Taylor’s POVThe smell of smoke drifted around me as I took a long drag, the tip of my cigarette flaring red. Ivy. Even her name made my skin crawl. Just thinking about her prancing around like some kind of perfect princess made my blood boil.She didn’t deserve to be there, in my place, with the life that I deserved. I let the smoke roll over my tongue before I blew it out, letting it spiral into the air. And here I was, shuffling off to Max’s dumpy place. Maybe she was right after all. I coveted everything she had, even if it was her terrible ex-boyfriend.Max’s place was a far cry from what I was used to, with his stack of dirty dishes in the corner and the constant stale smell of alcohol that clung to the air. It looked like he hadn’t done a thing to clean since the last time I was here.Not that I’d complain. I had too much on my mind already. Max didn’t waste any time as he shut the door behind me, his eyes flickering over my face. He must’ve seen the rage practically radiating
Asher’s POVI looked into the mirror as Ivy adjusted my tie, her fingers brushing against my collar. She had this focused, gentle touch, and her lips were pulled into a serious pout. I could barely look at her—her perfume filled the air between us, making it hard to think.“You know,” she said, giving my tie a final pat, “you actually clean up really well.” She smiled at me, and I felt that familiar warmth building in my chest.“If dressing up like this is what it takes to get a compliment from you, I’ll do it every single day,” I declared.She stifled a blush. “It doesn’t have to take so much,” her voice was barely above a whisper.A smirk tugged at my lips. Was Ivy flirting with me? Was it just the magic of the night, or were her defenses slowly stripping away? I caressed her cheek and stared as she leaned into my touch, her eyelids fluttering shut. A small gasp escaped her lips.I slipped my hand around her waist. “You’re going to make it hard for me to let go of you, Ivy…” I glanc
IvyI glanced at the text I had just received moments ago. It was a simple, sweet message that read: “Meet me at Amore Hotel. I have a surprise for you.” Just like the first time I read it, it made me blush hard. I turned off the ignition and got out of the car. The hotel stood grand and familiar, a place Max and I had visited many times before. I twirled around and shut my eyes, savoring the gentle caress of the chilly night breeze against my skin.My thoughts ran wild, imagining what kind of surprise awaited me behind that door. Max was never one for grand gestures, so this was a first. Giddy and full of excitement, I walked towards the receptionist. “Hi…”She looked up at me with a wide smile. “Hello, Miss Whitfield.”Of course, she recognized me. This was Max’s and my getaway spot. He didn’t like his studio apartment, so we usually spent our time together here.My smile widened. “A reservation was made?”“Yes, Mr. Max Martin,” she confirmed, glancing at her computer. “Your usual s
Asher’s POV“Contract marriage,” she whispered.I could see right through her forced bravado. It was cute to watch her. She couldn’t even hold my gaze, looking as nervous as hell.I smiled at her. “Of course.” Heaven knows how long I’ve waited for her and how painful it was to watch her waste herself loving someone who didn’t deserve her. I had my eyes on Ivy Whitfield for as long as I could remember. We were always stuck at the same society functions, dictated by the families we were born into. The first time I saw her, I was star-struck. We were just teenagers then. She had walked up to me, hands on her hips, and told me, “I wasn’t shit.” Apparently, I was already infamous among the ladies.“Deal...” I extended my hand to her. She hesitated.I wasn’t sure if she remembered, but ever since that day, I teased her relentlessly. I had always wanted her attention. I had always wanted her, and today she had played right into my hands easily. Of course, I tweaked a few things here and ther
Ivy’s POVI stood before a delicate wooden arch decorated with white, lush blooms. My strapless lace white dress clung to my figure, stopping mid-thigh, paired with matching white platform heels. My hair was styled to perfection, and light makeup graced my face. Despite it all, I fidgeted with my hands, glancing nervously around.The officiating lady across from me offered a pitiful look.I forced a small smile. “He’s coming, he’s just running late…” I didn’t actually know that. In fact, there were so many things I didn’t know about my would-be husband. Yet here I was, dressed in white, waiting to be married to the one person who annoyed me the most in the world.You’d think the drive home would have cleared my head. Or the long sleep afterward, or even the early morning cry. But none of it helped—not the sumptuous breakfast I’d had earlier either. My brain screamed at me to stop, but my heart kept leading me on.“Wow! You look delicious, babe!” That deep, mesmerizing voice came from
Ivy’s POVI was already having a hard time holding Asher’s gaze before the kiss. Now it was even harder. I couldn’t glance in his direction. I could barely move around him. It was strange because I was never shy in his presence, but now I was.Thanks to him, the rest of the wedding ceremony went smoothly. I stood by the side, watching as he told the officiating minister an elaborate tale about how we met. I listened, intrigued to hear the story myself. His smooth talking had the minister laughing heartily. It was one of the first things I was learning about my new husband—though I didn’t think I’d ever get used to calling him that. I was actually married, in a small ceremony, and it felt surreal.I sat impossibly still, staring out of the car window as we drove. The drive was quiet, and I could hear my heart beating loudly in my chest.I bravely stole a few glances at him, studying the planes of his face under the soft glow of the sun. His firm hands gripping the steering wheel was so
Ivy’s POVAs the sleek, black sports car pulled up to the grand entrance, my eyes widened in awe. I had seen my fair share of beautiful mansions in the city. My parents artistically decorated all of our homes, but I hadn’t seen one as stunning as this.Asher smiled triumphantly, that boyish grin that always made my cheeks flush, as he stepped out of the driver’s seat and walked around to open the car door for me. He was ever the gentleman, and I knew better than to argue.“Welcome to our new home, my love,” he said with a bright smile, offering his hand to help me out of the car.‘My love.’ He was definitely one for terms of endearment.My gaze swept across the sprawling mansion, taking in the towering columns, crystal-clear windows, and meticulously manicured lawns. I felt like a fairytale princess entering a magical kingdom. “It’s beautiful...” I whispered.He came up behind me. “Not nearly as beautiful as you are...”I bit my lower lip, stifling a blush. As we stepped inside, I gas
Asher’s POVI meant every word I said. I wanted her, but I wanted her to want me as well. It felt better that way. I wanted the push and pull. Standing there, staring at the art hung on the walls—art that I had made solely with her in mind—her bum pressing against my crotch, I realized just how hard it was going to be. I was already struggling to hold it together, but now that she was in my house, living here, so close... I placed my nose at the crook of her neck and inhaled. Now that I knew her scent up close, now that I could feel her body against mine, it was going to be even harder.“Argh!” I groaned. “You make it so hard, Ivy…”She stilled. I smiled at the reaction on her face. I could see her reflection in the mirror. Her innocent face, her reddened cheeks. She had taken my words literally, and I was not going to explain.“You’re so naughty, aren’t you?” I teased.She wiggled out of my grasp, managing to slip free, and took a few steps backward, putting as much distance between