The celebration downstairs was still loud, laughter, clinking glasses, camera flashes slicing through the hall, but Asher had slipped away the moment he could. The hallway was dimmer here, the noise muffled as he pushed open the balcony door and stepped out into the night.Cold air brushed against his jaw as he leaned a shoulder against the rail, posture stiff, back straight. He lit another cigarette with a practiced flick, the flame briefly illuminating his expressionless face. His movements were slow, deliberate, almost detached, like a man conserving what little energy he allowed himself to show.He inhaled deeply, smoke curling around him like a shield.Footsteps approached behind him, light, careful, familiar.Riley stepped onto the balcony, the soft fabric of her gown whispering with each step. The moment she reached him, she gently reached to take the cigarette from his fingers.But Asher moved in one smooth, fluid shift, cold, efficient, pulling his hand away before she could
Last Updated : 2025-11-29 Read more