Don't Touch Me

Asher led me to his car after the charity event, and we drove in comfortable silence, the city lights flashing by. He eventually pulled up to a quaint ice cream parlor that was open late. It felt like stepping into another world, one where everything wasn’t so complicated.

We ordered our ice cream—mine, a classic vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles, and his, a double scoop of mint chocolate chip in a waffle bowl. As we sat on a bench outside, I felt the cool night breeze against my skin, the sweetness of the ice cream melting on my tongue.

“This is nice,” I said, my voice softer than I intended. “Thank you for tonight.”

He leaned back, his eyes fixed on me with that familiar intensity. “You know, I can’t resist spoiling you,” he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

I rolled my eyes, but there was no denying the flutter in my chest. “You should really stop trying to buy my affection, Asher.”

He raised a brow, licking his ice cream slowly. “Maybe, but you don’t make it easy.”

His tone had shifted, and I felt the air between us grow thick. The way he looked at me, like I was the only person in the world, sent a shiver down my spine. There had always been this unspoken tension between us—something I tried to ignore, but in moments like this, it was impossible to deny.

I had known him for 6 years. Him and Carter were my life like after I left the Vaughn home. While working in a cafe, they were regular customers. I had saved Asher asthmatic relapse. A technique I got after seeing my father do it to my mother a lot. And he…he had asked me about my education. Wanting to sponsor me.

Carter and Asher are twins surprisingly and Carter spoke about me to Asher.

I dated both of them in college but now…now I really don't want to be reminded of that past. But they refused to leave my side.

Wanting to go the three-way again. Even when clearly now I need to focus on my kids.

I glanced away, focusing on my ice cream. “You know people talk, right? Us, together. It just fuels the rumors.”

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. “Let them talk. As long as you know where we stand.”

My breath hitched as his hand brushed mine, and I fought the urge to pull back. “Asher…”

He held my gaze, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded. There was something intoxicating about the way he looked at me, a longing I could feel deep in my bones. But I knew better. I had kids. Responsibilities.

“Remi, you can’t pretend you don’t feel it too,” he said, his thumb tracing circles on my hand. “You miss this. You miss…us. Right?”

I pulled my hand back, my heart racing. “I have kids, Asher. I can’t just… I can’t do this.”

He sighed, leaning back but not breaking eye contact. “I know. I just—” He paused, his expression softening. “I just wish things were different.”

I looked at him, and for a moment, I felt myself slipping into the what-ifs. What if things had been different? What if I hadn’t met Rowan? What if I had let myself feel more for Asher? But I couldn’t live in what-ifs.

I forced a smile. “This was fun. But I need to get back.”

He nodded, but there was a sadness in his eyes that made my chest ache. “I’ll drive you.”

The drive back was quieter, a comfortable silence that carried the weight of everything unsaid between us. When he dropped me off, I hesitated for a moment, feeling the pull of the tension between us before I finally got out of the car.

The next day, I walked into work, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of last night. But as I entered my office, I was met with an unexpected sight—my research team gathered around, looking excited.

“Morning, everyone. What’s going on?” I asked, setting my bag down.

Dr. Patel, one of my lead researchers, grinned. “We got some big news, Dr. Laurent. Our latest project got a major sponsor—someone who’s investing heavily in our new medical facility.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “That’s amazing. Who’s the sponsor?”

Just as I asked, the door opened, and there he was—Rowan Vaughn, standing in the doorway with a composed expression, his eyes locking onto mine. I felt the air leave my lungs.

I thought he was only investing in the idea not the facility.

Does that mean I had to see him everyday?

Rowan stepped forward, his presence commanding as ever. “Good morning, Dr. Laurent. Looks like we’ll be working together closely on this project.”

I blinked, struggling to process what I was hearing. “What… What do you mean?”

Dr. Patel turned to me, his face beaming with excitement. “Rowan Vaughn’s company has agreed to fund our research program. He’s personally overseeing the project to ensure everything goes smoothly.”

I stared at Rowan, my mind reeling. This was his doing. Why would he want to involve himself in my work?

“Why?” I finally asked, the question slipping out before I could stop myself.

Rowan’s gaze was steady, but there was something unreadable in his eyes. “Because your work is groundbreaking, Remi. It deserves support. The cure to cancer? Now that something worth my money.”

There was no warmth in his tone, just cold professionalism. But the way he watched me, like he was trying to figure me out, sent a chill down my spine.

“Excuse me, I need a moment,” I said, walking out of the room and into the hallway, my heart racing.

He followed me, of course. “Remi, wait.”

I turned around, my expression guarded. “What is this, Rowan? Why are you here?”

He shoved his hands into his pockets, his jaw tight. “You know why. I’m investing in something worthwhile.”

“Or are you trying to control me?” I snapped, crossing my arms.

His eyes darkened, but he remained calm. “Believe it or not, I believe in your work. That’s all.”

I scoffed, “Right. This has nothing to do with me, personally, does it?”

He hesitated, and for a split second, I saw something flicker in his eyes—something that looked almost like regret. “I’m not here to make your life difficult, Remi.”

“But you already are,” I whispered, feeling the weight of his presence like a heavy shadow.

Before he could respond, I turned and walked back to my office, but before I could make it, his hand shot out, grabbing mine. His touch was firm, pulling me back just enough to make me face him again. The feeling of his fingers wrapping around mine sent a jolt through me—not from the touch itself, but from the memories it triggered.

I froze, unable to move. His grip wasn’t tight, but it held me in place, and as I stood there, everything came rushing back—the harsh words, the coldness in his eyes, the way he had shattered me in ways no one else ever had.

It was the night before our wedding. I had walked into his office, filled with nerves but also with hope. I thought maybe, just maybe, we could start fresh. I had worn my mother’s locket, a small token of the past I was trying to hold onto in the face of so much change. But the moment I opened the door, I saw him sitting at his desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand, and a look of disdain on his face.

“What are you doing here?” he had asked, his voice clipped.

I swallowed, my fingers tightening around the locket as I stepped inside. “I wanted to talk, to see if we could—”

“Could what?” he cut me off, setting his glass down with a clink. “Pretend that this farce of a marriage is anything other than a business transaction?”

His words stung, but I pushed through. “It doesn’t have to be that way. We could try, Rowan. We could try to make this work.”

He laughed then, but it was a bitter, hollow sound. “You think I want to try with you? Do you really believe I’d ever choose someone like you?”

His words felt like a punch to the gut, and I felt my eyes sting. “I know this isn’t ideal, but—”

“But nothing, Remi,” he snapped. “You’re nothing but a pawn in this game. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re anything more. I’m marrying you because it benefits me and my family. That’s all.”

I flinched, my throat tightening as I tried to keep my composure. “You don’t mean that.”

He stood then, towering over me, his eyes cold and unfeeling. “Oh, I mean every word. You’re just another woman who thinks she can change me, fix me. But you’re not special, Remi. You’re not the woman I want, and you never will be.”

I remember the way he had looked at me then, like I was nothing more than a burden, an obligation he had to tolerate. And then he said the words that broke me completely.

“You’re convenient, Remi. Nothing more. Don’t get it twisted.”

I felt my heart shatter, every bit of hope I had crumbling to pieces. I had left his office that night, barely holding back my tears, feeling more alone than ever. And that was the moment I promised myself I would never let him get close enough to hurt me like that again.

But now, as he held my hand in the hallway, I was pulled back into that memory, the pain just as fresh as it had been then. I pulled my hand away, my voice trembling. “Don’t touch me.”

His eyes flickered with something—was it regret? But I couldn’t let myself believe it. I couldn’t let myself fall for the same lies again.

“Remi, I—” he started, but I shook my head.

“Save it, Rowan. Whatever you think you need to say, it doesn’t matter anymore. Just…I was your surgeon. I don't require your attention or need it ” I pulled away completely, turning my back on him.

I pushed open the door and stepped into the lobby, my heart racing. I needed a moment, just a second to breathe, to collect myself. But as I moved forward, I collided with a warm, solid chest.

“Whoa, easy there,” a familiar voice said.

I looked up, startled, and found myself staring into Asher’s eyes. He had that teasing grin of his, but before I could react, he leaned down, and his lips brushed mine.

It was just for a second—a fleeting moment—but it felt like everything else faded away. His kiss was warm, gentle, and completely unexpected. My breath caught, and for a heartbeat, I couldn’t think of anything else.

But then the shock set in, and I pulled back, my eyes wide as I stared at him. “Asher, what—”

His smile was playful, but there was a glint of something more serious in his eyes. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. You looked like you needed a distraction.”

I was about to respond when I felt a presence behind me—Rowan. His eyes locked onto Asher.

It happened in a split second. Before I could blink my eyes.

A punch directly to Asher's jaw.