Chapter 45
Josie’s POV
With bated breath, I strutted into the biggest space I’ve ever seen in this hospital aside from Ashton’s office. My curious gaze probed around the room, meticulously taking in details of every artwork, every interior furnishing that makes up an office.
There were two French windows that overlooked the small courtyard.
Yeah, the courtyard is my favorite place in this hospital. The flowers around it always mingled with air, stuffing my nostrils with perfect scent.
I cut my gaze away from there and watched the medium oak desk that had a vase with peonies in it, scenting the room, making the atmosphere balmy.
Wow, I let out inwardly, using my finger to outline the edge of the oak desk, while my eyes registered details.
I hadn’t looked at Ashton much, no. But he stood there, folding his arms across his chest and giving me the liberty to register the details in the room.
There was a burgundy sofa to the right and a mini coffee table. Did I forget the mini–bar? Oh, that was one too and handing by the left was an Espresso machine.
The decoration already spurred me to love the warm ambiance.
Now, turning to the alpha oozing his aura behind me, I hitched up a brow quizzically. “Your new office?” I asked.
Ashton muttered a laugh, shaking his head as he raised it up again.
“The office Is way too feminine to be mine.” He said matter–of–factly.
“Whose is it then?”
“For you, Ms. Rose.”
A deep valley formed between my brows at his words. “Yes. You deserve it after making your stay in the waiting
area.”
“I never complained about staying in the waiting area?” 1 nagged.
“I sure know about that. But I’d rather you stay here than there.”
As he said that, his footstep came close. Ashton perched on the table with his hands.
“Sorry, I traveled without informing you. That’s the shit I face whenever new prototypes are to be tasted.”
“Not bad. At least I enjoyed the days you were not around.” I said sharply, spiting the look of content off his face.
“I see.” Ashton muttered.
We were still in our banter when someone rapped the open office down.
I jerk my head toward the door as well as Ashton.
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Chapter 45
The young janitor from earlier trotted in with a box in his hands.
“Here alpha.” He grunted, pulling the box down.
“You may leave,” Ashton told him and he skittered off.
“What is that?” The question slipped from my lips and I regretted it quickly.
“Things I got for you. I’m sure you’re going to like them.” He sank into the sofa, bringing out a key from his scrubs. and wrapping the box lid open.
My eyes nearly popped out at the beautiful accessories Ashton was pulling out, ranging from the ocular jar, nude Inca glass vase, crystal gold snail, embroidered throw pillows with rainbow colors, and sari.
There were edibles in there too, its scent bashing into my nose nonstop. When Ashton pulled out the small box inside and fluttered the lid open, I saw different enticing sweets inside.
My goddess, Aria would definitely love those.
“Do you like it? I got them all for you.” He brushed to his feet, carrying the crystal gold snail and trotting towards
- me.
“I think, this will better be on the oak desk.” He said more to himself than to me, pulling the vase of peonies up. “And this should be on the coffee table.”
I gazed firmly at him as he stuttered to the coffee table and perched the vase there, smiling contentedly.
I was at a loss for words. I thought he went there for business related something yet he went ahead to buy all of these things?
“How does it look?” He said, looking expectantly at me.
“Good, guess,” I said monotonously, shrugging.
“Aha! I knew you’d love them.” He walked back to my side, stopping right before me. “I know you’ve always loved to taste Indian sweets too. That’s why I brought them.”
His words made me pause.
How did Ashton know I had wanted to taste their sweets? I blinked in wonder.
I had never said this to anyone hearing before, save for Lena, back when we were in high school.
So, how in hell’s name did Ashton get to know about them?
“How did you know?” I voiced my thoughts, unable to stash them inside again.
An alluring smirk cracked up his lips. Then. “I guess I have my way…”
Hearing that my mouth gaped.
What way did he have to probe something I kept to myself and my previous best friend in the past?
Chapter 45
**Ashton’s POV***
The surprised look on Josie’s face nearly made me gush all my secrets out here and now,
But how do I start telling her that from the first time I laid my eyes on her she had been in my fantasy?
I know if I said it she would doubt it. What’s there not to doubt? I was among those who looked down at her. Neglected her. Bullied her in most cases. But I did all those so she could notice me.
Hell, I brought women at home, them, and made sure they moaned so loud and high that Josie could hear.
I wanted it all to make her want me like other girls did.
The fact was, I never chased women back there, they came to of their own volition. So, I had thought my stepsister would be that way too but no. She distanced herself from me and swore to Jay, one of my best friend she would never fall in love with me.
That was one of the things that led to the bet. Things that led to the mistake I’m still regretting today. And the curse which I’m not finding any solution to.
I always monitored her, and mastered her favorite things in secret. Of course, that was when I got to know she craved to have a taste of these Indian sweets.
“I don’t understand.” Her voice cracked up as she intently at me. “Besides.”
I backpedaled to the box and brought them over. “C’mon, have a taste.” I urged, bringing out one of the sweets and shoving it in front of her lips.
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. I pinned my gaze on her beckoning her.
“I promise you, you’ll love it.” I encouraged.
I noticed her rigid features melted slightly as she cracked her mouth open, wanting to taste the sweets.
Instantly, the ringtone of her phone made us pull apart from each other.
She panted, tucking the stray wisps of her hair behind her ear as she picked up the call.
“Yes? Hello?” She croaked, her lips stretching in a full–blown grin.
My brows scrunched at the delight etched on her face.
She wasn’t this happy some minutes ago, makes me wonder who that person is.
“Don’t tell me you did it?” She said, ticking her lips between her teeth as if to keep her smile from increasing.
I felt a ball of jealousy lunge in my chest, watching as she laughed and blushed. Then she ended the call.
Turning back to me, she said. “Excuse, Mr. Ashton, I’ve something to attend to,” her footsteps began a receding
movement.
I dump the box of sweets on the oak desk, turning to her I asked.
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Chapter 45
“Which is?”
Josie paused, giving me a long, crossed look, while my lycan whined.
