Page 63 of All That She Needs

Jake crossed his arms, his expression unwavering. "I'm just saying, Aiden, this isn't the way to handle things. You've been drinking too much, and you're just going to make everything worse."

I stared at the glass in my hand, feeling the familiar frustration rise. "It can't get any worse than this."

Jake shook his head. "It can always get worse, Aiden. Like you becoming an alcoholic, for one."

"It's good for your business, though," I muttered.

Jake leaned in slightly, his tone sharper. "My business is about people having a good time—not nurturing a downward spiral."

I scoffed, but the words hit harder than I wanted to admit. I knew I was losing my shit.

"Leave me alone, Jake," I mumbled while spinning my stool around, looking for an empty table, but the bar was full, and I wasn't sure Jake would give me the table, anyway. He preferred me sitting right in front of him so that he could control how much I was drinking.

"Probably best if you head home after that drink," Jake said. "You need to sleep off whatever's been eating at you. Where's Roy?"

Since I usually ended up drunk when I left Jake's bar, I'd started asking Roy to pick me up and drive me back to the apartment. At first, Jake had been the one taking me home, as it was nearly impossible to get an Uber or taxi in this area. I didn't want to use one of the company's drivers. I didn't want them to see me like this. And I didn't want to keep bothering Jake, either.

"He's outside."

"Finish that quick and go home—" Jake's eyes suddenly shifted to something behind me, and a wide grin stretched across his face. "Hey, I'll be right back, okay? My little brother just walked in."

Without waiting for a response, Jake rushed toward the side door, disappearing for a moment before reappearing through another entrance, weaving his way through the crowd. My gaze followed him, curious, and I saw him hug a man who looked a lot like him. They talked for a moment, and I noticed Jake's shoulders shake with laughter.

And then I saw something—or rather, someone—that made my heart give a little thud.

Asha...Asha?“Asha!”

Without thinking—probably because I was a little drunk—I shouted out her name, excitement bubbling up at the sight of her. I rose from my stool, but then I saw it.

She was with the man Jake had just hugged.

That man was holding her hand. Their fingers intertwined.

And my heart sank.

I watched her glance around, trying to figure out where my voice had come from. When her eyes finally landed on me,she froze. There was surprise on her face, but no warmth—just shock.

Her mouth moved, forming my name.

Both Jake and his brother followed her gaze and spotted me. The man next to her—his eyes locked on mine, brimming with pure hostility.

Jake, though, wore a different expression. I could tell he was putting the pieces together. He knew this wastheAsha I'd told him about during my many lowest moments, the woman I'd cheated on and was now trying to win back. He never gave his direct opinion on my situation; he mostly just listened, but now that his brother was involved, I wasn't sure if that would still be the case.

My eyes dropped to their clasped hands. Then, without breaking his stare, Jake's brother let go—only to wrap his arm around her shoulder. And she let him. She looked up at him and smiled, that bright, genuine smile that used to be only for me. Then she turned away, leaving me to grapple with the rush of fury swelling inside me.

I jumped off my stool and marched over to them. The man beside her immediately tensed, his posture shifting to a defensive stance, and his glare turned murderous. He stepped forward, positioning himself between me andmy wife.

Jake, sensing the tension, hurried over and pressed a hand to my chest. "Back off, Aiden." He studied my expression and frowned. "Just calm down."

I stepped around Jake, ignoring his warning, and reached out my hand to her. "Asha."

She touched the man's arm and said something to him. He turned to her, leaning down so she could speak directly into his ear.

"Fuck!"I snapped. I couldn't stand it. "Asha," I called again, trying to step forward, but Jake held me back, his grip firm on my arm. "Come over here."

"Aiden, you're drunk." Both Jake's hands were holding my shoulders now, pushing me back. "Just calm the fuck down, man."

"No!" I shook my head wildly. But at that moment, reality finally crashed down on me. I had lost her completely. There was no denying it. But damn it, I wouldn't stop trying. "Asha, baby," my voice cracked, desperate. "Please. Come to me."

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