The Four Beta Brothers – Chapter 21

JUNIPER

My phone started ringing, making my heart jump. I pulled away from Ethan, and he let me go this time.

“It’s Asher,” I said, feeling conflicted. Before the meeting, all I wanted to do was talk to Asher and have him by my side, but he had been busy. Ethan, on the other hand, was there for me. It wasn’t Asher’s fault he was late, but with Ethan standing directly in front of me, I didn’t want to leave him.

ller, keeping his shoulders pulled back. “Take the call. I have some loose ends to tie up after this meeting.”

ay, and the ringing of my phone distracted me. I answered the call before I missed it.

as on silent. I called as soon as I saw your text.” Asher sounded out of breath

alking away, but his pace seemed like it

leave class early, did you?”

st,” Asher said. “What happened? Why did the princip

ck on the conversation. Asher would only get upset hearing everything that was said, and I wasn’t sure I had the energy for that kind of reaction after dealing with Ethan. “He just needed to talk t

f of anything I’ve done wrong.”

od or something?”

rlier.”

im.

would have given almost everything to see Asher, but after talking to Ethan, I just felt unsure. I could still smell his cologne, and it stirred something deep inside of me. I felt more confused than

Ethan would disappear.

oo sweet for his own good.

y to have Asher in my life.

***

ASHER

the other side of the phone, and I had a feeling there was more that

matter what was going on in her life.

rough the door, Nathan was in my face.

It wasn’t like him to be this aggressive.

to class today. Shouldn’t you be walking her to class to make sure no one messes wit

had offered to walk her to class before, but she insisted she was fine. It was frustrating that she wouldn’t le

em with me?” I asked, trying to figure out h

y. The features of his face tightened, and I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from laughing.

d as the rest of you.”

ad. “Of course you are. But you’re barely considered

Nathan swatted my hand away. “Stop patronizing me. I know I’m younger than her, but she deserves someone who will protect her, and a

avor and let this little crush of yours go. You’re only going to end up hurt,” I said.

ill naive. Juniper deserved someone with more world experience, especially with everything she had been through. Even if Nathan t

that happens.”

***

JUNIPER

ce.

eat, unsure of what was wrong.

s I could manage. “You’re early.”

“I don’t like being late.” His voice was monotone, which was strange coming from him.

u’re just even earlier than usual.”

irls bullying you on your way to class today.”

why. “Yeah. He showed up just in time to stop them.”

He still hadn’t made eye contact with me.

hat why you’re

n’t have to fi

eel thin. Asher was mad at me specifically, and I hated the feeling, especially when I hadn’t done anything wrong. “I was planning on telling you about it when

“Because it feels like you’re keeping things from me. All I ever do is try to show you that you can trust me, but you refused to tell me what happened at the principal’s office, and then you didn’t tell me about being attacked on the way to class. Every time I try to get closer, you just push me away.

ay has just been one thing after another, and I just needed a moment to breathe. I planned on telling you, but you started attacking me before I had the chance.”

s frustrating.”

but I didn’t have the energy to deal with it today. “I texted you when the principal called me to his office. I wanted to talk to you, but you were busy, which

stuff.

ou doing?” Asher asked, finally looking

day, and I thought being around you would help all of that disappear, but instead you’re just adding to that stress, so I

ing stress on a day-to-day basis, but today had just been one thing after another, and

t happened?” Asher snapped.

ooked at him, and it felt like I didn’t know him. The Asher I knew was patient and understanding. “Yes. You’re being an a*s

arted walking away.

ait. I’m sorry. Don’t go.” Asher stood up, and his voice wa

as I left. Even if Asher apologized, it wasn’t enough. Him attacking me stung more than anything else the rest of the day,