Chapter 29 Want to Bet?
<Chapter>Chapter 29 Want to Bet? </Chapter>
"So, it turns out there's something you are not good at, like slinging insults. You should take a lesson from Trinity; her profanity is creative and varied, unlike you with your repetitive lines."
With nobody around, Ashley had no fear of being seen. She took a bold step closer, standing toe-to-toe with him in her heels, looking up defiantly, "You know, I do feel filthy, especially when I think about you having touched me. I scrub extra hard in the shower each time."
She was probably too angry to realize her posture at the moment, but Damian, with his clear head, was a different story. The scent of her hair filled his breath, and what was even more tempting was the undulating waves at her chest as she breathed deeply.
Did she always act this brazenly shameless when she was with other men?
With only two fingers, Damian playfully wagged her chin from side to side. "Can't win against her, so you're taking it out on me?"
Ashley doubted Damian ever learned analytical skills, completely missing the point of her words. She was trying to contest the "filthy" part he emphasized, yet here he was, fixated on Trinity. Was he taking this to heart?
"Congratulations, you've found someone who's a perfect match. Trinity isn't just a pretty face with a good family; she's sharp-tongued too. With her by your side, you won't even need to open your mouth when dealing with clients. Your girlfriend excels at it."
Damian's face remained impassive as he patiently listened to Ashley's jibes about Trinity. Strangely enough, this more authentic Ashley, who seemed alive and far from the foolish pushover he used to manipulate, captivated him. Had these past three years changed her, or had she found a mentor? Had she gone through any therapy?
"She is better than you, at least more straightforward, not trying to play the saint and the sinner, like you."
Ashley's heart clenched painfully, disrupting her breathing. With her chin pinched, pain emanated from everywhere. "If you love her that much, Damian, just marry her. I genuinely wish you both everlasting love and joy."
At such a close distance, he could clearly see the defiance and mockery in Ashley's eyes. "Do you know the best way to get revenge on someone?"
Her pupils dilated, reflecting Damian's face.
With a dangerously mesmerizing voice, he whispered, "You let her watch your life flourish with happiness while she can only struggle in the filth and mire. Tell me, what could be more satisfying than that?"
His voice was so close, so familiar, that deep, husky tone that had so often left her head over heels, especially at night when they surrendered to their passion, with her beneath him, listening to him demand, "Scream for me."
But now, why did his words sound like those of a demon from the underworld, chilling and terrifying?
Ashley's eyes burned hot, her nose tingled with the onset of tears that threatened to betray her true feelings. She fought them back, letting her laugh grow louder, "Damian, aren't you a bit too old to be acting like a child? We live life for ourselves, not for an audience's applause. Whether it's good or bad, only we can tell. What you call a perfect couple, to me, seems like nothing more than mutual pass-time."
She steadied her breath and locked eyes with him, as sharp as a hawk's. "In the end, you'll find that it's all the same with any woman. Once the passion fades and you tire of her pretty look, she could be bare and clinging to you and you wouldn't stir. Maybe then, you'll find your thoughts wandering back to me. This bet could last a while, and I'm willing to wager on it. Do you think you’re brave enough to run the table?"
Her delicate face was like a plum blossom standing resilient in the cold wind, or a gambler at the table, all swagger and steel, pushing all her chips forward with a defiant slap. "So, what do you say? Are you up for the challenge?"
Damian let out a cold, amused snort; things were indeed different now, and quite intriguing.
"What’s the bet? What stakes do you have that could possibly appeal to me?"
Before Ashley could answer, Damian proposed his own deal. "How about this? If my marriage to Trinity turns out to be as you predict, I'll ensure the Astor family’s safe return, with a generous sum."
Ashley's eyes brightened.
Is Damian really thinking about helping the Astor family? Not only could they overcome their precipice with his assistance, but no one would ever again dare cast her parents or brother in a derogatory light. The problems facing the Astor family would be remedied with ease.
Her heart stirred with temptation, and she was hooked.
Damian then lightly tapped her chin, then let go. "And if you lose?"
She retorted almost reflexively, "Marriage is a mystery, and I can’t monitor your every move. Even if your home’s in chaos, why would you ever tell me?"
"The way I see it, you want to move in, to make my life bliss?" Damian teased.
Ashley was revolted. "Forget it. Your marriage has nothing to do with me. Whether you're happy or not is your business."
"So, you don't want to save your parents?" Damian pressed.
Her fists clenched in anger. She despised how easily Damian could strike at her vulnerability. "Why bring it up now, when you turned a blind eye before? Why bother teasing me with false hopes?"
"Things change,” Damian said. “Who knows, maybe I’ll be in a good mood and change my mind."
Ashley realized she’d been played. Damian was just mocking her, watching the drama unfold. She was foolish to expect even a shred of compassion from the cold-blooded viper.
She snapped back, "And what would it take to put you in a good mood?" matching sarcasm with sarcasm.
Hearing the irony in her voice, Damian's tone grew even more teasing. "Trinity is the woman I've chosen, the one I intend to marry. But I suspect she might be just like you, with less than pure intentions. Ashley, you’re the expert. Help me figure her out."
“Go to hell!”
Ashley scoffed, “Damian, you truly are the epitome of the pampered heir from the wealthy circle in Rochester. Your way of thinking is out of this world. Honestly, you've completely upended my values. I’ve met shameless people, but you take the cake. Why not go set a world record?”
Damian retorted with a smirk, “Once I succeed, I will, and you, Ashley, will be writing my application.”
Damn it!
“You want my two cents? Trinity’s nothing but a phony, playing innocent and acting all sweet but she’s double-faced. Playing the game has its perks, and I bet you know how to handle her. Don’t most guys go for that kind of charm in a woman?”
Damian’s smile didn't quite reach his eyes, “So, you two can make good friends.”
Ashley reached her boiling point, and for the first time, she raised her voice at him, “Damian Hearst! What the hell do you want?!”
