Ivy’s POVAsher reluctantly let go of me before he marched off. I turned to Marcus, annoyed. “I don’t know what history is there between you two, but I don’t want to be caught up in it.”I made to walk away, but Marcus grabbed my hand and pulled me back. “I’m sorry, Ivy. It was not my intention; I’m sorry,” he apologized, his eyes growing softer.I was quite taken aback; I didn’t expect an apology. “I...”“It’s just, Asher and I have had a strained relationship for the longest time.” He scratched his brow. “I think he cares for you, and I just feel like you’re the only hope I have to get through to my brother. I...”I glanced at Marcus. It was hard to tell if he was being sincere.“I feel like with you, there’s a chance for us to work things out. This is why I want to be friends with you. I feel like we can get through to him. I...” He took my hand in his. “I’m sorry that it seems like I’m putting you into a corner; I would never do that intentionally.”I glanced at Asher. He was look
Ivy’s POVAsher not-so-subtly dragged me out of the hall; he didn’t bother to answer any of the questions Luca was throwing at him. I swallowed nervously, barely able to breathe with his long strides, my mind going wild with different scenarios.He turned sharply into a hallway and frantically punched the keys into an elevator, pulling me in as soon as the doors opened.The doors pinged, and the elevator shut. He pulled me close and captured my lips in a frenzied kiss. He slipped his hand around my neck, and the other hand went around my waist. I melted like jelly into his arms, giving in to his kiss. I had dropped every last bit of restraint I had on the dance floor. Here we were alone, away from all the prying eyes.I wrapped my hands around his neck, deepening the kiss. He let out a pleasured groan at the back of his throat, reverberating in his chest, sending tingles down to the tips of my toes. I leaned in closer until I was pressed up against him, my nipples hardened nerve buds.
IvyI was halfway through my hair and makeup when Marsha rushed in, wide-eyed and breathless. All eyes in the room turned toward her.“What is it, Marsha?” I asked in a panicky voice. The look on her face made me even more worried, and my mind raced in different directions.“We have a little situation downstairs,” Marsha said, glancing at the women behind me.I turned to them, “Give me a moment, please,” I whispered.I walked up to Marsha, and she took my hand, leading me out the door.“What is going on, Marsha?” I asked as soon as we were out of earshot.“It’s Max. He’s at the reception, and he’s attracting attention.”I halted. “What do you mean he’s attracting attention?”Marsha gave me a look but didn’t say anything. Instead, she pulled my hand and led me toward the reception area. We peeked together.I didn’t know what I was expecting to see, but it was definitely not Max carrying a huge balloon bouquet in one hand and a flower in the other. I exhaled and pulled away, not wanting
Asher’s POVMy thumb hovered over the screen, stuck on the same image I had seen dozens of times today. Ivy, looking as beautiful as ever, with Max handing her a massive bouquet of roses and balloons. The post was blowing up, and I couldn’t stop scrolling. More pictures. More comments. Most people were speculating that the gifts were from me.I tried to push the tightness in my chest away. Ivy wasn’t mine in any real sense. This marriage was just a contract. A convenient arrangement for both of us. It was impulsive, at least for her. I told myself it wasn’t serious. After all, I had explicitly told her I didn’t need fidelity, nor should she expect it from me.It was a lie I told with a straight face. And now I had to deal with this. Just the thought was maddening, and now seeing actual pictures of them together, her smiling at him, made my stomach churn.The door clicked open, and Ivy walked in, her heels clicking sharply on the polished floor, cutting through the quiet. She stopped f
Asher’s POVI let her go after that. I watched as she ascended the stairs, stealing glances at me and blushing profusely. I couldn’t go after her; I didn't trust myself to keep my hands off her if I followed her up to her bedroom. I wouldn’t hold back, so I stayed at the foot of the stairs, my cock straining in my pants.I peeked at my watch, it was a little past 9 pm. I downed the contents of my glass; I couldn’t stay in the house knowing she was up there. I tried to imagine what she was up to, picturing her naked in the bath, which did nothing to help me. The mansion didn’t feel big enough to protect her from me. If I stayed any longer, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from charging into her room.I rang for the housekeeper. A tall, fat lady with black hair tied back appeared at the doorway. “My wife needs h—” I paused. “My wife,” I repeated, savoring the words. It made me feel so good on the inside. I looked to see the housekeeper still staring at me expectantly.“My wife needs he
Asher’s POVMy eyelids fluttered open, and I took a moment to adjust to the sharp lighting in the room. Sunlight streamed through the wide-open windows. I got up with a start, my head throbbing, a dull ache stubbornly lingering behind my temples. I massaged them as my eyes scanned the unfamiliar surroundings. I wasn’t at home, nor was I at Lucas’s place. Pulling off the blanket, I got out of bed. My gaze landed on a card in the pocket by the door.I grabbed it and peered at it - Diamond Crystal Hotel. Raking my fingers through my hair, I sighed exasperatedly. I knew this hotel; it was in my city, but I had no idea how I ended up here. My memory was foggy. I grabbed a bottle of water, suddenly feeling parched, and downed it in one gulp. I rubbed the bridge of my nose, trying to soothe the ache in my head.Fragments of the previous night slowly came to me. I glanced down at myself. I was still wearing yesterday’s clothes: a black silk shirt, black trousers, belt, and shoes. It looked li
Asher’s POVI looked up at the doorway as Luca walked in with a smile on his face.“Who’s the lady out there?” he asked, gesturing with his hands.My brows furrowed in confusion until I saw the stupid smile on his face. “Are you referring to my secretary?” I asked. He popped a gum, tossed it in his mouth. “Yeah, the hot blonde sitting in the reception…” He pulled out a chair and plopped down on it. “Where did you find a hot secretary like that? Is there an app? I need one of those!” He declared. “What’s her name, hook me up?”“Eww, no,” I answered. “I don’t want what happened with Lucia to happen all over again.” Lucia was my old secretary at Sterling Industries, and the only reason she didn’t come here with me was that she was still nursing a terrible heartbreak from her affair with Luca. “I like Stacy…” I caught the funny look in his eyes. “She’s efficient. She’s…”“Does Ivy know you have a crush on your secretary?” he teased me with an amused look on his face.I rolled my eyes. “No
Ivy’s POVI was at the foot of the stairs when I heard the doorbell ring. Camila was rushing to get it, but I stopped her. “Don’t worry, Camila. I got it.”“Thank you, Miss Ivy.”I smiled at her. I got to the door after the third ring. I peeked through the peephole; there was a lady with her back to the door. I opened it. “Hello…”She turned around sharply, her long dark curly hair moving with her. Curious brown eyes openly checked me out as she bit into an apple in her hand. She had a lot of suitcases around her. She looked so familiar; the wheels in my head were still turning when she spoke up.“You look so much better in person... and that’s not to say you don’t look good in your pictures,” she rambled on. “You slay as well, but in person…” She kissed her fingers, making kissing noises. “Just perfect!”I broke into a wide smile. The dark hair and brown eyes should have been a giveaway; she looked like a female version of Asher. Their eyes were a darker shade of brown, like honey, u
Asher’s POVMy heart leapt the moment Ivy sauntered into my room, wrapped in a pale pink robe. Though we were still officially sleeping apart - her decision, not mine - I had asked her countless times to move in.Something was holding her back, but that didn’t stop us from spending nearly every other night together. I always looked forward to those evenings. I rushed home early every day, eager for our routine: a movie before bed or simply talking until we fell asleep.Tonight was no different.She beamed as she entered; her smile lighting up the room. Slowly, she slipped off her robe, revealing the flimsy nightdress underneath.“I had quite the day…” she began, climbing into bed.My gaze locked onto hers. “Tell me all about it,” I encouraged, my voice low and eager.She tucked her hair behind her ear, leaning closer. “It was Taylor,” she said, her tone exasperated.I rolled my eyes and sighed deeply. “What did that bitch do this time?” I muttered under my breath.Ivy laid back, resti
Taylor’s POVI had a grin on my face as I walked into the dressing area. It had been there since the moment I woke up that morning. My mind danced back to the week’s events.It wasn’t every day that I pulled off something as spectacular as blackmailing Asher Sterling. Of course, it had taken a whole week of careful planning and luck.Luck had been on my side that evening at the formal dinner. Walking up to Marcus Sterling had been a gamble, but it paid off. Luck was what made him listen to me. Not that I had to say much.The dick fucker was sold the moment I told him I was a friend of Ivy’s. Odd, wasn’t it? Did he like his brother’s wife?I shook my head. None of that mattered now, though it had been my golden ticket to the Sterling event. Sure, it meant enduring Marcus’s endless chatter, but it was a small price to pay for the look on Asher’s face when he saw me on his brother’s arm.I could still see it - his pale expression, his eyes desperately trying to piece me together and figu
Asher’s POVI sat absentmindedly at the table, the faint sounds of silverware clicking and the low hum of conversation filling the grand dining room. I forced a polite smile, nodding at something one of the guests said, though I wasn’t paying attention.I wasn’t even sure if I was expected to respond. Thankfully, the man who had spoken to me turned back to his plate.Across the table, Taylor was smiling, her expression tinged with amusement. She was clearly enjoying this - watching me struggle to focus on anything.Then I felt it— a nudge against my foot. Subtle at first, then firmer.I stiffened, glancing up. Taylor was looking directly at me, her expression as innocent as ever. When no one else was watching, she winked, her lips curling into a smug grin.I pulled my foot back, forcing myself to focus as Marcus, seated next to me, leaned in.“Asher,” Marcus said, his tone light but probing, “what’s the progress on Sterling Winery? Any new wines in the works?”I blinked, realizing I h
Asher’s POVI tried to walk away, but Marcus stopped me. “How’s Ivy?” he asked.I had a smartass reply at the tip of my tongue, but I decided against it. “What is it, Marcus?” I didn’t want to deal with him any longer than I had to.He shrugged. “A lot of people would love to see her. I, for one, would love to see her. If she doesn’t show up for important family events like this, then it has me thinking, is something up?”I couldn’t help but grin. “Marcus, Ivy and I are fantastic. If you would like to know, there’s nothing…”He turned around. “Meet my plus one, Asher. Isn’t she a beauty?”I looked up and stared in the direction he was pointing at. It was Taylor. She was wearing a shimmery black halter neck dress, her hair tied back in a slick bun, with a wide smile on her face as she sashayed towards us.What the heck? I cursed under my breath. How? How was she with Marcus? Where did they even meet? Wasn’t she just with Luca the other time? My eyes widened. Could she have told him?Ta
Asher’s POVIvy leaned closer to me on her tiptoes as she tried to fix my black bow tie. She was so close I couldn’t help but inhale her scent. She smelled of the loveliest flowers, her scent was intoxicating. I brought my nose to the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply.She inched away, giggling uncontrollably. “That tickles…”“You really can’t come?” I asked for the umpteenth time, giving her the puppy dog eyes.She smoothed my dress and pulled back. “I told you I can’t. I have a shoot in the city in a few hours,” she glanced at her wristwatch, “2, 3 hours. It’s a simple shoot, and also Janine and I have a coffee date for later in the evening. So yes, I have quite the commitment.”He exhaled and shook his head. “You know Janine is hanging out with you as an excuse to get out of a family event?”She flashed me a wide grin. “Is she now? I’m flattered she’s picking me over family?”“Hey,” I knew she was joking, but I still needed her to know it. “You know I’d ditch them in a heartbeat
Asher’s POVI hesitated, then turned to her fully. “I want you to be proud of me.”She paused, her hands resting lightly on my arm. “Asher, I am proud of you and of what you’ve done so far. You are a good man, and you’re going to do great things with this,” she gestured around. “You don’t have to prove anything to me.”Her words, so simple and sincere, unraveled something in me. I didn’t deserve her faith, not with the secrets I was keeping, but in that moment, I wanted to believe her.We stood there in the quiet, her gaze locked with mine, until the weight of it gave way to a shared grin. Moments later, we were giggling uncontrollably, slipping on the juice-slick floor as we tried to balance.Once the grapes were pressed, we poured a small glass of the fresh wine and tasted it. Ivy made a face. “You know what would make this better?” she asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.“What?”Her grin widened as she leaned in. “What if we added this to the wine from our dinner in the garden—th
Asher’s POVI held out a hand to her. “Are you ready?”She grinned at me. “What’s this? Take your spouse to work day?” she teased.I smiled at her as she slipped her hands into mine, and I shrugged. “Something like that.”Ivy was the one who had offered to follow me to the company today. I had woken up to breakfast already set at the table. It was a gesture that warmed my heart, but nothing compared to when she told me she would call in sick from work and follow me to the office.I led her through those glass doors, and as soon as we walked into the reception area, all eyes turned in our direction. Well, they were mostly looking at her. It wasn’t every day a hot model strode into work. And by God, she looked hot today.She wore a simple white dress that clung to her in all the right ways. It stopped mid-thigh and made her legs look longer. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail. She had light makeup on and a simple piece of jewelry. It was minimal effort, and yet she looked the most
Luca’s POVI stared at her, my eyes twinkling with admiration. “You look...”“What?” she asked, blinking rapidly.I pulled her closer until she was pressed up against me, tucking her hair away from her face and cupping her cheeks. “You look like a snack, Janine, and I want to eat you up.”She giggled. “Okay then?”“Okay?” I asked, unsure. With Janine, I always took my time. She wasn’t like the other girls. She meant so much more to me. I was afraid to hurt her, afraid to do anything she didn’t like.She nodded, her eyes shining brightly.I gripped her jaw and drew her in. I kissed her tenderly at first, savoring the feeling of her soft lips against mine. My hands slipped around her waist.Then, before I knew it, she stood on her tiptoes, her hands wrapping around me as she deepened the kiss. Her tongue probed my lips, and I let her, surrendering to her. With the other women in my life, I was always in charge. Not with Janine. She was like an enigma to me. Apparently, Janine didn’t fee
Asher’s POVThe table was set perfectly. Candlelight flickered softly in the cool evening breeze, casting shadows on the ivory tablecloth and the bunch of roses I had picked out earlier for her. The garden was quiet except for the soft sounds of the night breeze.I sat, trying to seem relaxed, nursing a glass of red wine that tasted bitter in my dry mouth. It was a wine from Sterling Winery. We were trying to perfect a new wine. I was not satisfied with the results yet; there was something missing, and I couldn’t quite figure out what it was, neither could the rest of my team.But I wasn’t relaxed.Taylor’s words echoed in my head. “There’s so much pressure with this. You’re a billionaire; there are many things I could want, but I can’t make up my mind.” Her voice had been soft, almost pitying, as if she hadn’t just threatened the happiness I had just found in my life, like she wasn’t enjoying this. And those photos.God, the photos. Every time I blinked, I saw them, burned into the b