Page 55 of Shattered

Lila

When I wake up, I’m still snuggled into Asher’s chest. He’s fast asleep, and it’s nearly noon. We slept in. I hate to admit it, but it’s the best sleep I’ve had in ages.

As Asher continues to sleep, I rub his arm, enjoying the warmth beneath my fingers. I take the time to study his face, memorizing every nook and cranny. He’s so peaceful as he sleeps.

If only he had some peace in real life, too.

When he eventually wakes up, he smiles when he looks at me.

“Morning Sunshine.”

“Afternoon, actually.”

His eyes widen. “Shit, did I oversleep?”

“I did, too.” I need to be at Turner’s in an hour for Marina’s birthday party.

“Will you be okay today? You can come to work with me if you want. Bane has a few appointments.”

“I have a thing.” I’m not telling him I’m going to Turner’s if they’ve already squabbled. “But I’ll be fine.”

He nods, looking almost disappointed. “Right. If you need anything, call me.”

“I will.”

Before I can get up, Asher reaches around me and pulls me into his warm chest. He squeezes me tight, and for a moment, I wonder where we go from here.

It’s Marina’s first birthday. When I head over to Turner’s, I’m one of the last ones to arrive, and the parking area is filled with cars. We gather for events on a pretty regular basis, but today, everyone is here.

Marina is the first baby. So naturally, she’s been spoiled like the princess she is since the day she was born. She’s such a happy infant, always smiling and cooing, melting every heart around her.

When I try to get in, I find my code doesn’t work. Turner must’ve changed it. The moment it beeps, keeping me out, my chest tightens. It feels like a slap to the face. I’m tempted to go home.

“Lost?”

I turn around to see Ian walking up the walkway. He must’ve been sitting in his car when he arrived, and I didn’t see him. He’s got this loaded smile on his face that I instantly glare at.

“Yeah, I got kicked out,” I say coldly, pulling down the long sleeves of my shirt that had slipped up my arms. It’s too hot for sleevestoday, but I have some good bruises forming from yesterday, and I don’t need a lecture.

Ian winces, uncomfortable. “How are you?” he asks. So fucking loaded.

“I’m fine. Can we go in now?”

As if on queue, the door behind me opens, and I turn to see Turner standing in the doorway, his attention fixed on me.

“You can come in, but I wanna talk first.”

I roll my eyes, irritated. If he thinks he’s going to back me into a corner, he’s got another thing coming.

“Fine.”

Turner lets both Ian and me inside. He motions me to follow him upstairs into the den on the second floor. I take the furthest seat away from him, feeling defensive.

“What’s this about?” I growl.

“First of all, you can cut the attitude. I didn’t have to let you into my house tonight, but I did.”

“Don’t do me any favors,” I say coldly. “If I’m not welcome, I’m fucking out of here.”

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