LOGINARIELLA I held his gaze. “I can’t survive without you,” I said again. “You won’t have to,” he replied quietly. “I’m going to be okay. I’ll come back. I have to. You and Leon are waiting for me. I won’t break that promise.” He lifted my chin gently so I had no choice but to look at him. “I just
ARIELLA I woke up to feel light kisses on my face. I opened my eyes to find Asher hovering over me, pressing soft kisses against my skin. I let out a small laugh as he brushed his lips against mine before straightening. He was already dressed. Tie in place. Hair perfectly styled. Everything about
ARIELLA When Asher is finally, fully seated inside me, the bed groans beneath our combined weight. He pulls back out just as slowly, and the friction is enough to make my head swim. He’s doing this on purpose; I can see the intent in his eyes. He’s paying me back for every stolen glance and silen
ARIELLA That did it. Asher's expression shifted, something deeper, more certain. And this time when he kissed me, I didn’t hesitate. Didn’t hold back. Didn’t think about later or tomorrow. Or anything waiting for us outside that room. I let myself go into Asher's arms. I shiver beneath his touch,
ARIELLA The moment the flash went off, both of them stirred. Leon shifted first, letting out a small, confused sound as he buried his face deeper into the pillow. But Asher.... Asher woke instantly. His hand tightened instinctively around the book on his chest, the other bracing slightly at his si
ARIELLA I couldn't believe him right now. “None of the above,” I replied quickly, turning away from his smug face and back to Leon. “Okay, listen. Dad is coming upstairs to read you a book.” “Yay!” Leon said instantly, already turning around and running out of the room. The moment he left, I le
“Oh my God, no!” I cried, horrified. “I don’t want you dead! I’ve never wanted you dead. Where is all of this even coming from?” “You know where it’s coming from,” he snapped. “You and your towel. Always so quick to get close to men.” And then he stopped himself. For a moment, silence. Then his e
“We need to take him to the hospital,” I say firmly, scooping him into my arms. I rush toward the main door. I swing it open and run straight into two guards. “Move,” I say, breathless. “He’s sick. We need to go.” One of them shakes his head. “We weren’t informed of anything.” “Informed?” I snap
I go back into Dad’s office. Head straight for the safe. I kneel down, press the familiar numbers, and it clicks open. Same passcode. Same stacks. Still there. Not enough for four people. Maybe not even enough for three if we’re being smart. But for one? It’s more than enough. Now comes the hard
And now my mom was full-on crying, and I was lost as I just stood there. I wasn’t expecting this. “Why?” I asked carefully, slowly. I didn't believe her. “He doesn’t think you can do it. He doesn’t want you to do it. And he’s decided to put all our lives at stake,” she said, wiping her tears. “He’






