burger which is literally the largest, cheesiest thing that I have ever seen. I wonder how he manages to keep his amazing gym boy shape if he eats like this often. He must do sports.

Asher looks up suddenly, and catches me off guard. His blue eyes bore into mine, making me blush and I turn to my meal in front of me. However, when I turn back, I notice that Asher is still staring at me.

"Why are you with him?", Asher says, his voice so soft that I think I must have misheard him.

"I-I don't know what you – ", I start, but he cuts me off.

"I mean you and Xavier. He doesn't love you, and I am pretty sure that he has said it to you before. He isn't capable of loving. He hasn't loved anyone since – ", his voice trails off, but I pounce with attention.