Asher
We were on our way to the venue, and for some really annoying reason, I couldn't focus on anything besides a blue-eyed weirdo sitting a few feet away from me.
How many moves would it take to cover the space between us and yank his mouth to mine?
Fuck. I shouldn't be having such thoughts. However rare it was for me to feel this way toward anyone, and I mean anyone—it definitely shouldn't be Edmund Alistair.
The car jerked suddenly when it hit a pothole. My body shifted forward, and my knee brushed against Edmund's leg. It was brief, barely anything, but it sent an unwanted jolt through me. I sucked in a sharp breath and hissed, "Can't you fucking watch out for the potholes?"
"Sorry, boss," the driver muttered over the seat.
I leaned back, jaw tight, eyes fixed ahead. The car suddenly felt too hot. I loosened my tie slightly, annoyed at myself more than anything else. Riding with Edmund had been a mistake. I knew that the moment he got in.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and frowned at the screen before answering. "What is it?"
"We've got a situation with the licensing team," my assistant said. "They're asking for clarification before the meeting ends."
"Tell them to wait," I replied. "I'll handle it myself."
I hung up and stared out the window. The city passed by but I couldn't concentrate on the lovely view of the streets of Georgia. I turned without meaning to and caught Edmund watching the streets too from his own side of the window.
He looked calm, almost bored, like none of this was affecting him. It annoyed me more than it should have. It felt like I was the only one suffering, and he was just there, relaxed and unconcerned about my torment.
My eyes moved anyway. His mouth was set in a straight line. His jaw was sharp. He looked younger up close, stubborn in a way that reminded me of all the things I could do to fuck that stubbornness out of him. I looked away again, irritated with myself.
Back there at the office when he said those words that almost made me lose whatever ounce of control I had left.
"Trust me, I'd prefer to be anywhere else rather than under you."
This close, I was so very close to bolting the door—meeting be damned, and making him regret those words.
I so badly wanted to bring him to his knees and have him gag on my cock while those fucking blue eyes of his burned into mine.
That statement drew out a level of beastly anger that I didn't know I was capable of. What hurt even more was the way he said it, so carefree as if he'd actually do everything in his power not to be under me.
Fucking Jerk! If he knew the lengths half the people in Georgia—both men and women, would go to have a taste of this awesomeness, he wouldn't have uttered such a preposterous statement.
I was going to make him pay for it. One way or another, I was going to eventually.
My gaze went back to his mouth and all I could think of were the ungodly things I could make that sharp mouth of his to do. My eyes went lower and scanned his legs.
I was obsessed with long legs, and I had to fight the surge of heat within me, the reckless urge to see him naked just so I could put those legs over my shoulders and fuck us both until we were out of breath and the only name on his lips would be mine, Asher.
The driver spoke up. "We need to stop for gas."
"Fine," I said. "Make it quick."
We pulled into a station. I got out without waiting and stretched my legs. Edmund followed, glancing around like he didn't know whether to stay close or not.
"I'll grab a few things," I said. "You stay put."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I said so."
Inside the store, the air smelled like coffee and cigarettes. I grabbed water, mints, and a snack without thinking. My phone rang again. I answered as I walked to the counter.
"I told you I'd handle it," I said.
"They're pushing," my assistant replied. "They want guarantees."
"They'll get them," I said. "Not now."
I hung up, paid, and walked back out. Edmund was leaning against the car, arms crossed.
"You always talk to people like that?" he asked.
"When they deserve it," I said.
We got back into the car. The engine started again, and we were back on the road.
The rest of the drive passed in tense silence. I focused on breathing, on keeping my face neutral. I refused to look at him again.
When we reached the building, reporters were already waiting. Security moved fast, clearing a path. I stepped out and shut the door without looking back.
"Keep up," I said annoyingly to Edmund.
Inside, the noise faded as I entered the room. This was my space. This was my orbit. I had that much power that even people older than me in the industry were ready to wait the entire day for me without a single complaint.
I took my seat at the table. Edmund sat a few chairs down, quiet.
"Let's begin," someone said.
A man across from me cleared his throat. "The entertainment market is unstable right now and as we all—"
"It always is," I replied, cutting him short. "That's not new. Now get to the point."
"We need safer contracts," he continued. "Artists are unpredictable and could choose to damage our individual images."
"So are the audiences," I said. "There wouldn't be anything to worry about if you're treating your artists with respect and fairness, right?" The man didn't answer and the reason was obvious.
"How about cross-company partnerships?" Edmund asked and something dark uncoiled inside of me. I didn't need anymore of him in my thoughts, especially not right now.
"That's why we're here," I interjected. "If we don't adapt together, we lose separately and while I don't mind existing as a solo player, I can't imagine how that would affect new partners."
The discussion dragged on. I became more and more irritated by the second.
By the time it ended, my head ached.
We took pictures and I couldn't wait to be out of there.
Edmund stood beside me, representing Alistair Entertainment.
When it was over, I turned toward the exit. "We're leaving."
"I'm hungry," Edmund said.
"That's not my problem," I replied.
"It's mine," he said. "And I don't like being hungry. You go ahead, I'll catch up later."
I stopped and rubbed my hands through my hair. "Fine," I said tightly. "Where do you want to eat?"
He smiled so suddenly, it unnerved me even more. Fucking hell!