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
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
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
And there she was. Dinara stood at the end of the hall, framed by the broken door, her face pale but her eyes like steel. The gun in her hand didn’t tremble, not even a little. Smoke curled from the barrel, drifting between us. “You,” I hissed, my voice low and ragged. “Yes, it’s me. Are you surpr
ASHER I didn’t move. Instead, I glanced at Dominic. “Dominic, she’s using you. Once she’s done with you, maybe she’ll use the next person who can solve her next problem; maybe that problem might be you. She doesn’t really love you. Just open your eyes. Just l a month ago, she was talking to me ab







