Dangerous Love

Siena

No. She wasn’t getting up today. She was going to stay in bed and wallow. She was going to wait for Asher to come home, so she could tell him everything.

Her eyes were heavy and a little sore, her heart was aching. She still couldn’t believe she let herself get tangled into such a web.

She wondered how many brown envelopes full of empty promises Daniel had waved in the air before coming on to his victims.

His harsh words stung and cracked at her pride, she buried her head deeper into her pillow.

Siena heard the doorbell and wanted to ignore it but this wasn’t her apartment, it was Asher’s. It was her duty to answer calls and open the door.

Tidying her hair with her fingers, she ran towards the door and opened it.

The first thing Siena noticed was the fiery long locks and doe-like eyes.

“Hey! You’re not dressed,” Sarah spoke, taking in Siena’s messy bed hair.

“I’m not coming,” Siena grumbled, turning into the lounge. She didn’t even want to admit that she completely forgot about her plans with Sarah.

“What happened?”

“It’s a long story,” Siena sighed, slumping down on the couch. Sarah followed and sat next to her, her eyes displaying flecks of concern.

“I’ve got time! Tell me.”

Siena grimaced as she finished off explaining every detail of the last 48 hours. Sarah’s eyes widened and she shook her head disapprovingly.

“I can’t believe you fell for Daniel Leavers' lies!” Sarah almost yelled.

“Asher told me that he was harmless.” Siena admitted, thinking back to when she asked him about Daniel. Did Asher really not know what his friend was like?

“Oh please. Daniel only exposes his true self to those who he thinks are beneath him.” Sarah sighed before standing up and switching on the coffee machine.

“To everyone else he’s a fucking saint, he makes sure he picks on the help. No one would believe them if they made an accusation against him.”

Sarah’s face fell, and Siena sensed there was more to this than what she let on.

“Sarah, did he ever hurt you?” Siena asked, watching her new friend flinch at the question. Fuck!

Sarah pricked back her tears. “That was a while ago. Luckily nothing went further."

“Did you tell Asher?” Siena asked.

“Asher? No. Why would I tell him? That idiot turns a blind eye to everything.”

“That’s not true. I’m going to tell him about Daniel tonight.” Siena explained, she knew that Asher would believe her.

“Good luck with that, maybe things are different for you. I mean he actually notices you. I’ve been working for the family for many years now and he just looks right through me.”

Sarah passed Siena a steaming cup of coffee before taking her own and sitting back down on the couch. A little of Sarah’s coffee splashed out on her lap.

“Asher’s different,” Siena spoke, thinking of the kind man she lives with, watching her friend wipe the coffee stain.

“Well duh, have you seen him? His face and body have been carved by angels,” Sarah scoffed. “But do you really think a man like that would look at us twice?”

Siena took a sip of coffee. She winced as it slightly burned her tongue. “Well it’s not like we need a man like that to notice us. Besides, Asher’s not like that. He’s sweet.”

“Yeah. He is,” Sarah agreed, her amber eyes sparkling while drifting off into thought.

“Sorry about today. Is it okay if we hang here?” Siena asked, hoping Sarah didn’t mind. She couldn’t handle seeing the university today.

“Of course we can. As long as Asher doesn’t mind,” Sarah blurted with a hint of a smirk. “God, look at the size of his TV.”

“You like a man with big gadgets?” Siena teased, not being able to control her laughter.

“Very big gadgets,” Sarah replied with a wink.

***

The apartment was soon filled with giggles and chatter. The dining table was covered with a tasty lunch spread.

The new friends dug into all the food without hesitation. Siena was enjoying herself; last night was a distant memory in her head for the moment.

Although she couldn’t completely shake it off, she was thankful that Sarah was helping her forget for now.

Siena was ecstatic to find out that Sarah was studying to become a nurse, though she poked fun at the fact that Sarah would be one of the clumsiest nurses ever.

“Maybe I could speak to someone at the university?” Sarah insisted. She could feel her friend's burning passion to attend that university and wanted to help her.

“Honestly, as amazing as that would be, just concentrate on your own studies. I don’t think I can handle getting my hopes up anymore,” Siena admitted, her dimples disappearing from her rosy cheeks.

Sarah sat on the couch while waiting for Siena to shower. The sound of the front door rattling startled her. She stood up immediately, staring towards the hallway until Asher’s face appeared.

He froze as his eyes landed on her. This stranger in his apartment.

Except this wasn’t a stranger; he had seen her face many times before.

“Can I help you?” His tone was serious, watching the redhead fidget in place.

“Uh, no. I was just waiting for Siena,” she replied, watching Asher hang up his coat. His windswept, ash-blonde hair looked so perfect.

Sarah bit her lip as Asher walked in deeper into the room past her. He sat down on the couch and pulled out his laptop.

“Can I... get you anything?” Sarah blurted out of habit, instantly regretting it. She was so used to asking him that question when he was over at his parents’ house.

“No. Is it your job to get me anything?” His brows furrowed; he was genuinely curious. Sarah wished to roll her eyes at him.

“No. Anyway, please tell Siena that I had to go. I have a few errands to run.” Asher didn’t look at her as she spoke but nodded his head as he typed on his laptop.

Sarah went to pick up her bag and jacket, which were by Asher’s side on the couch. Once she went to slide past him, she tripped up on his leg, falling flat towards the floor.

“Fuck. Are you okay?” She felt Asher’s hands help her up. Her cheeks turned the same shade as her hair. “S..sorry.” Her amber eyes met Asher’s; his beautiful face up close had her almost gasping for air.

Asher gazed into her amber eyes, both staring at each other as though time had stood still. “Please be more careful next time.” He finally spoke, though his voice was soft.

He watched the redhead nod and run out of the apartment before parking himself back on the couch. Seconds later, Siena appeared. She was dressed in a vest top and sweatpants, her hair up in a messy bun.

“You’re home early!”

“Yeah. Sorry I ruined the party. Your friend had to go. Something about errands.” He smirked, typing on his laptop.

“Oh God. I hope it was okay that Sarah was over. We had plans to go out but decided to stay here instead.”

Asher could sense the turmoil within Siena. “Woah. Hey. It’s fine.” He chuckled. “You’re allowed guests, especially on your day off.”

Asher wasn’t met with Siena’s dimples as usual; her face had dropped and she stood with her arms hanging beside her.

“Everything okay?”

Siena looked into Asher’s ocean eyes; she prayed to God that he would believe her. She took a deep breath, causing Asher to stand.

“What happened, Siena?”

“Daniel. He uh. Kind of came on to me last night.”

Asher’s eyes grew bigger; the crystal orbs turning darker with each word he heard.

“He offered me a placement but only if I slept with him. Which he made extremely clear in his car.” Siena shuddered before Asher. She wasn’t going to cry; she was angry. More at herself than anyone else.

“Fuck. Siena. I didn’t know he’d do that. He’s known to be a bit of a playboy, but I never thought he’d do that to you.”

He let out a sigh before approaching her. Siena could feel the warmth radiating from his body. “Are you okay?” He asked, searching her jewel-like eyes.

“Si. Yes. Just disappointed in myself. I can’t believe I thought he was going to help me.” She shook her head and chuckled. It all sounded so stupid to her now.

“I’m so sorry, Siena. I wish I would have known he was going to do this. I would never have let you be alone with him.”

***

Some time had passed as Asher and Siena chatted on the couch. “I will sort this out. So don’t worry,” he explained, standing up to reach for his coat.

Siena knew where he was going; her stomach flipped as she realized that two friends were going to fall out over something to do with her.

She nodded, her face serious as she watched him leave. She fell onto the couch and let out a deep breath, thankful that he had listened to her and believed her.

Asher was in a state of shock as he entered the lobby. How the fuck could his best friend do this?

He didn’t want to believe it, but something in his gut knew that his young maid wasn’t lying. Daniel had planned this as soon as he laid eyes on Siena. Asher needed to hear it from Daniel.

Asher froze as he made eye contact with the silver ones in front of him. Alec stood before Asher, his stoic face lacking any sort of emotion.

Alec held a brown envelope in his hand; the two men stayed silent. Alec hesitated for a moment before passing over the envelope to Asher.

“What did you do to him?” Asher broke the silence. He knew Alec was not one to let go of things lightly.

“He lives. If that’s what you want to know,” Alec replied deadpan, his voice low.

Asher stiffened as the two stared at each other for a moment longer. He nodded slightly before opening the envelope and reading the contents.

Sure enough, these were valid papers stating Siena’s placement at the city university.

Alec was the first to leave the building; Asher followed after. Both men turned their separate ways.

Asher

Asher waited for Daniel to open the door to his house; he was growing impatient. “Come on Daniel, I know you’re in there,” he banged against the door.

After what felt like forever, the door opened. Asher took in the sight of his friend. At least he thought it was his friend; Daniel’s face looked like a swollen mess.

Asher couldn’t even see his dark pupils as they were surrounded by bruised, blistering skin with yellow gunk dripping out.

“This is all your own fucking fault, Daniel,” Asher yelled. The sight of his friend made him feel sick. Alec had shown no mercy.

Daniel let out a grunt, his lips and mouth too swollen to form words. Asher shook his head with distaste. “How could you do that to her?!”

“I want to know what the hell you were thinking, Daniel?” Asher let out a sigh. His tone held such disappointment in his friend. Someone he thought he knew.

He realized he wasn’t going to get much out of Daniel right now. It seems he got what he deserved. Alec Marino was not one to mess with.

***

17 hours earlier

Alec parked a little further from the apartment; he knew tesoro would be out soon to join that fucker for dinner. He still couldn’t believe she slapped him; the thought angered and excited him at the same time.

This girl was not like the others, where many would fall at his feet. This pocket rocket was different; he enjoyed getting a reaction out of her.

His eyes glanced up towards the lobby; he had a clear view. Two smooth legs, perfect slightly tanned skin dipped in a dark, silky material enhancing each curve of her delectable body.

Her hair falling so elegantly around her. Alec shifted in his seat, watching her stride towards the entrance. This girl had the power to bring him to his knees. Bellezza. (Beauty)

He furrowed his brows as he studied the length of her dress or lack of. Where the fuck was her coat? It was freezing out. He wanted to slam his head against the steering wheel.

Alec narrowed his eyes at the sight of Daniel; he watched as he kissed her cheek. That action alone should have warned Siena off, but no, she was too blinded by chasing after her dream to notice.

He had planned to follow them as soon as Siena announced she was going to dinner with Daniel Leaver.

There’s no way he was going to allow that man to be alone with her; it was bad enough they were in a car together.

Alec sneaked into the restaurant and made himself scarce in a booth. He had a clear view of Daniel, but Siena’s back was turned to him.

He watched as Daniel waved a brown envelope at Siena, throwing bait to a hungry fish.

Alec was interrupted by a waitress. “What can I get for you, sir?” She purred, flicking a strand of blonde hair out of her face.

Alec raised his brow up at her; she was attractive, no doubt. That look in her eyes, inviting Alec in.

If it was any other night, he would have fucked her to pass time, but he just put on his usual charm and watched as the waitress jotted down her number on a napkin.

He smirked as he watched her walk away.

His eyes instantly fell back on the table; fuck, he just missed them walking out. He was quite a few cars behind; the car had completely disappeared off the main road. He stopped. Think Alec!

He narrowed his eyes towards a street coming off the main road; he took the risk and drove into it. To his luck, he spotted the car; he could make out Siena on the far end of her seat and Daniel on his side.

Just as Alec was about to leave his car, Daniel’s driver appeared and the car sped off.

Alec ran towards his car and followed them; thankfully, it stopped outside the apartment. He watched his tesoro run towards the lobby and put aside his anger for the moment.

He needed to know that she was okay.

Her face was the very picture of broken fear. His heart bled for her in that moment; she wasn’t even looking up when he stopped in front of her.

She slammed into him; he held her shaking, shivering body. She felt like ice to touch.

Daniel Leaver was not going to get away with this.

Once Alec knew that Siena was okay, he knew where he had to go.

His car came to a stop outside Daniel’s house before he stepped out and knocked on his door.

As soon as Daniel answered, Alec gripped his face, pushing him deeper into his house.

“So Danny boy likes to play?” Alec snarled; with one jab, Daniel went flying across the room.

“What the fuck do you want?” Daniel yelled in a state of panic.

“Revenge.” Alec grinned, dark and intimidating.

“I’ve not done anything to you.”

“Oh, but you have.” Alec spotted the brown envelope on a coffee table. He sat down and lit one of the cigars that sat next to it. Taking the envelope in his hand, he read the letter as he puffed out the smoke.

“Get out of my house, you psycho.” Daniel quipped, cowering in the far corner.

“I’m impressed, you actually set up a placement for her.” Alec nodded, his eyes still glued to the paper.

“Is this about the fucking maid?” Daniel scoffed. “That whore was a waste of my fucking ti-." Daniel felt his head slam into the wall, Alec’s hand wrapped tightly around his neck.

“Daniel, I think it’s time to teach you a lesson.” Alec smirked, puffing out the smoke in Daniel’s face, his eyes dark and full of promises.

Just one look and Daniel knew he had just made the biggest mistake of his life.

***

Present time

The waves rippled and moved graciously with the harsh winds. The sound of birds chirping echoed around Siena as her emerald jewel eyes stared ahead.

She stood at the coast, watching the waves fly back and forth.

She breathed in the fresh air as the winter sun began to set. She was calm, she was at peace. She made a mistake and she wanted to forget about it.

“Siena?” She spun around to spot Asher. He held a brown envelope in his hands. Siena stared blankly at him as she watched him walk over to her.

His medium-length hair flying around in all directions. He was beautiful beneath the setting sun.

“I believe this belongs to you.” He held out the envelope in front of her. She stared at his crystal eyes before glancing back down at the envelope again. Could this be real?

She hesitated, turning around towards the waves again. “Siena, this is yours.”

“No, it’s not. I didn’t earn that. I realize that now.” She spoke, closing her eyes.

“Siena, don’t be silly. No one else in this entire world deserves this more than you do.” He cupped her chin to meet his gaze.

“Please.” He whispered, holding it out to her once more.

Siena’s eyes began to fill. Maybe what she went through would all be worth it. She couldn’t believe that Asher came through for her, he did this for her.

She took the envelope with trembling hands, stepping closer to Asher. “Thank you.” She paused. “Asher.”

His name leaving her lips shocked him. It was like music to his ears. He leaned in towards her and moved her hair out of her face. She gulped nervously.

Asher noticed her dimples appear as she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Her laughter and happiness echoed along the coast.

Unknown to Siena, two silver eyes had been fixed on her since the very moment she arrived at the coast. He watched the green-eyed beauty from afar.

His lips formed a thin line as he watched her fall into the arms of Asher Hayden, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t. As long as his tesoro was happy, he just wanted to see her smile again.