Eye for an Eye

Chapter 14: The shooting.

I spun around, feeling Xavier's grip on me loosen as I turned to face the man standing before us. My eyes narrowed as recognition hit me like a slap. It was Ashton—the man I'd run into a few times over the past year, the one who had always been lurking in the background, the one I hadn't realized was my mystery stalker until now.

"You," I spat, my voice laced with disgust and anger.

Ashton's lips curled into a wide, mocking grin. "Me," he replied, the smirk never leaving his face. He glanced past me, his eyes flicking toward Xavier with some strange mix of amusement and challenge.

"So this is Bambi," Xavier called out, his voice laced with amusement as he moved around me, stepping between Ashton and me so he could face him. "I had no idea the girl you've been so obsessed with was Hope Carter. Well, isn't this a small world?"

I blinked, glancing back and forth between the two men. "Wait... you two know each other?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Ashton rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "He's the dick," he muttered, casting a venomous glance at Xavier.

Xavier, unfazed, grinned. "Well, no offence, but your older brother is creepy as fuck."

Ashton shot him another dirty look, but Xavier's smile didn't waver. "None taken," he said, his tone as smooth as ever.

I jabbed my finger into Ashton's chest, pushing him back a step, but instead of stumbling, he gripped my wrist in his hand, holding it firmly. The familiar surge of irritation and disgust I felt toward him only grew stronger.

There was something I needed to get off my chest, something I couldn't let this arrogant, idiotic pervert walk away from without hearing.

"I will not marry you," I spat, my voice sharp and furious. "So get that into your thick skull." I tugged at my wrist, trying to break free from his grip, but it was useless.

Ashton's grin widened, but before he could say anything more, Xavier's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Not here, Ashton. Come to my office now, and release her before I end you. Brother or not." His words were cold, lethal, and without a hint of hesitation.

I jerked my hand back, sending Ashton a deadly look before following Xavier, eager to leave the suffocating confrontation behind.

Ashton hesitated for only a moment before pushing the door closed behind him, the sound of it echoing in the quiet hallway.

Once we were inside Xavier's office, I didn't waste any time. "Now, can you tell me about West?" My patience was wearing thin, the urgency in my voice clear.

Xavier casually removed his blazer, draping it over the back of his office chair, his movements smooth and effortless. He poured two drinks, handing one to me, his expression unreadable. I took a sip, savouring the warmth, but my eyes flicked to Ashton, noticing the disapproving look on his face. He was clearly not pleased to be here, and I couldn't blame him, but that wasn't my concern.

"Where's mine?" Ashton growled, his voice low and laced with irritation.

"You have hands, don't you? Fucking use them and pour yourself one."

A string of curses spilt from Ashton's lips as he stormed over to the bar, clearly not happy with my response. He grabbed the bottle and poured himself a drink, his frustration palpable in every movement.

I turned my attention back to Xavier, who remained calm, his demeanour controlled. "I know you left because some people wanted you and your daughter dead. But I can assure you, Ashton won't be a problem—if he is, he'll have me to deal with."