LOGINARIA’S POVThe beach stretched out in front of me like something from a dream I had almost forgotten. The sand was warm under my bare feet, the waves rolled in gentle and steady, and the salty breeze lifted my hair and brushed across my skin in a way that made my whole body feel lighter. For the first time in days I felt relaxed, really relaxed, like I could finally breathe without the weight of everything pressing down on me. I walked along the shore, letting the water lap at my ankles, and a small smile tugged at my lips. This was exactly what I had always wanted—to stand here and just be, with no one demanding anything from me.Reed walked a little behind me, quiet for once, but I could feel his eyes on me the whole time. I wondered if he had really changed or if he was only doing this because he wanted to speak with me again. That thought alone made a spark of anger flare in my chest. He had been so cold before, so arrogant, treating me like I was nothing more than a convenient
ARIA’S POVI tried everything to push him away—hands on his chest, nails digging in—but my body betrayed me completely. My legs tightened around him, heels digging into his back, pulling him deeper. Every thrust made my breasts bounce, his mouth moving between them, sucking and licking while he fucked me right there on the kitchen counter. The wet slap of skin on skin filled the quiet kitchen, my soft moans mixing with his low groans.“More,” I whispered before I could stop myself, shame and pleasure twisting together inside me. “Please… Jasper, more.”He gave it to me. He fucked me harder, deeper, one hand gripping my hip while the other slid between us to rub my clit in tight circles. The pleasure built fast and sharp, my walls clenching around him as I got closer.“That’s it, baby,” he growled against my ear, voice rough and filthy. “Cum on my cock. Let me feel you squeeze me. I want to feel you fall apart for me.”I came hard, crying out as the orgasm crashed through me, my whole
ARIA’S POVI woke up in the middle of the night with my throat dry and scratchy, the kind of thirst that makes you feel like you haven’t had water in days. The room was dark and quiet, the sheets tangled around my legs from all the tossing and turning I’d done earlier. My mind wouldn’t stop replaying everything—the video, the brothers’ voices downstairs, the way my heart kept betraying me even when my head screamed to hate them. I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes, and decided I couldn’t lie there anymore. I needed water.Barefoot and wearing nothing but an oversized t-shirt that barely reached my thighs, I padded downstairs. The house was silent except for the soft creak of the stairs under my feet. The kitchen felt cooler than my room, the tiles cold against my soles as I moved to the fridge. I poured myself a glass of cold water and leaned against the counter, taking slow sips. The liquid felt good sliding down my throat, easing the dryness, but my body was still restless. My sk
Aria’s POVI kept pushing through the treadmill, legs burning but steady, the rhythm of my feet hitting the belt almost soothing after everything that had happened. Sweat trickled down my back and between my breasts, making my tank top cling to my skin, but I didn’t stop. For the first time in days I felt like I was actually getting the hang of this. My speed was improving, my breathing more controlled, and each stride felt stronger than the last. Zane had stepped out a few minutes ago to check on some noise, but I wasn’t worried. The room was quiet except for the low hum of the machine and my own heartbeat. I was finally doing something for myself, building the strength I needed to face Bianca and anyone else who thought they could break me.When my legs started to feel like jelly I slowed the treadmill and stepped off, chest heaving. My throat was dry and scratchy. I needed water. I turned toward the small fridge in the corner and reached for a bottle, but before my fingers tou
ZANE’S POVI knew they were going to pull something like this the second I saw their cars in the rearview mirror. My friends—the Steel brothers—had been shoving Bianca in my direction ever since they figured out I was interested in Aria. They wanted that engagement locked down tight, wanted the marriage between our families pushed forward no matter what I said. That was exactly why I had moved back to my private house in the first place. I was tired of the constant arguments at my parents’ place, tired of everyone treating my future like some business deal I had no say in. I already knew they would be forceful about it, and honestly it didn’t surprise me at all.I parked in front of the mansion and killed the engine, glancing over at Aria. She was still holding my hand, her fingers warm and a little tense. I gave them a gentle squeeze. “You ready?”She nodded, but I could see the worry flicker across her face when she looked toward the driveway. The brothers had already climbed out,
ARIA’S POVI sat in the passenger seat of Zane’s car, fingers twisting in my lap, and I still couldn’t believe any of this was real. The guy I used to watch from the bleachers during hockey practice, the one I had dreamed about for so long, was right next to me. Driving. Talking to me like we did this every day. And now I was actually going to his house. My heart kept doing these little flips that I couldn’t stop, even though part of me felt guilty for feeling anything good after everything with the brothers.Zane glanced over at me and smiled, easy and warm. “You okay? You’re kind of quiet over there.”I nodded, forcing a small smile back. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just… this feels weird. In a good way. I used to watch you from far away and now I’m sitting in your car like it’s normal.”He laughed softly, the sound low and nice. “It is normal, Aria. Or it can be. I’m glad you decided to come with me today. I meant it when I said I’d help however I can.”The whole drive he kept things light







