Chapter74Hand-Fed Morsels
It was as if Christian had only just become cognizant of Ashley's presence, casually inquiring, "So, you two made up?" With a smile that was forced and clearly lacking sincerity, Ashley retorted, "What do you think? Just a coincidence?” Christian responded with a sardonic grin, his demeanor exuding the carefree arrogance of a young nobleman, "We all know Damian has a penchant for black. Trying to match him isn't that easy, is it?”Ashley's choice of black attire was purely practical - outdoor activities meant dirt wouldn't be as noticeable, and she found lighter colors to be too high maintenance if stained. The thought that it might seem like she was intentionally coordinating with Damian hadn't crossed her mind.When Christian pointed it out, it painted a picture as though she had masterminded the whole thing."Think whatever you want. As long as you're happy," Ashley said, offering a polite smile.Christian finished threading some leeks onto his skewer. "Ashley, would you like some?"She had no fondness for leeks, a fact Christian was well aware of. It was clear he was trying to provoke her."Y'all enjoy those. They're beneficial for men. I’d just be wasting them," she retorted."Who are you implying can't handle their leeks?" Christian jested.Feeling a tinge of embarrassment, Ashley stole a glance at Damian, hoping he wouldn't seize this opportunity to make a point."Leeks work slowly; you need something with a bit more kick," Damian interjected."Who's up for a challenge, then? Shall we put it to the test?" Christian provoked, grinning mischievously.Damian merely offered an inscrutable smile, continuing to smoke. He was reclining leisurely with one leg propped up, the epitome of carefree elegance.Ashley's gaze drifted away - when had she failed to notice how Damian looked in his workout gear?"Mr. Brin?"A soft, seductive voice emanated from the tent, followed by a striking young woman stepping into the light.Her waist-length hair flowed behind her, with wispy bangs slightly askew. A pearl barrette graced the side of her head. She was clad in a crop top that revealed her midriff, a pleated miniskirt, and immaculate white sneakers.She was the embodiment of innocence, akin to an unopened lily.Ashley sighed quietly to herself, mentally berating Christian. How many naive young girls was he going to lead astray?Christian glanced up at the girl. "Nice outfit," he remarked.Had the girl just changed inside the tent?Ashley remained seated, offering her a faint smile.The girl nodded sweetly and then sidled up to Christian, clinging to his arm as if melting into him, "Oh, that smells delicious. I'm hungry.""Hungry?" he queried.Christian bit off a piece of meat and fed it to her mouth-to-mouth, accompanied by a gentle peck.The girl chewed, her cheeks flushed, "That's so tasty, I want more."Even Ashley felt a bit weak at her soft voice.Being a pampered woman might just be the most comfortable fate - it seemed to hold some truth.Christian and Damian continued to indulge her, with the food seeming to be an afterthought. As they catered to her, her pleated skirt threatened to rise to her waist, her slender legs entwining around his.Ashley discreetly cleared her throat, taking a few sips of water to recalibrate the mood.Unfazed, Damian tapped off his ash, "What's making you blush?""I'm just too close to the grill, " Ashley retorted, feigning annoyance. "I'll move back a little, and I'll be fine."Damian probed, "Seeing all these lovey-dovey couples sparking any thoughts? Feeling jealous?"Ashley forced a smile, nearly mastering the art of feigned cheerfulness like Christian. "If you can't handle the loneliness, Damian, ask Christian to set you up with a date. Don't drag me into this."Damian, accustomed to seeing Christian with different women and having grown indifferent, would dismiss anyone attempting to share his bed, regardless of their advances. "Not a bad suggestion, I might consider it next time."Ashley sighed, "Good for you, no lonely nights then."Men are always thinking with their desires.Hayden's car was parked adjacent to Damian’s, his voice preceding his appearance, "Damian, you better drive that car soon, or it'll rust. Lucky for us, Christian planned this outdoor get-together."It was an unspoken agreement among them to dress in athletic wear. Hayden was clad in royal blue, and the girl at his side was in pink, her high ponytail accentuating her delicate face, dimples appearing when she smiled.
With a sigh, Ashley found herself once again in this familiar situation. Christian turned his attention from Hayden to the girl standing beside him, then quickly back to Hayden. His gaze was heavy with implication. "You're quite the faithful one, aren't you?" he asked. The last time they had met, Christian had reluctantly released the girl into Hayden's care, expecting the infatuation to fade within a few days. Yet, here she was again, standing by Hayden's side. Hayden held the girl’s hand, his voice soft with conviction. "Companionship is the truest form of affection. It’s not about me; she's been busy shooting a movie and just got back today."Christian nodded nonchalantly. "Ah, the actress from that one movie, right."The girl bowed her head slightly, playing the obedient part in front of the boss. "Good to see you, Mr. Brin." The last time she had seen him was at the Blue Star Club when he had passed her off to Hayden. Now, Christian was here with another woman, someone who was prettier and more sophisticated than her.Christian nodded in acknowledgment. "Good to see you, too."Hayden chimed in, "Don't mind him; we're not at the office. No need to put on airs here."The girl nodded and flashed a sweet smile. "I'll follow your lead." She was such a soft, obedient thing. Compared to them, Ashley was like a hedgehog bristling with spikes. Christian's words reminded her of something. The 'pink girl' was who Hayden had been with the last time at the club. So, did she get the movie role because of Christian's favor in return? Ashley grimaced at the thought, recalling how she had angrily defended the girl from Damian's judgment – how that now seemed so ironic.Seeing Ashley there, Hayden approached her with glee. "Ashley, you look absolutely gorgeous today!" He was pretty much on par with Damian.Ashley arched an eyebrow. "Your girlfriend's prettier. Remember not to compliment others in front of your date. You don’t want to upset the lady."The girl shook her head, her voice gentle and soft. "No worries, no worries, Ashley, you're really beautiful! Even more so than the homecoming queen at our school!"Ashley laughed. "Thanks, kiddo, for the flattery, but I'm getting on in years; I can't compete with you young ones."The girl's lips pressed together, silent. It was Damian's gaze that had skimmed over her, sending shivers down her spine and leaving her at a loss for words.Hayden slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her aside. "Not cool! How can you compare Ashley with the girls in your school? They're not even in the same league!" It was like belittling Damian's wife.The girl quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I just meant… I mean, you’re beautiful, Ashley." She truly was beautiful, her confidence shining from within. Every glance, every step she took was graceful and eased. Something she couldn't replicate.Ashley slid a glass of juice toward the girl. "A drink for you." Her speech was graceful as well, the mark of someone from the same social echelon as Hayden.The girl held the cup. "Thank you…"Ashley glanced at her watch. How long had it been? Why hadn't Stephen showed up yet?Damian's voice was laced with icy sarcasm. "You're that eager to see him? If he can't make it tonight, are you going to cry?"Ashley dropped her wrist. "If anyone's crying, it should be you. He's your bro."Damian snuffed out his cigarette. "Don't glare at me. His no-show isn’t my fault."Just as Ashley prepared a retort, she followed Damian's gaze. Backlit by the light, the figure walking towards them was unmistakably Stephen!
