Asher adamantly did not want me to go to see the Vice President of the Academy, despite being summoned. I understood his concerns. Fear itself was quaking through me. But I couldn’t just ignore it and hoped it all went away. We already knew it wouldn’t. Asher gave it some thought, and then d
“I hate sending you into danger. I don’t care how nearby I am. Unless I’m between you and the threat, I’ll hate it.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and burrowed comfortably against him. I couldn’t promise him that I would be fine, because I just didn’t know. But I believed so much in him
We let Chase into the room. In his arms, he carried the recording equipment we would need. He placed each item on the table, then turned to me. “Ready?” I doubted I would ever be ready, but I was as close as I could be. So I nodded. The recording device was very small and hidden within a
I’d survived so much already. I’d survive this too. “It’s time,” Chase said from behind us, breaking our moment. Asher lowered his arms and I moved back a step. “You got this,” Chase said. I heard him both in front of me, and in my ear. Asher stared at me with his ocean eyes. He nodd
I would never accept an offer like this, even if the vile club hadn’t been part of it. I intended to get by on the strength of my own abilities and merits. I had no interest in accepting handouts, no matter how generous. But this offer was not an act of charity. The Vice President wanted me to p
“Wait.” The Vice President openly glared at me and the marks on my neck. “This was a misunderstanding. Let them go.” “Sir?” said the secretary. “I said, let them go,” he said again, more forcefully. The secretary wilted in on herself. The security guards stood still, confused. Chase
His mouth returned to mine and he kissed me again. His touches were tender and his kisses soft, like he had no intention of pushing it further. It confused me. Usually when we’d kissed, it lead to more. If we kissed and it wasn’t sexual, did that mean he wanted to pursue a romantic relationship,
“If I’m still willing…” Asher said, eyes soft. “Cynthia. Of course I’m willing.” “Then you’ll be the baby’s godfather?” “Very few things would make me happier.” Cradling my face, he kissed me softly on the lips. “My family. Finally.” Before I could feel bad for not accepting sooner, he k