Juliet stepped into the venue on Asher's arm, her navy-blue dress hugging her like a secret. Silver earrings brushed her collarbone, catching the light and every gaze. Asher left her by the door to go talk with some of his clients. He was close enough that he could see her and everyone that approached, but far enough that he couldn't hear anything she said.
As Asher spoke with his men, Vincent walked over to Juliet. Asher's gaze snapped to Vincent the moment he approached. He didn't interrupt-He simply repositioned. Close enough to hear, not close enough to calm. Vincent leaned closer, his words soft against her ear. Before he pulled back, he said something to make her the color of ruined roses.
Asher clenched his fists and firmly wrapped his arms around Juliet's waist. There was no love or feeling in his touch. "She's not yours to flirt with."
Vincent raised an eyebrow. "I guess I didn't realize she was really yours."
Asher unintentionally tightened his grip on Juliet. "She's not. She's just under my protection." He said, grinding his words like stone.
Juliet stiffened beneath Asher's arm. The music thinned, conversations faltered. Somewhere nearby a circle of women whispered behind champagne glasses-something about Vincent's wife and someone else's claim.
Asher looked down at Juliet and noticed how red she was from embarrassment. He slid one of his hands to her lower back and started to lead her to the door but Vincent cleared his throat. Juliet stopped in her tracks and Asher bumped into her back. Asher narrowed his eyes down at her.
"Please forgive me everyone," He smirked. "For I never meant to cause a scene, I was just flirting with this delicate lavender. That's not illegal, is it?"
Everyone laughed. Everyone but Asher, he was furious that Vincent brought up lavender in front of him. Juliet's blush darkened as she glanced at all the eyes on her and Asher.
"Why don't you guys stay a bit longer? Drink, take pictures, dance…" One of the guests suggested.
Juliet smiled slightly. "That sounds fun, but-"
Asher grabbed her arm to stop her talking. "We'll stay, honey." He smiled kindly at the guest. Before she could blink, Asher dragged Juliet to a corner separate from the guests. "We're going to stay, but I need you to stay away from Vincent. I don't trust him at all. If you see him coming your way, you go the other way."
"You don't get to tell me what to do." She said as she tried to walk away.
Asher posted his hands on either side of her head, trapping her in the corner. "I'm not telling you to do it to stop your fun. I'm doing it to protect you." Asher said, his voice deep with anger.
Juliet pushed against his chest, trying to put space between them. "I'm a grown woman, I don't need your protection," She snapped at him.
Asher grabbed her chin forcefully. Not to hurt her, but to demand her attention. His thumb pressed against her jaw, eyes dark and stormy. "We can leave." He threatened in a low and dangerous voice.
She hid her trembling hands behind her back. "You don't get to threaten me because you're scared."
Asher tightened his grip on her chin slightly. "Oh, I'm not scared, honey."
Panic flooded her. He'd never put a hand on her in a force. But now that he had, he terrified her. She wanted to run away from him. Get away. But she was stuck between him and the corner. If she were to call out for help, she would draw attention and Asher would be furious with her. And they live in the same place.
"A-Asher… You're scaring me…" She said, leaning further into the corner. Her voice shook when she spoke. Her fear filled her voice. Tears flooded her eyes.
Asher's gaze and grip softened. He slowly lowered his hand from his face and stepped back. He wasn't trying to hurt her, but did she know that? "I-I'm sorry, honey." He lowered his head and walked away. He clenched his fists. He wasn't mad at Juliet, no, he was enraged with himself. He had just done something he swore he would never do again. He squeezed his fists tighter, his nails left crescents on his palms. I became the man I promised her I wouldn't become again. He thought to himself as he pushed past all the party guests.
He kept walking until the music and lights were in his past. He finally stopped moving and looked up at the moon that smiled down at his grief-stricken face.
And the stars reminded him of Juliet's unshed tears.