Prologue

BOOK 4: Introspection

ASHER

I’m not one for formal introductions. I figure most people already know me, either because of my own reputation or because my parents are the town’s favorite gossip topic. They’re four people in a consensual relationship.

It’s…unconventional, to put it mildly. As the eldest son, the responsibility falls on me to excel academically, learn the ropes of running multiple businesses, and eventually take over the family empire from my three fathers.

This isn’t an unusual expectation, but my age might raise a few eyebrows. I’m a fresh twenty-one-year-old who finished his degree earlier than expected, having skipped a few years.

My academic journey started out pretty standard. From pre-K to kindergarten, all the way through high school, I loved every bit of it.

I was that guy.

You know, the popular one who seemed to have it all. Money, good looks, girls falling at my feet, and a brain that didn’t disappoint, which you might not expect from someone as well-endowed as me.

And yes, you read that right. My cock has never ceased to amaze me. It’s grown into a perfect piece of machinery that never fails to impress.

But let’s not get sidetracked. My wealth played a significant role in my accelerated education. Graduating with a business degree at twenty-one is my proudest achievement so far.

But then my twin had to go and outshine me, didn’t he? Not only is he majoring in business management, but he’s also studying math and English, and even taking night classes for poetry.

As if that’s necessary for running a business. Atticus is…unique. He’s talented…

And most importantly, he’s my brother. Despite being twins, we couldn’t be more different.

I think that’s why we get along so well. Two headstrong idiots would be too much, wouldn’t it? Anyway, let’s get to the point.

My fathers want me to start taking on responsibilities at their hotels and club. They’ve been building these empires since they were my age, which feels like a lifetime ago considering they’re now in their fifties.

They own two sex clubs, two hotels complete with spas and all the usual amenities, and the icing on the cake—a forty-man security company that keeps growing.

Yet, Callum isn’t ready to hand over the reins. They expect me to seamlessly step into these roles as if it’s second nature. But they never asked if that’s what Atticus and I wanted.

We’re expected to inherit and nurture these businesses, not solely, but enough to ensure they’re around for our siblings to cash in when needed.

We already get a cut from the profits, which goes into trust funds that, luckily for me, became accessible when I turned twenty-one. Easy money, so to speak.

But despite my parents’ hopes for me to be the responsible guy who can run three businesses straight out of college, I’m struggling to accept the responsibility.

Atticus, on the other hand, has done exactly as asked, shadowing our father, Tyler, and learning the ropes. He’s already surpassed Tyler in his ability to manage the companies.

Honestly, Atticus could run all three businesses and still find time for his hobbies. But then again, he doesn’t have a social life, nor does he want one.

I, on the other hand, enjoy my weekends filled with fun, drugs, alcohol, and a never-ending stream of women. Ah, the women…

Girls with legs that go on forever and hair that flows like a river. Their sassy comebacks that I love to silence, and…well, that’s about it.

I don’t let them linger longer than necessary. It’s simpler that way—letting them go right after the fun is over. No feelings, no complications, and no strings attached.

That’s exactly how I prefer my life to be. I enjoy having my bed to myself, my apartment to myself. Well, except for the nights when Atty drops by.

I miss him, but he’s adamant about not leaving home, about not living with me, his own twin brother. Yeah, that hurt quite a bit, but I suppose I did bolt from home when I was handed an apartment at sixteen.

The apartment here in the hotel is more than spacious enough for both of us, but living without our parents isn’t something he desires, while it’s something I yearned for and would never give up—not for any amount of money.

Emancipation. I think it’s called. That’s what I was aiming for back then, but my parents stepped in and handed me the control of my own life, which was exactly what I needed.

Moving here, even at such a tender age, has allowed me to be…me. I pour my coffee into my mug and move from the kitchen to the window, gazing down at the streets below.

This could very well be my kingdom if only I could figure out what I truly want. For years, I’ve used school as an excuse to not follow in my father’s footsteps as he desired.

Zach is—how should I phrase this? He’s stubborn, opinionated, and a pain in the ass. Those aren’t his only traits, but they’re the ones that rub me the wrong way.

Instead of requesting, he commands, and I don’t do anything for anyone without a good reason—him included. So here I am, on the day of my impending reckoning.

The day he expects an answer about whether I’ll start learning from him. Of course, the answer is no. But I need to figure out how to convey that without jeopardizing the role I might want to assume once I’ve had my fill of the carefree years ahead.

The coffee does nothing to calm my nerves. I knew it wouldn’t. Some liquid courage is what’s needed when facing not one but all three of my fathers, but it wouldn’t be wise to walk into a den of wolves half-drunk.

No, I must stand tall and face my fathers as myself. As their son. As Asher fucking Henderson.