Chapter Six

Zara Howard

"And then he called me Miss Zara. I can't believe he said my name." I sighed as I filled in my best friend, Xena Remington with everything that had happened in my rollercoaster life throughout the past week.

Xena is the HR representative for the Lancaster Enterprises. She was too caught up with court meetings concerning Asher's older brother, Axel Lancaster, who, by the way, she seems to fancy but refuses to acknowledge it.

"If you were a cartoon, you would most certainly have heart eyes right now" Xena mocked me, making me roll my eyes in weak defence.

Since last night, it seems like my mind is glitching and replaying my name in Asher's voice on repeat.

His gruff voice laced with the slightest glimpse of concern when he called me Miss Zara.

Kill me. Kill me now.

"But I don't know how I feel about your obsession with Mister Asher Lancaster, Zara. He seems alright but that doesn't change the fact that he has killed a lot of people, including your stepfather and he doesn't exactly indulge in the noblest deeds when it comes to his business" Xena tried to reason with me.

"I know he is one of the most dangerous mafias and he is probably a cold-blooded murderer who has killed a bunch of people without even batting an eyelid and he appears to have hidden guns on him all the time, I saw one in his right sock when I saw him the other day but with all that being said, he is a good person, Xena" I explained.

"Okay. Wow. I am so concerned right now. Firstly, what is with the eerily specific details about him you keep mentioning as if you are talking about the most normal stuff ever." Xena exclaimed in the most dramatic voice.

Women.

Before I even had the chance to answer any of her wild blatant accusations, she continued, "And why the hell are you acting like you can't hear yourself spewing all this nonsense as if it is the sanest set of words you have ever used to make a sentence?"

Once again, I open my mouth to defend myself, and she starts yet another blabbering monologue, "Jesus Christ, Zara. The Lancasters are scary people. How the hell do you know he isn't someone like Victor or probably even worse than him, which is pretty likely, considering his reputation."

I am not even going to fall for that pause this time. I am sure she has something more to add on.

"What? Aren't you gonna say something?" Xena finally asked as she saw me sitting there wordlessly like a statue.

"Firstly, I would like to thank Miss Xena Remington for finally giving me an opportunity to talk. In today's world the freedom of speech and expression-" My melodramatic acceptance speech was cut off by Xena swatting my arm, making both of us burst into laughter. This right here is our friendship summed up.

"But seriously," I say once our hyena laughs died out, "I only notice obvious things about Asher. It isn't really hard to notice how his lips curl when he is about to make a sarcastic comment or when he is wearing a shirt, he'll tuck in his head first and not his hands-"

"Sweetie, please stop. You aren't exactly making a strong defence case right now. You most certainly sound like a stalker with all these crazy details." Xena said in her 'I give up' tone, making me huff in response.

"Anyway, I should get back to work before Jerold gets mad again," Xena said in a stressed voice as she peaked her head out to see if he is around. The lunch break doesn't end for another ten minutes but she is constantly worried about doing something that will piss him off.

Jerold Hart is our immediate superior and also, Xena's jerkface toxic boyfriend. He has anger issues and is probably the epitome of fragile toxic masculinity.

Just when I was about to start my 'drop his sorry ass' monologue, she interrupted me by saying, "I know you are not exactly a fan of the way he treats me but I swear he used to be so different when we started to date. I don't know what went wrong. I am sure the work is stressing him out."

I hate to see her like this. I know she was aware of the shit he was putting her through. But she believed in second chances and fixing mistakes and all that crap. We have been over the same shit so many times, at this point, I just try to stray away from anything concerning that Pouty Potato.

Cool nickname right? I was very proud when I came up with that one.

We both headed back to work post lunch and the rest of the day passed by rather quickly. It felt nice telling everything concerning Asher Lancaster to Xena. I know her reaction wasn't too different from Scarlett's but I know they'll come to terms with it sooner or later.

***

"Master Lancaster is caught up with some work right now. He will be down in a few, Miss Howard" Mrs Costanza informed me when I went over to the Lancaster penthouse for the daily update.

"Oh okay. I'll wait here till he wraps up his work" I replied as I took a seat. While Mrs Costanza got back to dusting and cleaning stuff, an overwhelming urge to ask her questions and get to know whatever I can possibly know about Asher took over me.

"So, Mrs Costanza, after you are done with your daily chores, do you go back to your place or do you stay here at the penthouse." I decided to go safe and easy with the first few questions.

She sighed, knowing she is going to be dealing with my questions. "My home is back in Italy. I am here at the penthouse at all times to ensure everything is in order" She replied as she replaced the old dried-out sunflowers with new fresh ones.

"Oh, that seems to be exhausting. The Lancasters are so intimidating, it must be tiring to be on your toes at all times" I asked as I helped her arrange a few china plates.

"I have seen Master Asher and Master Axel since they were kids, Miss Howard. They may not have maternal affections towards me but they are very aware that I keep this place running. I respect them dearly but they don't really intimidate me" She explained and suddenly a lot of things started to make sense when it comes to her.

I remembered Asher's running joke about Mrs Costanza being the one who should be running the Mafia business and I smiled to myself.

"You and Mister Asher seem to have a lot in common. Your humour and mafia-like attitude" I joked as my eyes wandered around to see any signs of Asher.

I was so caught up trying to get a glimpse of the stairs that I completely forgot that I was helping Mrs Costanza with the plates. It was only when she cleared her throat to get my attention that I realised she was sticking out her hand for me to pass her the plate.

Mrs Costanza gave me a look and I already knew there was something wicked going on in that bossbitch mind of hers.

"You can go upstairs to meet Master Asher if you want to. I am sure he would not mind it." She smiled and I was way too excited to see what his room looked like to even question the seriousness of her offer.

I quickly thanked her and headed towards the stairs. I felt giddy as I scurried up the stairs. My imagination was running wild with what Asher's bedroom could possibly look like. What would be the colour of his walls? Would he have one of those fancy portable work desks? What would his bed look like?

Okay yeah, that escalated quickly.

I suck in a deep breath as I reach Asher's room. I am gonna see him, give him an update and get out of here. It is as simple as that right?

All the excitement and giddiness with which I ran upstairs had fizzled out. I walked towards Asher’s bedroom, like a scaredy cat, second-guessing every life decision I have ever made.