LOGINARIELLA After breakfast, I tried to keep the morning as normal as possible. For Leon, and most importantly…For myself. “Mom,” Leon said, looking up at me, “should we go and prepare my study room? You told me that I could help.” “Of course,” I said. But before we walked out, I turned toward Marg
ARIELLA 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
I was eager to feel him inside me. I wanted him to fill me. I wanted him everywhere. I especially wanted him somewhere that was calling out to him. Somewhere that needed him more than anything right now. I wanted him to fuck me. My hands went towards him as I started touching his chest, the firm
ARIELLA It had been a few weeks since Asher had appeared at the house, abrupt, asking questions about five years ago. A month since I’d told him everything.....the truth. A month since he’d left me that letter, the promise that he was going to come back and take us on, take us towards our rightful
He didn't look convinced, but he nodded anyway. I exhaled and left the room, hesitantly making my way to the front door. My pulse pounded as I reached for the handle. I wasn’t ready for this. I braced myself and pulled the door open. I sucked in a sharp breath. Not Asher. The man standing on the
ASHER After what felt like forever, her thoughts began to quiet, leaving only soft hiccups. I gently plucked at her hair, whispering, “It’s okay, dear Ariella. I’m here. You’re not alone. It’s okay. I’m here. I’m so sorry.” She tilted her head toward me, looking through swollen red eyes. “I didn







