#asher-rayleigh-hyde

     “I like him,” Shard said eventually, breaking eye contact first and smiling to Asher. “He can stay.”      “I didn’t realise that was up for debate,” Loch said, raising an eyebrow as he ate his first mouthful of sorbet.      “It wasn’t,” Asher grumbled, glaring at Shard. “She’s winding you up.”      “Ineffectively,” Loch scoffed.      “Oh? Guess I’ll have to try harder.”      “You can try.” Loch shrugged, unfazed, and continued to eat his frozen breakfast. “But you can go ahead and give Asher back his phone now.”       Asher looked at them both, then patted his pocket where his phone should have been.       “She took it when she left your room.”      “He is a quick one, isn’t he.” Shard stood up with a snicker and held the mobile out to him. “Here.” She smirked when Asher snatched the phone from her and hastily shoved it back into his jeans. “Just trying to keep you on your toes.”      “And why do I suspect you’re lying?” Asher asked wearily.      “Demon,” she replied jovially with a wink. “Well, I’ll leave you loverboys to it. See ya around!”       Asher had to admit, he was impressed when Loch barely even blinked when she disappeared without a sound.

     He went back to the fridge and pulled out another two drinks, took the bottle opener back from the drawer, and returned to the lounge area. He switched the TV on as he walked past, and set the bottles and opener down on the side table. Fumbling with the remote, he checked the time; it was just about to start. With a strange sense of dread, he settled back and switched the TV to the correct channel.       Within minutes he could already feel his ire rise as a certain red-head crossed the screen. He reminded himself that River had already spoken to the guy in the first elimination and that he should have no need to worry. Yet it did nothing to stop him clenching his teeth as McKinley appeared again. He knew, just knew, that he had the hots for Loch, it was obvious. It had been apparent the first time they spoke, and Asher wondered how River could let someone else go home over someone that was making eyes at his brother. River was oblivious, however, until Loch had pointed it out.       Asher snorted to himself. At least Loch hadn’t been oblivious. It verified that it wasn’t all in Asher’s head, that he wasn’t just being some overly jealous, crazily possessive boyfriend. He sighed inwardly, remembering how he had bristled at what Aerie, Enoch’s girlfriend (and Loch’s cousin), had let slip to him today. Well, okay, maybe he was a slightly overly jealous boyfriend, and maybe a little possessive. But at least he wasn’t imagining things!