"Are you sure you want to keep the desk?" Asher asked, his voice laced with amusement as he set another box down inside the house. Elena huffed, wiping a stray strand of hair from her face. "Yes, I’m sure. It’s important to me." Asher shot her a teasing smirk. "I just don’t see why you need it when we already have a desk here." Elena crossed her arms, feigning offense. "Because it’s mine. I’ve had it for years, and I’m not leaving it behind just because you think it’s unnecessary." He chuckled, reaching over to poke her side. "Fine, fine. We’ll bring it over tomorrow. But I’m officially declaring that you’re a desk hoarder." She laughed despite herself, nudging him playfully. "I am not a hoarder. I just—" She hesitated, glancing down. "I just don’t want to leave everything behind all at once." Asher’s teasing faded, his expression softening. He stepped closer, tilting her chin up. "You don’t have to, Elena. You can take as much time as you need." His gentle reassurance m
"You’re still half-asleep, aren’t you?"Elena groaned, rubbing her eyes as she blinked up at Asher. The sunlight filtering through the curtains cast a soft glow on his bare chest, and it took her a moment to process what he was holding—a tray with what appeared to be breakfast."I—what is this?" she asked, sitting up, her voice thick with sleep.Asher shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. "It’s… food. Well, kind of. I attempted breakfast."Elena bit back a laugh, glancing down at the plate. There was a slightly burnt omelet, some unevenly buttered toast, and what she suspected was supposed to be coffee but looked questionably dark."You attempted breakfast?" she echoed, arching a brow.He exhaled, plopping down beside her. "Look, I don’t usually do this, okay? Cooking isn’t my thing. But I figured, since it’s our first morning together, I should… try." He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly looking a little nervous. "It’s probably terrible, but it’s the thought that counts, ri
After breakfast, they lounged in bed, their hands idly playing with each other’s. Elena would intertwine their fingers, only to pull away, grinning as Asher tried to catch her hand again. "You’re being a tease," he muttered. She smirked. "I don’t know what you’re talking about." Asher gave her a mock glare before snatching her hand and lacing their fingers together. "Got you." Elena laughed, squeezing his hand. "Fine. I’ll stop messing with you." "Good." He paused, then added, "Tell me more about yourself." She tilted her head. "Like what?" "Anything. I want to know more of the little things." Elena thought for a moment. "I love strawberries." Asher hummed. "Good choice." "I also love drawing." "Really?" He looked intrigued. "I didn’t know that." She nodded. "It’s always been an escape for me. I used to sketch a lot when I was younger." Asher smiled. "You should show me sometime." Elena hesitated but nodded. "Maybe." "Anything else?" She tapped her ch
"Asher?" Elena’s voice was soft, hesitant, but the moment his name left her lips, she saw it—the way his body stiffened, the way his hand clenched against the sheets. She knew this reaction wasn’t just about her question. It was about them. Her past. Her tormentors. And whatever Asher had done to them. He didn’t answer. Not right away. Instead, he moved closer, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to the mark on her neck. A shiver ran through her, not just from the sensation but from the meaning behind it. It was possessive. Soothing. A reminder of what they were—of the bond they now shared. She knew he was grounding himself in it, using it to hold back the storm inside him. Still, she couldn’t ignore the way his hands trembled slightly as they rested on her waist. "Asher," she whispered again, this time reaching up to cup his face. Golden eyes met hers, and for a moment, all she saw was raw, unfiltered emotion—rage, protectiveness, something darker lurking
His fingers flexed against her waist, but he didn’t speak. She swallowed hard. "I need to know who I’m looking at right now, Asher." His jaw clenched. "You’re looking at the same man who would do it all over again if it meant keeping you safe." She searched his face, her heart pounding. "You’re scaring me." His grip on her softened instantly. "Elena—" "It’s not just what you did," she cut in. "It’s how much you’re holding back. It’s the way you won’t tell me everything. It’s the way you—" She sucked in a shaky breath. "It’s the way you looked at me just now. Like you weren’t sure if you should tell me the truth." His throat worked as he swallowed. "I didn’t want you to see me like that." "Like what?" His voice was barely a whisper. "Like a monster." Her breath caught. "You’re not a monster," she said, but there was a crack in her voice, and she hated that he heard it. His expression twisted, something pained flashing through his eyes. "Aren’t I?" She shook her
Asher’s Uncontrollable Fury His body tensed, muscles rippling beneath his skin as a growl rumbled deep in his chest. The warmth in his golden eyes flickered, replaced by something darker. "No." Elena barely had time to react before he was on his feet, pacing, fists clenched at his sides. "They don’t deserve to see you." His voice was sharp, final. "They don’t get to witness how strong you’ve become." His breathing turned ragged, and Elena realized— He wasn’t just angry. He was spiraling. "Asher—" "No!" His voice rose, filled with barely restrained fury. "You don’t need to see them, Elena. They’re nothing. Nothing!" She had never seen him like this before. His anger had always been controlled, calculated. But this— This was something else. It wasn’t just about her anymore. It was consuming him. Elena stepped forward cautiously. "Asher, look at me." He didn’t. Didn’t stop pacing. Didn’t stop seething. Her heart ached. She had only wanted closur
"You’re not even listening, are you?" Elena's voice was laced with amusement as she lowered the book, raising an eyebrow at Asher. Asher blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Of course, I am." She smirked, tilting her head. "Oh, really? Then tell me—what did I just read?" He opened his mouth, then closed it. Elena’s smirk widened. "That’s what I thought." Asher groaned, running a hand through his hair. "It’s not my fault. Your voice is distracting." She laughed, rolling her eyes. "That’s the worst excuse I’ve ever heard." He leaned closer, his golden eyes locking onto hers. "No, really. I think you might have cursed me, Elena." She gave him a skeptical look. "Oh? And how exactly did I do that?" Asher grinned, tapping his temple. "Your voice is like a spell—every time you speak, my brain stops working." Elena snorted. "That explains so much." --- Intimate Moments and Unspoken Desires She went back to reading, her voice soft, rhythmic. But Asher wasn’t listeni
Elena scoffed. "You’re impossible to sit still, so no." "I can behave." She snorted. "That would be a first." Asher grinned, watching as she started sketching. At first, he let her work. But then he got bored. And restless. And he wanted her attention. So, he reached forward, trailing his fingers lightly up her arm. Elena tensed, her pencil pausing. "Asher." "Hmm?" He feigned innocence, drawing slow, lazy circles on her wrist. She sighed, trying to focus on the paper. He moved closer, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, just like he had before. She stiffened again. Asher smirked. He leaned in, his breath warm against her neck. "You’re getting distracted." Elena gritted her teeth. "You’re distracting me." "You say that like it’s a bad thing." She turned to glare at him, but the second their eyes met, her irritation wavered. His gaze was intense—burning with something unspoken. Desire. Longing. Something deeper than teasing. Elena swal
Elena leaned into Asher’s side as they stood quietly by the stairs, her fingers still laced with his. She could feel the tension lingering in his frame, the way his jaw clenched, the way his eyes drifted back upstairs again and again. Though his mother’s strength had surprised him, the storm inside him hadn’t yet settled.She tilted her head, eyes soft. “You’re still thinking about it.”Asher gave a small, almost sheepish smile, not meeting her gaze. “Yeah.”__________Love and Understanding“You didn’t really answer me earlier,” she said gently. “What’s really bothering you, Asher?”He sighed and leaned back against the wall, running a hand through his hair. “It’s… the way I reacted to her. I let my fear speak instead of my trust in her. I told myself I was protecting her, but really, I just panicked. And now I can’t stop thinking about the look in her eyes when I snapped.”Elena’s gaze didn’t waver. “You’re human, Asher. You’re allowed to feel scared. But you did the right thing in
Asher’s footsteps echoed back up the stairs, his mother’s words still bouncing around in his chest. Don’t let the past steal what you’ve built.But it wasn’t that simple.His jaw clenched as he reentered the room, only to find Elena already sitting on the edge of the bed, fully dressed, brushing her fingers through her slightly damp hair.She looked up the moment he stepped in. “You okay?”“I will be,” he said, crossing to her. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “Come on. Breakfast is ready.”They descended together, hand in hand, and Elena immediately noticed the scent of bacon and coffee in the air.Asher’s mother was setting plates on the table, a faint smile touching her lips. “I made enough for three.”____________Emotional ConflictAsher pulled out a chair for Elena, but his own movements were stiff, controlled. Tension still rippled under his skin.He sat down last, watching his mother closely. The way she moved. The calmness she carried. It was familiar—b
Elena watched Asher disappear down the stairs, the warmth of his body still lingering on her skin. But something gnawed at her chest—a flicker of unease. The moment he’d sat up, she’d seen it in his face. That storm behind his eyes. And now, alone in the quiet room, that image refused to leave her.She sat up slowly, wrapping the blanket around herself tighter. Her fingers brushed the mark on her shoulder, still tingling faintly from his touch, but her thoughts were no longer anchored in the bliss of their morning.___________ Elena’s Concern“Asher?” she had murmured earlier, when his expression had shifted—when the relaxed man she woke up with suddenly seemed a thousand miles away.“I’m fine,” he’d said too quickly. Too flatly.She’d reached for his hand then, but he’d gently pulled away, avoiding her gaze.“I’ll go make breakfast,” he’d mumbled, already halfway off the bed before she could press further.Elena wasn’t naive. Something had rattled him. And she hated the distance it
Awakening in Love:“Asher,” Elena whispered groggily, her voice a soft rasp in the quiet morning air. “Are you staring at me again?”Asher smirked, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek. “Guilty. You make it hard not to.”She peeked one eye open, still nestled against his chest. “That’s creepy, you know.”“Is it creepy if I’m admiring the woman I love?” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to her forehead.Elena’s eyes fluttered open fully this time. She smiled—lazy, content. “You’re lucky I love you back.”“I know,” he said, grinning. His hand slid down to trace the outline of her mark, his thumb moving gently over the sensitive skin. “I’m really damn lucky.”She sighed and nuzzled into his chest. “It’s cold.”Without hesitation, Asher tugged her even closer, wrapping his arms around her bare body. “Better?”“Mmm,” she hummed, her eyes closing again.He chuckled softly, the vibrations rumbling through his chest. "You always do this."Elena peeked up at him, brow arched. "Do wh
Without a word, he turned, grabbed his discarded shirt from the riverbank, and draped it over her shoulders. The fabric was still warm from his body, carrying his scent. “Mine,” he murmured, voice deep and possessive. Elena shivered, though not from the cool night air. A flicker of amusement danced in her eyes as she looked up at him. “Possessive, aren’t you?” Asher smirked but didn’t deny it. Instead, he ran his fingers along the edge of the shirt, adjusting it so it covered more of her. “Damn right,” he said, voice husky. “And you love it.” Elena flushed, but she couldn’t deny the way her heart raced at his words. He reached down, grabbing her pants from where she had left them on the rock. Before she could protest, he crouched slightly and helped her step into them, his fingers grazing her thighs as he pulled them up.The simple act sent a thrill through her—not from lust, but from the intimacy of it.Once she was dressed, Asher cupped her face, running his thumb alon
Then, suddenly, he lowered her onto a smooth, flat rock near the water’s edge. Elena barely had a second to process before Asher leaned over her, his hazel eyes dark with something unreadable. “I’ve never wanted anything the way I want you,” he murmured, his hand brushing along her jaw. Her breath caught. “Asher…” His lips hovered over hers, their breaths mingling. “Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. “And I will.” But Elena didn’t want him to stop. Instead, she reached up, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. “Don’t stop.” That was all he needed. Asher kissed her again, slow and deep, his hands roaming her body with reverence. Elena knew she was lost. But for once, she didn’t want to be found. For once, she wanted to let herself drown in him.Elena gasped as Asher’s lips trailed down her neck, his warm breath sending shivers through her. His kisses slowed, lingering on the sensitive spot where his mark should one day be. Her body tense
A Love Confession Under MoonlightThe Confession“Elena.”She heard her name through the soft ripples of water, but she wasn’t sure if she had imagined it. The moonlight shimmered on the river’s surface, casting a glow over Asher’s face, highlighting the intensity in his hazel eyes.“What?” she breathed, her heart hammering against her ribs.“I love you.” His voice was steady, unwavering.Elena froze. The words hit her like a tidal wave, knocking the air from her lungs. She stared at him, sure she had misheard, blaming the gentle rush of water distorting his words.“You… what?” she whispered, her pulse roaring in her ears.Asher didn’t hesitate. He cupped her face, his wet fingers grazing her cheeks. “I love you, Elena. I’ve loved you for longer than I even realized. And I don’t want to wait anymore.”Her breath hitched. This was unreal—impossible. No one had ever said those words to her. No one had ever meant them.“Asher…” she started, but she had no idea what to say. She could only
Elena splashed water at him, and he let out a dramatic gasp before retaliating, sending droplets flying around them. Their laughter echoed through the quiet woods, blending with the gentle ripple of the river. When they finally stilled, Asher cupped her face, his thumbs brushing over her cheekbones. "Elena," he murmured, his voice lower, more serious. "Hm?" "You’re everything," he whispered, his forehead pressing against hers. "Everything I didn’t know I needed." Elena swallowed the lump in her throat, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of his gaze. For once, she didn’t shy away. Instead, she smiled, letting the warmth of his words settle deep inside her. Maybe—just maybe—she could let herself believe it.Asher smirked, brushing a stray droplet of water from Elena’s cheek. “You’re staring.” Elena blinked, feeling heat rise to her already flushed face. “I am not.” He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Oh? So you weren’t just admiring me?” Elena scoffed, trying to fig
"Asher, I don’t have anything to wear," Elena said, crossing her arms over her chest. Asher smirked, the mischief in his eyes undeniable. "You’re wearing something now, aren’t you?" He gestured to her shorts and tank top. Elena’s lips pressed together, contemplating. The river was beautiful, its cyan surface shimmering under the afternoon sun, but the idea of undressing, even partially, made her hesitate. Asher noticed her apprehension and took a step closer, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You trust me, don’t you?" His voice was soft, patient. "Of course, I do," she said without hesitation. "Then come in," he said simply. Elena bit her lip, the internal war raging inside her. She was tired of letting her past dictate her present. She had come so far. This was just another step. Asher, seeing her uncertainty, reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head in one smooth motion, tossing it onto the riverbank. Elena’s breath hitched as she to