Chapter 141

I tugged Ashton forward. ‘Don’t let him get in your head. I don’t care if he shows up at the studio. I’ll just throw him out myself.’ Franklin clocked Ashton’s hesitation and pounced. ‘You’re a public figure,’ he said loudly. ‘And Mirabelle’s been getting a lot of buzz online. If people find out how you treat family… it won’t look good.’ Ashton stopped, turned. ‘Come in.’ ‘No!’ I snapped, jabbing my fingers into his arm. ‘He’s not setting foot in the house. The second you let him through the door, he’ll glue himself to the floor.’ Ashton patted my hand. ‘I’ve got it under control. He’s not getting a thing.’ ‘Then why let him in?’ ‘I’ve got something in mind.’ ‘Care to share?’ Franklin had covered the distance between us with a few quick bounds. He chuckled. ‘Knew you’d understand, Ashton. Knew you’d be reasonable.’ He shoved past me and sprinted through the doorway before one of us changed our mind. Once we were inside, I didn’t even bother sitting. I glared. ‘Cut the crap. Why are you