Page 64 of Twisted Truth

I take another gulp of wine and set my glass down on the table. The silence that still lingers between us is sharp, cutting. Asher sits down on the edge of his bed, holding his head in his hands. I sit down in the chair next to the table and stare out the window, feeling more awkward and uncomfortable by the second.

After a minute, I can’t take the silence anymore. “Look, I get that you’re not into me that way, so this must be hard for you. But my reputation is on the line as well, and I don’t want to look like a fool tomorrow night. So, we either need to figure out howto fake some chemistry, or we need to forgo the gala until we’ve known each other longer.”

“I can’t forgo the gala.”

“Then maybe I sit this one out.”

“Can’t do that either. I’ve had several people reach out to me today who are looking forward to meeting you tomorrow night.”

“Then can you stop sulking and at least pretend that you’re attracted to me so we can move on with this photo session?”

“What are you talking about? Pretend I’m attracted to you?”

“Yes! You need to act like you aren’t wholly disgusted at the thought of looking like you’re actually in a relationship with me.”

“You think I’m not attracted to you?”

“It’s clear that you aren’t. The idea of trying to pose with me has you drinking whiskey like you’re about to walk to your own death.”

He lets out an unamused laugh. “That’s not why I’m drinking. And attraction isn’t the problem.”

“Then what is?”

“It’s this entire situation.” He takes another drink.

“Asher, you’re going to need to elaborate. I’m not in the mood for guessing games.”

He twirls his tumbler in his hands for a moment before he answers. “I’m afraid. I’m afraid of being on a red carpet with you, looking in love, and having the world see it.”

“That’s what this whole situation is about!” My voice raises, my frustration and temper slipping.

“I know that. But it isn’t what I wanted. And it isn’t what I would ever have done if I’d had the choice myself.”

“I know this isn’t what either of us asked for, but it doesn’t change the fact that we’re here. Why are you so skittish all of a sudden?”

Asher sets his tumbler down with more force than necessary. “Because it’s getting more real, and it scares the shit out of me.”

“Why?!” I shout.

“Because it isn’t safe! This entire situation is a nightmare I’ve been avoiding my entire life! Now that the media knows who you are, all the psychos will start to come out of the woodwork, and it puts you in danger.”

“We’ve already talked about this. That’s why I’m living in your penthouse, and being guarded by Jenkins, and driven around by your drivers.”

“Yes, but tomorrow night is going to make it all worse.”

“How?”

“Because right now, people only have flashes of us together. But tomorrow when we’re photographed and video recorded looking in love, that makes the picture clearer. That takes you from being a prospective target to an actual target. The more in love we look, the more people will be inclined to use you to get to me or use you against me.”

“Why are you so sure that will happen?”

“Because I’ve lived through it.”

“With other girlfriends?”

“No. I never let any of them get close enough for long enough to allow it.”

“Then when?”