Burn (Breathless #3)(41)

A smile quirked the corners of Jace’s mouth. “You? Asshole moves? Aren’t you supposed to be the charming, nice guy? Thought being an ass**le was mine and Gabe’s job.”

Ash grimaced. “Why the f**k does everyone think I’m such a laid-back pansy?”

Jace snorted. “Never said that, man. But you’re usually Mr. Polished when it comes to women. Never known you to be off your game.”

“The other women didn’t matter,” Ash said simply. “Josie does. Can’t afford to play it safe with her. Have to press my advantage when I have it.”

Jace took in a long breath, his gaze intently studying Ash. After a moment, Ash shifted uncomfortably underneath his friend’s scrutiny.

“Are you thinking long term here?” Jace asked. “You say she’s different and already I’ve seen just how different you are about her. You’re talking about breaking the law and doing God only knows what to the ass**le who beat her up. But just how different are we talking here, Ash?”

“Think about how you felt when you met Bethany,” Ash said in an even tone.

“Shit,” Jace breathed. “Say no more. I get it. And congrats, man. Never thought it would happen for you this fast. You’ve always been so determined to live by our motto, ‘play hard and live free.’”

“Yeah, well, so were you,” Ash said dryly. “And don’t congratulate me yet. Too much shit to sort out, and while I may have Josie where I want her right now, it’s definitely not in the bag.”

“But knowing how I felt about Bethany, and you saying it’s like that? You’re done for, man. If you feel even half what I felt for Bethany in the beginning, this is it for you. And knowing you the way I know you, if Josie is what you want, you’re damn well not going to let her go.”

“Fuck no,” Ash muttered. “If she’s not with me for the long term, it’ll be because she fought me tooth and nail and won. And I don’t lose.”

“You thinking marriage? Absolute commitment? What are we talking here, Ash? I need to know so I can give you shit after all the insults you hurled mine and Gabe’s way when our balls were twisting in the wind over Bethany and Mia.”

Ash flipped up his middle finger. “I don’t know yet. Marriage is a big step. It’s permanent. And it’s too early to be thinking about marriage and babies and shit. All I can focus on is Josie and making sure she’s as into me as I’m into her.”

Jace nodded. “Yeah, I get it. But just so you know, I’m going to start planning that bachelor party now.”

Ash chuckled. “Whatever, man.”

Jace’s expression grew more serious and he leveled a hard stare in Ash’s direction. “Now what about the man who hurt Josie? You said you needed an alibi, and you know I’ll do whatever you need, but I need details here. Can’t say visiting you at Riker’s is on my top-ten list of shit to do for kicks and giggles.”

Ash sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I’m checking into it, as I said. But I want to move quickly on this. I want to get Josie settled, and part of that is me knowing that this ass**le won’t be threatening her anymore. I got some preliminary info on him and his movements. He’s pretty predictable. Keeps to the same schedule. If that holds true, then I plan to address the situation Friday night.”

Jace’s eyes narrowed and he sat forward in his seat. “You as in you personally? Or are you having the issue taken care of by a third party?”

“Both,” Ash said, taking in his friend’s reaction.

“Jesus, Ash. Don’t f**k up, man. I doubt Josie wants to visit you in jail anymore than I do.”

“Not going to be an issue,” Ash said evenly. “The guys I have in mind are good. Cover all the bases. They’ll swear they don’t know me and I’ll swear I don’t know them. Don’t want to put you in a bad position and definitely don’t want Bethany involved, so I’d prefer if my alibi was only you and not the two of you together.”

Jace nodded. “Yeah, you know I don’t mind going to the wall for you. Ever. But I don’t want this touching Bethany. And whatever you need, man. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, I know. Appreciate it, Jace.”

“Let me know, okay? Don’t keep me in the dark. I’ll want details, and if you get into trouble, you better f**king call me. And don’t do this alone, got me? If you can’t arrange it with whatever men you plan to hook up with for the job, then you call me and I’ll go with you.”

Ash grinned. “Yes, Mother. Want to wipe my ass for me while you’re at it?”

“Fuck you,” Jace said rudely.

Ash chuckled and then sobered as he stared back at Jace. “Don’t want this touching Bethany or you. You providing me an alibi is enough. It’s more than I want to ask of you. I’d never do anything to jeopardize your relationship with Bethany.”

“Yeah, I know. But also know that you’re my brother, Ash. You’re family. Not those shitheads you share blood with. Me and Gabe and by extension Mia and Bethany. Don’t care what I have to do to help you. I’ll do it. No questions asked.”

“Christ, man. Stop it already or we’ll be a bunch of pansy-ass girls reaching for the f**king tissues.”