PRESENT

I pause my at-home workout when my phone sounds off with a notification. I sit up from my plank and retrieve it from my bedside table, raising a brow at the friend request I just got. Samantha Simmons, huh?

She was my first kiss back in middle school and every guy's wet dream at the time. I lost my virginity to her in the ninth grade which, looking back, was probably way too soon. Come to think of it, she was almost all of my firsts.

I briefly stalk her since her account is public and note that she's just as hot now. Most of her pictures are nights out from clubbing or travelling. Her parents are stupid rich so she's always lived a luxurious life. My thumb pauses over the "accept" button as I suddenly recall the first time Aria found out Samantha and I hung out. I laugh under my breath even now remembering the absolute fire in her eyes that I hadn't told her and she had to find out when Samantha hit on me in class. Even then I could tell Aria had felt a smidge of jealousy and I waited for her to react, even hoped for it, but she kept her game face. She always liked competing with me and keeping me on my toes. She's the only girl who gives back the same amount of shit that I dish out.

I decline the request and throw my phone on my bed. That little dispute was ages ago but something tells me that the mention of it would get Aria riled up all over again. That girl hides her crazy in plain sight.

Man, there isn't a single memory of mine that doesn't somehow include her. She's literally part of me and it kills me that things are so different now. My mind wanders to last week's dinner and the weird tension between us. If I'm being honest, Aria and I always had that between us but we never acknowledged it. It's almost like we had a silent agreement to just ignore it and go about our friendship. Looking back I realize how stupid it was of us to do that and that maybe if we hadn't our lives would have turned out so much more differently but I can't say I regret it entirely. What if our friendship ended back then instead of now? I wouldn't have been able to get through those years of my life without Ria. At least I had her as my best friend. Now? I don't even know what the fuck to call us.

My frustration and annoyance returns and I exert it out of me with a series of push-ups and sit-ups. All I've done since moving back with my parents is worry about my birth parents and what to do with Ria. Does she even want anything to do with me? I scoff at myself. I'm so fucking soft for her. She's the only girl I've ever lost my mind over like this. I haven't even fucked anyone else since moving back here. With Ria so close to me and partially back in my life it feels wrong. It's even worse that I have no one to talk to this about. I can't mention it to Nate or he'd skin me alive. The only other person I trust is Ria herself so I'm on my own as fucking usual.

I curse out loud when my phone rings. I should start shutting it off when I work out. Working out and boxing are my only escapes and I hate being interrupted.

"What?" I answer without checking who's calling me. I don't give two shits about being rude. I know I'm an asshole but I don't have time to care about it. I already have too much on my plate.

"You answered. Look at that."

My body locks up when I recognize the patronizing voice, especially the laugh that follows. Fuck. This is what I get for getting ahead of myself.

"You're a dumbass for calling, you know that? It's like you want to get caught."

"Do you think I'm that stupid, boy? I got a burner phone and it's guaranteed to be untraceable."

"I don't care. What the fuck do you want, Mike?" I keep my voice firm but low. I don't want my parents to overhear me. I turn on the fan in my room for some white noise to cover my conversation.

"Is that any way to talk to your dad, huh?" His New York accent jumps out like it does when he's angry. He's always angry. I hate that I get that from him.

"It isn't. I never talk to my father that way." I sneer. Once upon a time these fuckers used to scare me but now? If they try anything I'll fuck them up. They ruined my life. I have little left to lose.

"That Korean piece of shit?" His laughter booms. "What's in the ramen they're feeding you?"

My fingers clutch the phone so tight I'm surprised it doesn't break. My voice is menacing, lethal. "Don't you fucking disrespect my father like that. Your washed up white ass has a lot of nerve talking that way. If I ever see you, I could beat your ass into the ground without breaking a sweat. You want to try me, old man? Who the fuck do you think you're fucking with?"

"Who the fuck do you think you're fucking with?" He hisses. "You may physically have the upper hand on me but I have connections everywhere. One wrong move and I could make a little accident happen. Is that what you want, Asher? You want your parents to get hurt?"

My blood runs cold and my palms become damp. I rub them against my bedsheets and force more words past my gritted teeth. "Don't you lay a hand on them. I fucking mean it."

"I wouldn't dream of it." He pauses and I know what's coming. "As long as you take the job."

"For the last goddamn time, no. Why can't you get that through your head? Is it all the drugs, Mike? Are they making you stupider than usual?"

"You better watch your fucking mouth, boy."

"And you better watch your fucking back. You need someone who the Westies won't recognize? Get someone else to join you. I'm dead to you, you hear me?"

"You want me to arrange that?" He threatens.

"Fucking try me."

I know I'm being stupid and inviting trouble but I've used up all my patience. I want these fuckers to leave me alone and they won't. I want to move on from their shit but they won't let me. What the fuck am I supposed to do at this point?

There's a noise on the other line like the phone is being shifted and a second later, a new voice speaks up. "Asher? Honey?"

I close my eyes and exhale roughly. Fucking hell. Not her, too. "What is it Nora?"

"Asher, you know how your father can be. He doesn't know how to get his point across without being aggressive. Listen hon, we could really use your help."

"Oh, yeah?" My laugh is humourless. "You know what I could have used twenty-six years ago, Nora? For you two to actually behave like my parents. For not abandoning me like I was disposable. For just a fucking shred of your actions to show that you actually gave a shit about me."

I breathe hard through my nose and past the tightness in my chest. This is why I hate talking to my birth parents. They bring out my vulnerable side and make me weak.

I won't be weak.

"Honey, it was a mistake and I've never forgiven myself for it. How many more times do I apologize?"

"That's just the thing, isn't it? What you did is unforgivable so no amount of apologies will make me look past it. If you really want to make it up to me then leave me the hell alone."

"We will. After this job, I swear. This is the absolute last time we'll contact you."

"No." I say firmly. "You won't change my mind."

The line shifts again and Mike is back on. "How about persuading you? Maybe even encouraging you?"

My eyes narrow in suspicion even though he can't see it. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

"I'm just saying if we can't get through to you then maybe we'll have to get through someone else."

"Choose your next words very fucking carefully, Mike." I says in a deadly low voice. Unwillingly, I grow a little nervous. I know it's not above him to try the kind of shit that hurts others. It's not Nora's style but it's definitely Mike's.

"You love your parents don't you, Asher? Not us. Your fake parents?"

"Nothing about them is fake. They are the realest parents I've ever had and if you lay even one finger on them I will personally break it off and shove it up your ass."

My breathing picks up and I work to get it under control. He wouldn't...would he?

"This entire job will only take two minutes of your time and you insist on making a big deal. Is two minutes of your life really worth jeopardizing the lives of the ones you love?"

"You stay away from my family, Mike. Do you hear me? You stay the fuck away!" I kick my bed as my anger gets the best of me. It's better than addressing the fear and sheer panic I'm feeling inside.

"I will — under the terms I've stated."

My mind searches for a way out of this. How do I keep them out of my life and keep the ones around me safe? I can't do this alone.

"Listen to me." I say in a calmer voice. I think of a legitimate argument and hope he'll see differently. "Even if I did this job for the Asesinos are out for me, especially Christian. I can't risk being sighted. What use am I to you if I'm dead?"

There's a pause on the other end. A long one.

Please let this work. Fucking please.

"I'll offer protection. Vince and Chuck — the best we have."

"Are you kidding me?" I snort. "Don't forget that I kick ass for a living and Vince and Chuck combined still aren't better fighters than me."

"Then you don't need protection, do you? Tough guy can handle himself, is it?"

"No deal." I can't change his mind but I can stall. "If you find me protection that can one hundred percent guarantee my safety then and only then will I take the job. Until then, don't even bother asking."

"Fine." He agrees and I can hear the reluctance in his tone. What the fuck ever. All I care is that I bought myself a little time to figure out how to get out of this. A little time is better than none at all.

"Fine. Goodbye." My thumb moves over the "end call" button.

"Wait." He demands and something about his tone gives me pause. It sounds...foreboding.

"What?" I ask hesitantly.

"You see, I just don't know if I can trust you. You say you'll take the job if I meet your terms but I think your full of shit."

"If you can't trust me then why are you so up my ass about working for you?" I smart.

He ignores me. "I'm a business man, Asher. I think on my feet when it comes to negotiations like you just did. You get that from your old man."

I don't say anything as he continues. I'm well aware of the many similarities between us and I hate every single one.

"Let's just say I'm going to need a deposit of sorts to ensure your cooperation when the time comes. Something that will make you realize you can't turn your back on us anymore. In fact, I've already set things emotions because I saw this coming. You forget you're my son and I know you too well."

"Stop talking out of your ass already, Mike. Say it like it is." Every last nerve in my body is alert and dreading what he's going to say. I have a really bad feeling. "What. Did. You. Do?"

"You tell your parents I said hello, huh?" He laughs loudly and ends the call before I can say another word.

"Mike? Mike?" I take the phone away from my ear to look at the screen. I go back to my call log and call the number back but the operator says the number is no longer available. My chest heaves and my stomach sinks even further down. My parents? What did he do?

"No!" I toss my phone away and start to make my way out of my room when I hear something else.

"Asher! Asher, honey!"

It's Mom. Relief grips me and I practically jump down the stairs to go see her. I need to see for myself that she's okay.

I round the kitchen, recognizing her voice came from there. "Hey, Mom."

My relieved smile slips off my face when I see her tear-stricken face desperately searching for something on the counter.

"Mom?" I ask. She doesn't even hear me. I go to her and grip her arms to get her attention. "Mom! What's wrong?"

"M-my keys." She hiccups. "Where are my keys?"

I pick them up and put them in her hand. She couldn't even tell they were right in front of her, that's how distraught she is.

"Mom, you're scaring me. What happened?" Something clicks in my head as soon as I finish asking. "Where's Dad?"

Another sob tears out of her. "We need to go. There was an accident. The hospital called."

"What?" I whisper. My pulse thunders and I think I would have fell if I wasn't holding on to Mom so tightly. Did I do this? Oh, fuck. What did I do? "Is he okay?"

"I don't know. They just said I needed to come in. We have to go." She wraps her arms around me tightly, crying into my chest. She's shaking like a leaf.

Dad. My dad.

I hug Mom back, needing her just as much as she needs me. I might throw up.

Fucking Mike. He did this. He hurt my dad to get to me. I can't believe this is happening because of me.

Anger and frustration tighten my throat. This is what happens every time I get close to someone. They get hurt or taken away from me. I'm always going to be a danger to the people I love most, aren't I? But now isn't the time to feel sorry for myself. I deserve this shit, anyways. I took a life and I'll never stop paying for it. The sooner that goes through my head the less hurt I'll get when my life takes a turn for the worse.

"Let's go." I tell Mom gruffly. I hold back my tears. She needs me to be strong right now. I need to do this for her, especially because this is all my fault. Fucking hell, my parents deserve better than me. They always have. "Let's go get Appa."

***

"Mrs. Choi?"

Mom looks up at the sound of her name. She stands up and I stand with her, holding on to her hand tightly. The doctor stares at me as we approach him.

"I'm sorry sir, but patient information is confidential to family only."

"This is my son." Mom says in a tired but firm voice. We're used to shit like this. It doesn't help that I never changed my last name either. It was just a hassle when I was constantly being shifted in the foster system and once I was adopted, it was already hard enough fitting in and a name like Asher Choi arose too many questions so I made it my middle name instead.

"Oh." The doctor looks between us in clear surprise.

"The resemblance is uncanny, right?" I deadpan.

The doctor's face reddens but it's worth it when a quiet laugh comes from Mom. I smile down at her and squeeze her hand. She squeezes it back and looks at me gratefully. It's the best feeling in the world when I put that look on her face — like she's thankful for me. My life hasn't allowed me to feel much of that.

"Anyways." He clears his throat and Mom and I grow somber again. "Mr. Choi has bruising mostly on the left side of his body since the driver's side was hit but he escaped major injuries altogether. I'm going to keep him overnight on some painkillers and a week's worth of rest should have him back on his feet in no time. He was extremely lucky."

"Oh, thank goodness." Mom cries and hugs me again. I hug her back but I'm shaking with anger.

Lucky, my ass. That accident was calculated. They knew exactly what they were doing — warning me. Well, message fucking received. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family, even if it means destroying myself.

"Can we see him?" Mom asks.

"Of course." The doctor nods. "He's asleep but you may stay in the room with him."

We thank the doctor and start to head around him.

"Yo!"

I turn around and my shoulders lose some of their tension when I see Nate lightly jogging towards me. His eyes are bloodshot and his hair is a mess. Between going pro in boxing and being a dad, he barely has time to sleep but he came anyways. I'm lucky as fuck to have him.

"Hey, man." I return the hug he gives me when he reaches me. He holds me tight, slapping my back.

"Is everything okay?" He asks. He pulls away and hugs my mom next, kissing her on the forehead.

"Everything's good." I say even though the truth is far from it. "He's got bruising but a week of rest and meds will fix him up."

"Thank goodness." He blows out a breath.

My eyes move over his shoulder when I see more people walking toward us. It's the entire Hunter family. My lips twitch. Of course they came.

"Oh my God." Aria crashes into me and I stumble back in surprise. Her arms wind around my torso tightly as she hugs me. It's so unexpected that I'm left with my arms in the air and blinking down at her. Fuck. When's the last time we even hugged? "How is he?"

"He's good." I say slowly. I catch Nate giving me a weird look when I don't hug her back and snap out of it. Shit. I look like such an asshole right now. I hug her back a little tentatively but can't deny how much I fucking missed this. Nothing made me feel better than a hug from Ria. The years apart haven't changed that in the least and now that I'm over my initial shock, I close my eyes and rest my head on top of hers. Who knows when I'll get to do this again?

"Thanks for coming." I say quietly.

Her arms tighten and something flips over in my chest. Why do her touches keep affecting me like this?

"Of course, Ash." She whispers.

She pulls away and gives me a ghost of a smile. I know I made shit awkward with her over dinner last week but right now at least we seem okay. For that, I'm thankful.

I reluctantly let her go when she moved to hug my mom and meet the rest of the Hunters in the meantime.

"If you need anything, just let us know." Matt, Nate's father, tells us.

"Don't worry about food for tomorrow either. I've got that covered." Lily squeezes my hand.

I give her a tired smile. I love these two as much as I love my own parents. "Thanks, guys."

"His injuries aren't major?" Mia asks.

"Nothing major, kiddo." I wrap an arm around her shoulder and pull her into my side.

Eleanor burrows into me from my other side and gives me her sweet smile. "I'm glad he's okay."

"Me too, babe." I push her hair back with a smile.

"Don't forget about me." Harmony sing-song. She's in her night clothes and can't stop yawning but that doesn't stop her from being her usual cheery self.

I laugh when she joins our huddle and kiss their foreheads one by one. I love these girls like my own. They're every bit as sisters to me as they are to Nate. All of them except Ria, anyways. What I feel for her is completely different from the love I have for her little sisters.

"It's gonna be okay, man." Nate assures me.

"Yeah." I offer another smile I don't feel.

The truth is it's not going to be okay, at least not unless I take the job my birth parents needs me to do. And after tonight's events, I don't see any other option except to do just that.

I'm fucking screwed.

_________________________

A/N

WOAH. Intense as hell.

Poor Asher ahhhh. He's really in that headspace where he thinks he has to handle this himself. Don't forget, he spent the beginning years of his life on his own so he's conditioned to think that way. Those years made him who he is today and it's going to take a lot of work to change that!

How are you liking the darker aspect of this story? It's totally out of my comfort zone so I hope I'm doing this well, haha.

Please VOTE, comment and share if you liked this chapter!

Happy Reading :)