“Let’s just say, I understand. Accepting might be a stretch.”
“It wasn’t his fault, Ash. His brother controls him. I’ve seen the abuse.”
Ash’s back stiffens. “You were around when they were brawling?”
“What are you not getting, Ash? It’s one-sided. Dax is a victim.”
Ash sighs and rubs his temples again. “I just hate that you’re infatuated with a guy, who gets himself in dangerous situations.”
I groan. “Why don’t you just follow your girlfriend?”
“Because I’m not bailing on my family.”
His words hit me in the heart.
“Dax doesn’t have a family to stand by him,” I whisper, holding back the urge to cry. “They’re his enemies.”
“Our enemy too,” Ash replies, standing. “They came into our home and stole from us. That won’t be forgiven.”
“It wasn’t Dax’s choice.”
Ash gives me an incredulous look. “Did he tell you that when he strolled through our hallways like he owned the place?”
“Like it even matters. We have an obscene amount of wealth. It’s not like we can’t replace what they took.”
Ash crosses his arms. “It’s not about the items. It’s about the violation.”
I lower my head and pick at my fingernails. “I know.”
“You’ve been making some really dumb choices lately. I get that you don’t want to be with LJ, but…”
“My feelings for Dax have nothing to do with pushing LJ away.”
“You made me watch you put on a show with LJ only a few nights ago.”
I push past my brother, moving toward the manor. “I can’t deal with this right now.”
“Where are you going?”
I keep pacing, not looking back. “To get a glass of water. Is that okay with you?”
At a furious pace, I burst into the kitchen, startling Marcella as she prepares lunch.
“Sorry,” I mumble, moving to the fridge.
“Let me get that for you, miss,” Marcella blurts, rushing toward a cupboard.
I pluck out a glass and pour the water. “It’s fine. Just pretend I’m not here.”
Marcella fidgets and stammers, with no clue how to act.
After a large chug, I gesture at her prep station. “Go back to work. I don’t need you.”
She slinks away. “Yes, miss.”
“Miss?” Claudia enters the kitchen. “Oh, Miss Ashworth, I thought you came this way. Can I help you with anything?”
I slam the glass down on the counter. “No. I want everyone to stop trying to help me.”
