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
I took two steps back from him. My heart was pounding, not from fear... but from devastation. “I get that you’re mad,” I said slowly, my voice trembling. “I get that tensions are high. So I suggest... you take a moment and get yourself together.” I turned, refusing to meet his eyes. “I’m going to
Asher softly answers my actions by giving me open-mouthed kisses up my neck and along my jaw until, finally, his delicious mouth is on mine again. His kisses. They're everything. One kiss erases my fear and dissolves time. It's an indescribable feeling of completion, like the coming together of piec
The next morning, I woke up to a clean house and the rich, mouthwatering smell of food drifting from the kitchen. I couldn’t remember the last time something had smelled so delicious. Without thinking, I jumped out of bed and hurried downstairs. As I turned the corner, I found Maria standing in the
I woke to Asher’s fingers tracing my spine. The touch was gentle, almost reverent. I peered over my shoulder. He was propped up on his arm and followed the movement of his hand on my back. Hands that could kill without remorse, hands that were gentle towards me right now. His gaze found me and I sti






