Chapter 119: Second Brother, Hold Her Steady
Afterwards, Leah hid under the covers, refusing to come out. When Asher emerged from his shower and saw her, a smile played on his lips as he tugged at the blanket. "What are you shy about?"
Leah’s voice was muffled. "My lips are numb."
Asher laughed, pulled the covers off completely, and gently massaged her lips before kissing her again. There was a faint taste—his taste.
Leah had a lot of free time over the New Year holiday, but Asher was incredibly busy. He wasn’t one for schmoozing, but the social obligations that had accumulated throughout the year were unavoidable.
Seeing that Leah was bored and worried she’d get lost in her thoughts if left alone, Sheila Hughes invited her on a trip to Transterra. Leah was hesitant at first, but when Asher found out, he encouraged her to go. He suggested she buy some gifts for Sheila to take home for her family; that way, not visiting their home in person wouldn’t break with tradition.
So, she called Sheila to discuss it. Sheila’s family didn’t have such rules, so she didn’t mind either way, but she agreed to Leah’s plan. If they weren’t visiting, they weren’t visiting.
Besides, they were planning to go out anyway. Sheila figured she could use the time to give Leah a proper tour of her hometown. And so, Leah ecstatically started packing.
The two were on a video call, planning what gear Leah should bring, when Asher leaned against the doorway, watching her excited face. He felt a prick of annoyance. The little ingrate was thrilled to be abandoning him and going off to have fun on her own, wasn’t she?
He walked over, scooped her up from the floor, and pulled her into his arms for a kiss. A shrill screech erupted from the phone. "Ahhh! Third Master Keating! Mr. Keating! I’m still here!"
Leah, blushing, tried to push him away. Asher simply placed the phone face-down on the table. "Not for kids."
"Damn it! Stop with the PDA! I’m hanging up. Hmph! Leah, let me know when your flight takes off. I’ll head to the airport early to pick you up."
"Mhm, mhm," Leah could only manage muffled hums, her lips captured by Asher’s.
When Asher finally let her go, she was breathless, her face flushed. "Third Master, what was that for?"
"You get to go on a trip, and I can’t. I’m not happy about it." Asher’s expression was a little dark.
Leah let out a snort of laughter. Cupping his face, she gave him a few light pecks. "I’ll bring you back some tasty treats."
"..."
Asher was speechless. *Do I look like I’m short on snacks?* Leah’s gaze lingered on Asher’s face, and she found herself blushing again. He rarely wore his glasses at home anymore, which made his features look even sharper and more handsome.
Sometimes, just looking at him made her heart race. Asher, knowing exactly which angles and moods she found most attractive, would occasionally strike a pose, feigning nonchalance, just to watch her secretly blush.
Just like now. He had her pinned against the closet door in the walk-in, his head lowered slightly, a smirk on his lips as he asked, "What are you blushing for?"
Leah snapped back to reality, mentally cursing herself for being so easily captivated by his looks. She stammered, "I-I’ll go check if the soup is ready."
Asher just smiled as he watched her duck under his arm and flee to the kitchen.
He’d seen her stand up to Morgan Sterling, watched her confront the Sinclair family, and even chanced upon her slamming a table while arguing with a construction foreman over some data point.
It was only with him. Despite the countless times they had been intimate, she still got shy at the drop of a hat, just like a young girl. Even a simple kiss was enough to make her blush.
While Leah and Sheila were arriving in Sarune, the three Keating brothers went to the Sterling family’s home to pay their New Year’s respects. Asher hadn’t wanted to go, but the old Mr. Keating had given the order, so he had no choice but to accompany Alan and Aaron. And Madeline Sterling was already waiting for them at the gate.
The moment she saw Asher get out of the car, she gathered her skirt and fluttered over like a little bird, naturally linking her arm with his. "Third Master, you’re here."
Asher extracted his arm and grunted in acknowledgment. Madeline immediately pouted, her expression aggrieved. "Third Master... are you still mad at me?"
Asher said nothing. Aaron walked over to smooth things over. "Third Brother, that’s not right of you. Look how beautifully Madeline is dressed today."
"Then you should hold her steady, Second Brother. Don’t let her fall."
Asher shot him a cool glance and said no more, walking straight into the Sterling family’s courtyard.
"Tsk, that Third Brother of mine... Madeline, don’t mind him. Second Broth—" Before Aaron could finish, Madeline rolled her eyes at him and chased after Asher.
"Damn it. Acting so high and mighty. Who knows how many men she slept with in Arcadia," Aaron cursed under his breath, staring at her retreating back.
"If you can’t control that mouth of yours, you can get lost right now."
Alan, holding his son, didn’t spare Aaron a single glance as he also entered the Sterling home.
Asher waited by the entrance for a moment. Madeline stood beside him, talking, but Asher acted as if he heard nothing. Only when Alan and Aaron arrived did he enter the main door with them.
Seeing the group, Morgan Sterling took a few steps forward in greeting. "You’re here! Please, come in and have a seat."
"Hehe, yes we are. Seth, say hello," Alan said with a smile.
"Uncle Morgan, Happy New Year! I wish you a happy and prosperous new year!" Alan’s son, Seth Keating, recited the auspicious phrases dutifully from his father’s arms.
"Such a good boy, Seth. Here, this is a red envelope from your uncle. Take it."
Morgan pulled a red envelope from his pocket and offered it to Seth. Seth looked back at his father. Alan smiled and nodded, and only then did the boy accept it. "Thank you, Uncle Morgan."
"Good boy. Want to come down and play?"
Alan put the child down and asked with a smile, "And where are Uncle and Aunt Sterling?"
"My mom’s upstairs taking my dad’s blood pressure. They’ll be down in a moment."
Morgan led them to the tea room. "My dad received some Js Silver Needle before the new year. I’ve asked for it several times, but he never gave me any. When he heard you were coming today, he brought it out for me first thing in the morning."
"That’s very thoughtful of Uncle Sterling."
The men took their seats. As Morgan prepared the tea, he chatted with Alan and Aaron. Asher sat to the side, only occasionally adding a word.
"Here, give it a try." Once the tea was ready, Morgan smiled and placed the teacups before them.
Asher picked up his cup. A rich aroma drifted from it, fragrant and pure. He took a light sip, and a faint sweetness spread through his mouth, leaving a long, pleasant aftertaste.
*It really is an excellent tea,* he praised inwardly. Just then, his phone chimed. He picked it up with one hand to see a message.
It was a photo of Leah, sent by Sheila. The two of them had arrived at the Whispering Dunes today. The weather there was wonderful—bright sunshine and exceptionally clear visibility.
Though it was cold, the scenery was stunning. Crescent Spring was frozen solid, and the desert was blanketed in thick snow, creating an endless expanse of white. There weren’t many people, lending the landscape a feeling of absolute purity between heaven and earth.
Leah was mesmerized by the view. When she saw a line of camels walking slowly below, she excitedly pointed them out, turning back to speak to Sheila. Sheila seized the moment, snapping a picture and sending it to Asher just before Leah could snatch the phone away.