Eye for an Eye

Chapter 24: I'm Fucked In The Head

"You really piss me off," I muttered, glaring at Ashton.

He shot me a smirk, the kind that made my blood boil. "You still find me undeniably attractive, don't you? Just admit it. You're wasting your time marrying my brother."

I clenched my jaw, trying to ignore the urge to snap back. Everyone else was out handling business, and we'd all agreed to stay here for the time being. The place was big enough, so it wasn't terrible, but the constant presence of Ashton was testing my patience. He followed me around like some lost puppy, spewing nonsense every chance he got.

The past few days, we'd been busy setting up for the engagement party. Invitations had been sent out, and though we hoped for a response from West, there had been nothing. Silence. And that worried me. I knew West was up to something, and I wasn't going to wait around. If I had to go digging by myself, I would.

"If you don't shut up, I'll blow your head off, and I'll make sure your brothers wouldn't bat an eye. They probably wouldn't mind cleaning up your brain matter," I shot at him, smiling sweetly, sarcasm dripping from my words as I stood up from my seat.

Ashton mimicked me, standing in my way, his presence suffocating. He was always towering over me like that, his gaze unsettling in a way that crawled under my skin. I took a step to the side, but he followed, blocking me again. That damn smirk still on his face.

I swung my arm, aiming for his face with the force of a slap. But he was faster, his hand darting out to catch my wrist in a tight grip, pulling me forward until our faces were mere inches apart.

His breath, minty with a trace of bourbon, fanned across my face, and I could feel the heat rising in my chest. I was so close to slapping the shit out of him. Or maybe ripping his balls off. The idea was strangely satisfying.

I glared up at him, my teeth gritted, fighting every urge to lash out at him. "Move, Ashton," I hissed, voice low and threatening.

He didn't budge, that damn smirk still there, as if he enjoyed every second of my irritation.

The bell on the door jingled as it swung open, and suddenly a jacket flew across the room. Xavier stood there, rubbing his head, his tie pulled loose and hanging from his neck. His white shirt strained across his muscles, and I couldn't help but notice how his tailored pants highlighted his—well, his very nice arse.

I seriously need to start doing more squats.

Xavier hadn't noticed us yet, and I briefly forgot about the person standing in front of me. Without thinking, I grabbed the front of his shirt and threw him to the ground.

Ashton just groaned, still lying there, and I swear I heard him mumble something about liking it when a girl was rough with him.

Ugh, disgusting.

I crouched down next to him, locking my eyes with his, my face hard as stone as I grabbed a fistful of his hair and yanked his head back.

"If you want to see another sunrise, you'll stay the hell away from me," I sneered, shoving his face onto the floor.

As I stood up and walked past Xavier, I caught the amused smile playing on his lips, making him look even more attractive. He glanced at his brother, laughing softly before turning to follow me into the kitchen.

"I'm sorry about my brother, love. But I've gotta say, it's nice seeing Ashton get his ass handed to him by a girl," he said, leaning casually against the doorframe.

I took a swig from my water bottle, the cool liquid helping to calm the heat still burning inside me.

"A girl?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't underestimate me, Xavier. I could take you, too."