Chapter 170

Chapter 170:

“Let’s hope so.” He smiled slightly.

“Is that what you wanted to talk about? Rhys p>

“No.” The word came from between clenched teeth. “I want to talk about us p>

“What about us p>

“Do you remember what you said in the car p>

I tried to recall. “I said plenty, I think p>

I remembered the kiss. Somehow, Ashton’s kiss always seemed hotter when it was in the backseat of a car. Maybe it had something to do with the confined space. There was nothing else to focus on except him, except the moment.

Then I remembered what led to Yvaine and Cassian’s one-night stand. “God, I hope I didn’t throw up on you.” That would be beyond embarrassing.

“No, you didn’t p>

“Good.” I breathed out.

“Was that all you wanted to say?” I asked.

Ashton paused for a beat, then said, “Never mind.” The car slowed. “We’re here p>

I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thanks. See you later.” I got out and waved goodbye.

I texted Priya from the pavement outside the building. [You free today?] Nothing.

I waited. Checked my phone again. Still nothing.

I went upstairs and knocked twice. No answer. But I heard loud noises from within—TV and people talking. I pulled the spare key out of my bag, shoved it into the lock, and stepped inside.

My jaw locked. The entire flat reeked of stale smoke and fried snacks. The air was heavy with that cheap, acidic cigarette stench that clung to the back of your throat. The coffee table was…

𝖁𝖎𝖊𝖜𝖊𝖉 𝖘𝖊𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖑𝖞 𝖋𝖗𝖔𝖒

I was surrounded by men I didn’t recognize—early twenties, all of them smoking, shouting over one another, playing cards. Wrappers, pistachio shells, and orange peel—trash scattered across the floor and cushions.

Priya’s brother, Rohan, was in the middle of the chaos, slouched low with one arm draped across the back of the sofa. I recognized him from court. Nobody looked up.

Some guy whooped, slammed a card down, then shoved his chair back with a screech and shouted, “Pay up, losers p>

Another peeled off his hoodie and threw it onto the floor.

I scanned past the mess and spotted a man near the window, his back to me. Neal Sharma. Priya’s father.

He was on the phone, his voice loud and smug. “It’s a proper flat! Big windows, new floors, I’ll send you pictures. You’ve got to see the height on this place. Her rich friend said we can stay as long as we want… No, she wouldn’t kick us out. What kind of person would do that, after everything we did? Priya testified for her. Without us, she’d have lost that case—end of story. And another payout’s coming soon, so pack your bags. Rohan’s mates are already here p>

Unbelievable.