4.

Avery's POV

Avery had been so lost in her conversation with Asher that she had failed to notice the presence of another person in her house or even when he had walked in.

It wasn’t until Julian’s deep, commanding voice cut through the air that she realized they were no longer alone and she was in the arms of a man she had just met few days ago. Thankfully, Asher had released her almost immediately, realizing how far he had gone himself.

Julian shifted on his feet. “I asked a question, Asher. What are you doing here?” he asked, even before she could say anything.

He stood just inside the doorway, with his body protectively close to her. Julian's sharp gaze locked onto Asher with a hint of suspicion and barely hidden hostility.

As they glared at each other, It was as if they were talking to each other through their minds and from the looks of things, the conversation was not a friendly one.

Julian has always been protective over her and the boys, and it was not a surprise to her that he was acting that way. His presence was a stark contrast to the easy, almost hypnotic effect Asher had on her just moments before.

Hypnotic, because no woman would watch a man come too close to her to pull her clothes off her shoulders without reacting. But she had allowed it just now. Damn!

Avery swallowed, adjusting her pajama top to cover the exposed skin of her shoulder. She didn’t know why, but Asher gave off a strange vibe; one that at the same time put her at ease and unsettled her.

It wasn’t just his presence; it was his touch. Earlier, when he had grabbed her, his hands had felt so familiar. And she would be lying if she said she didn’t feel something; some pull toward him that she didn’t understand.

Her body had reacted instantly to him and that shocked her. Why he wanted to see the mole on her shoulder worried her. It also worried her that he was even aware that she had a mole in the first place.

How did he get that bit of information, especially when she hardly appeared with revealing clothes, online or offline.

"I don't think you have a right to ask me such a question… except it's suddenly your place…" Asher paused, looking around. "…And I'm sure it isn't."

Julian snorted. "You're the stranger here, I'm sure. As usual, you expect everyone to want you and be under you." He muttered.

Avery was about to speak, but she wisely closed her mouth. They both of them gave off alpha vibes and she wouldn't want to be caught in between their obvious challenge.

Asher chuckled. "Everyone wants me of course. I'm Asher Storm, not some wannabe." He teased.

Of course, who wouldn’t want Asher Storm? The man looked like he had stepped straight out of the pages of a high-end magazine. She had noticed his handsome features the first day that they met.

Asher was tall, with sharp, chiseled features and an air of quiet arrogance. He carried himself with the kind of confidence that made it impossible to ignore him. He was the kind of man who made women lose their senses with a single glance.

But that wasn’t what unsettled her.

It was something deeper, something about the way he looked at her, like he knew her in a way no one else did. Like he had secrets; secrets that involved her, and she wanted him as much as she wanted to know those secrets.

Julian turned his head slightly, his jaw tightening as he regarded Asher. If looks could kill, Asher would be six feet under with the way Julian was glaring at him. She didn't bother to stop him.

"Not everyone wants you, Storm…Avery doesn't." Julian gritted.

The air in the room became charged, thick with tension, and Avery felt caught between them, a silent spectator in a battle she didn’t fully understand. It was clear that something was not right between them but she dared not to ask… Yet.

“What’s wrong, Julian?” Asher finally said, breaking eye contact, his voice smooth, almost amused. “Afraid I might be up to something?”

Julian didn’t flinch. “I don’t trust you.” he mumbled.

Asher smirked, running a hand through his dark hair. “That much is obvious. You have never trusted me. Not once…” he said.

Avery’s eyes darted between them, confusion and curiosity warring inside her. She had never seen Julian so on edge. He was usually the one who took control, the one who remained calm no matter the situation.

When she had issues with her sisters in-law, Julian was usually the one she ran to to help calm matters and he always did, so why was Asher's presence making him uncomfortable.

Right now, there was a dangerous glint in his eyes, his muscles tense like he was ready for a fight.

What the hell had Asher done to him to make him act this way, she thought. Avery took a step forward, making sure that she now had Asher's attention. It was her home and it was time to break this silent war. She paused a second before clearing her throat.

“Asher.” Avery spoke, her voice softer than she intended, but it was enough to draw his attention back to her. His eyes, dark and intense, locked onto hers, and for a moment, she felt like the rest of the room disappeared.

He tilted his head slightly, as if waiting for her to say more, as if he knew she had questions.

“Why are you here?” she asked.

His lips twitched, almost like he wanted to smile but stopped himself. “I wanted to see you.” he responded.

Avery’s breath caught. There was something about the way he said it, something about the way those four simple words sent a shiver down her spine.

They both knew that that wasn't true, but Julian didn't need to know that. As a matter of fact, she would appreciate it if they didn't involve Julian.

Asher had come to tell her that she was Raina, a woman that he had mistaken her for and perhaps check for proof, just as he had pulled her cloth off her shoulder to check her mole.

Julian took a step forward, placing himself subtly between her and Asher, his body language clear; he wasn’t going to let Asher get any closer to her.

Not like she couldn't defend herself, but this was Julian and he took her protection as his business. “You shouldn’t be here,” Julian said coldly. “You have no business with Avery.”

Asher let out a slow breath, his amusement fading into something more serious. “That’s where you’re wrong,” he said quietly. “Avery and I do have business. She just doesn’t remember.”

Avery stiffened. She just doesn't remember and she wasn't sure that she would. It's been seven years since her accident and the doctor had no solution to bringing back her memories, than 'give it time, it would return '.

She doesn’t remember her life before she woke up. She doesn't remember who Asher was, not even her late husband, Henry who left her with two beautiful boys and a family. She remembered nothing and had been fed everything she knew now.

Avery was sure that she had not spoken to Asher about her condition, so how come he's aware that she has amnesia. Just like he knew about the mole on her shoulder.

Her heartbeat picked up, confusion twisting in her chest. “What do you mean I don't remember?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Julian’s glare darkened. “Don’t listen to him, Avery.” he muttered by her side, holding her back.

Asher chuckled, but there was no real humor in it. “Still playing protector, Julian? Some things never change.” he jabbed.

Julian clenched his jaw. “Some people never change too,” he shot back.

The hostility between them was palpable now, the weight of unspoken history pressing down on the room. Avery felt caught in the middle, unsure of what to believe. She looked back at Asher, searching for answers in his expression.

“What don’t I remember?” she asked again, this time more insistent and in a low voice.

She had not wanted to hear what he was saying. Especially when she knew that he still saw her as Raina. She didn't want to give him room to continue his insinuations, but she felt moved to find out what he knew about her.

It's clear that he was aware of her accident and her condition. What else did he know, Avery thought.