The Heartbreakers' Rule Set

Chapter Five

A/N: Hey guys!  I realized that I didn't post an author's note with the last chapter, oops!  Also, I don't think I'll commit to where I'm posting my notes because usually I just put one in whenever I remember.... Anyway, I'm so happy to still be getting reads!  I'd appreciate any feedback on the story.  I loved writing the chapter...I think you'll see why at the end.  I'm hoping to reveal part of Ali's character next chapter, which will be up tomorrow if everything goes according to plan. Alright, bye lovelies!

"No."

"You do realize that most people respond in the negative after the other person speaks, right?"

"I don't care. I don't like you."

"Good, I don't like you either."

"Go away. Why the hell are you here anyway? Can't I have one hour minus Asher Evans?"

"Oh? I've been on your mind, then?"

"No."

"Back to responding in the negative...this conversation seems to be repeating itself," Asher observes. I glare at him, but he doesn't look away. In fact, if I were anyone else, I'd be shivering under his icy stare.

"I repeat my earlier question: why the hell are you here?" I snap at him. As quickly as possible, I want him to get out of my safe haven of a diner.

"Emma sent me," he replies nonchalantly. Shaking my head, I roll my eyes. For such a player, he's a horrible liar. My best friend wouldn't talk to Asher if he followed her around with hearts for eyes. I say as much to Asher, and he grimaces wryly.

"She didn't really have a choice," he tells me. I gape at him.

"Did you force my friend to tell you my location? That's insane! You're insane!" I whisper-screech, not wanting to attract attention from other patrons. He closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose.

"No, Ali, that's not- exactly how much sleep have you gotten in the past week?" he asks, his tone biting. I shrug, my hatred of questions regarding my home life overcoming any capacity to retort wittily. "Anyway, no. Your friend Emma somehow overloaded her car battery by trying to charge her dead phone, so she was stuck on the side of some road out near the farms. I happened to pass by, and noticed that she looked like she was in the need of a little help. I tried to jump her car, but nothing worked. She used my phone to call a mechanic and sent me to find you. So, here I am," he explains curtly. I try to find flaws in his story.

"Why didn't she call me when she had your phone? Why not just give her a ride here?" I questioned him.

"Neither of us had your number; and she had to wait for the mechanic," he tells me. Scowling, I realize that his explanation makes too much sense to be a lie. "Anything else I can answer for you, Inspector Clouseau?"

"Yes. Can you leave now?" I enquire. He shrugs and slides out of the booth. "Actually, Asher, hold on. Why did you stop for Emma? You knew she was my best friend," I point out. He gives me the lopsided grin I knew so many years ago. I can't remember the last time I saw Asher smile at me in a way that wasn't cruel or sarcastic; and he realization hits me like a slap to the face. Recoiling a bit, I wait as he pauses before replying.

"Would you believe me if I said it was out of the goodness of my heart?" he raises an eyebrow. Resisting the urge to smile at the thought that Asher Evans would do something out of the goodness of his heart, I answer him telling him exactly what I think of that idea. "Then let's just say I had my reasons for pulling over," he avoids the question. My mind works on overdrive as I squint at him, trying to figure out any possible moti-

Suddenly, realization hits me. I jump up from where I sit and grab a fistful of Asher's jacket as he turns towards the door. Yanking sideways on the fabric, I force him to face me and tilt my head upwards to meet his startled gaze with a furious one of my own.

"Asher Jonathan Evans. She is off. Limits. If I get word of you so much looking in her direction, I will make your life hell, is that clear? She is sweet and innocent and one of the few things in my life not tainted by the rules. And if you get your hands on her, you will break her. So if you try one thing...consider yourself a walking, talking dead man," I hiss, finally releasing my grip on his jacket to poke him in the chest, hard. Realization finally lights his eyes, and he starts to chuckle. "I'm not kidding, Asher!" He nods and tries to wipe the amused look off his face.

"I just find it funny that you think I'd be into her. I won't mess around with Emma, Ali. She's not exactly my type, anyway," he chuckles again at this, as if it's an inside joke. I take a step back and cross my arms.

"Oh, really? I've never noticed that you had a preference. So, I have to know: what's a heartbreaker's type?" I ask, half-teasing with raised eyebrows. He takes a long look at me, especially my hair. Slightly self-conscious under his scrutiny, I twirl one scarlet lock around my finger. Just as I'm about to tell him to forget it, he leans in to whisper in my ear. He's so close that I can feel the warmth radiating from his skin and smell the mixture of vanilla and citrus on his breath. My body betrays me and I shiver ever so slightly. I sense rather than see the grin on his face at my body's reaction before he replies.

"Redheads."