LOGINARIELLA 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
ARIELLA Before I could react, Axel pulled me from my seat and into his lap. “What are you doing?” I giggled, even as his hands settled firmly on my waist. “What does it look like I’m doing?” he murmured, a smirk already forming as his lips brushed just behind my neck. I tried to twist away, laug
I cried ugly tears. Big, ugly, dramatic sobs. But I didn’t care. I wanted the drama. I needed him to see the side of me that wasn’t composed calm or cool. Because if I didn’t get through to the part of Asher that still loved me—really loved me—I was going to leave here today with nothing. And I wo
“I’m angry, okay?” Asher said, finally turning to face me again. “I’m angry that you put me in that situation. I’m angry that you care so little about yourself. I’m angry that you nearly destroyed something I’ve been working so damn hard to build... for us. For you....” I opened my mouth, but not
When I get back to my room, I start looking for traces of Luca. Is he somewhere partying? Has anyone seen him? With a little help—thanks to my very public relationship with Asher—I get the right location. There he is. Apparently, he’s throwing a party at his father’s beach house, which is at least
But I didn’t make a move to remove the hair from my face or stand up. I just lay there, closing my eyes, not looking at him. I wanted to know what he was thinking. If he had hate or anger or whatever it was he was feeling. I had a lot of questions. I thought men wanted sex, and this was the second







