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
There was the way he said it, and there was the crazed look in his eyes that told me he meant every word. And I realized, right then and there, that I was not just fighting for myself—I was fighting for Leon. What was I even thinking? That I could just drive away and he wouldn’t chase me down? That
Why not? Why not pack a few things—just enough to make it look like I was still here, just enough to not raise any suspicion—and leave before they could come for me? I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the only chance I’d ever get. I couldn't just sit here like a duck, waiting for when Asher w
I stood there, staring at him, speechless. Luca turned to leave, but then he stopped. Slowly, he came back toward me, taking my hand in his. His gaze locked with mine, softer than I had ever seen it. "I always liked you, Ari. I am so sorry about what happened to you. I know the next few days won’t
"Then why are you wearing the police uniform? Why did you stop me?" The playful tone evaporated from Luca’s face as his face turned serious. He crouched down to my level, his eyes locking with mine. His voice dropped, low and serious. "Come on, Ari," he said, using the childhood nickname that onl







