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
The kids got to decorate the cake, We had dinner. Yes, Alan really was a great cook. The food was delicious. After thanking him, I took Leon—Ryan—up to our house. I bathed him, tucked him into bed, and then went to my room. I was feeling tired, shaky, maybe a bit overwhelmed. So I took a quick bath,
She wouldn’t just leave without saying anything. Would she? I sat down again, uneasy now. My fingers fiddled with a napkin on the table. A few minutes passed, maybe longer before Alan returned. His face was unreadable. “Hey,” I said quickly, standing up. “What did they say? Are they okay?” “The
Everything went great from there. The alcohol finally slipped into my veins, and suddenly, the music didn’t feel as loud anymore—it just felt good. Dana and I were on the dance floor, laughing like schoolgirls, our hair wild, our bodies loose. We twirled each other, bumped hips, and laughed when we
Luca only smiled.NA cold, twisted smile that sent shivers down my entire spine. “Since I can’t touch you and leave all the frustration and anger on you,” he began, his voice low and venom-laced, “not just because I know Asher will kill me for it... but also because there’s this tiny little part in







