The Billionaire's Offer

Chapter 18

Would they still be together if we hadn't entered our own arrangement?

"Did she know that it was over when you met her for drinks?" I ask, needing to know the truth, even if it hurts.

Asher's eyes show me the answer before he can say anything. A flicker of guilt passes through his gaze, and I brace myself for what comes next.

"I told her I was happily engaged and about to get married in a few weeks," he says, his gaze locked with mine.

"But she still wanted what you two had before."

Asher sighs, his shoulders slumping. "I guess it doesn't matter what she wants, but what I want, right? And I want you, as hard as it is for you to believe me."

I wish things were that simple. They'd been together for years, and in theory, they'd never ended their relationship. Besides, no matter how fabricated those photos could be, there was a clear connection between them. I can't help but feel like he still cares about her.

And now she's back in the picture. I hate that.

God, when did I become this woman?

"Thanks for telling me about her," I whisper, running the tip of my fingers over his cheek. There's nothing else I can say or do right now.

He leans into my touch, pulling me to him. "I hate fighting with you, Em," he murmurs against my hair.

I draw back slightly to look at him. "Me too."

"Are we okay?" he asks, his eyes full of hope.

I nod. "Yeah..."

Leaning in, he presses his lips to mine and tears prickle behind my eyes. I wish I weren't so broken. If I were a normal person, everything he just told me would make sense. I'd open up about my past and explain to him where all these insecurities come from and we'd be able to move past this.

Instead, I'm choosing to box all these feelings of inadequacy and jealousy inside and surrendering to the feel of his lips on mine.

"I love kissing you..." I murmur over his mouth, smiling when he lets out a low, husky groan.

"Yeah?" He breathes, his fingers threading through my hair, creating a tingling sensation that dances along my spine. "Show me."

Turning my head, I press my lips to his throat, then slide up his cheek. Playfully, I bite his jaw and use my tongue to soothe the sting. He moans, and I seal my mouth over his.

It stars softly and teasingly, his tongue stroking across my bottom lip. Then one of his hands cups my nape and the other slides down to grab my butt. Tilting his head, he kisses me faster in long deep licks that make me breathless.

I moan, pulling him closer. The weight of his body pressing over mine is so good that I wish we could bottle up this feeling.

He's kissing me with everything he has, and I love it. I want all of this. His hunger. His passion. His love. Everything.

It wasn't until he got back and bulldozed his way into my life and my heart that I realized how much I was waiting for him.

So much happened after he left. So much. I forced myself to go on with my life and to make sense of the world without him by my side.

I created a life outside my father's name and his constant pressure.

I broke free from an abusive relationship even if I still carry its scars.

I forced myself to give Frank a chance, even if things were never so serious between us, just to prove myself I owned my body and not Zack.

I never thought I'd be brave enough to build a woman's shelter or that I'd survive seeing it burned to the ground, but I did.

Yet...

A big part of my heart was missing.

Asher.

"I love you so much," he says, his lips moving against mine, his touch making me hotter.

"So much..." I press my hands to his chest, pulling his shirt open. The fabric gives way to the warmth of his skin.

My fingers trace the contours of his smooth and toned muscles, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my touch.

Asher's hands explore the curves of my body, igniting sparks of electricity with every touch. His lips trail down my neck, leaving a fire in their wake. My senses are heightened, and all I can think about is how much I want him.

"Em..." he murmurs over my lips, breaking the kiss. "Take off your clothes," he says as he stands up and quickly gets rid of his.

A shiver runs through me at the intensity of his gaze, and I slowly sit up, feeling the weight of his eyes on me.

With deliberate slowness, I let my fingers trace the buttons of my blouse. As the fabric falls away, exposing the swell of my breasts, I catch the hunger intensifying in his gaze.

The cool night breeze brushes against my skin, and I notice the subtle tightening of my nipples. It's a sensation I can't ignore, and I revel in the knowledge that he's watching, completely captivated.

His lips part slightly as I reach behind to unclasp my bra, the garment slipping away. The moonlight caresses the contours of my body, and it seems to amplify the desire in his eyes.

I lie back down, the sheets beneath me cool against my bare skin.

"Everything." His voice, rough with need, breaks the silence.

The command sends a jolt of arousal through me and my breath catches.

His eyes linger on me, waiting, and I can feel the intensity of his gaze like a physical touch. I don't move. and Asher shakes his head.

He's looking at me as he's ready to devour me.

And I want him to.

His eyes are dark with lust, and he's so hard he's throbbing. Yet, he just stares at me, his tongue darting out as he licks his lower lip.

Then, his focus moves downward, and I tease him by slowly sliding my pants off.

Fully naked now, I watch as Asher stands before me, his body sculpted and taut. His eyes rake over my form, and I revel in the raw desire etched on his face.

"Fuck." His nostrils flare, and the intensity of his desire makes my pulse quicken.

His hair is falling over his eyes and his abs are tight with tension. I could look at him like this forever.

With his eyes lock onto mine, he takes a step closer. He dips one knee into the mattress, his strong thigh brushing against mine.

Then, he shakes his head, as if contemplating what to do with me. His hands trace a path up my thighs, a slow burn that sends shivers through me. The weight of his gaze intensifies as he hovers over me, his lips a breath away from mine.

Right now, the world narrows down to the space between us, and all I can think about is him inside me.

Spreading my leg wider, I give him a slow, lazy smile. "I'm naked now. What are you going to do about it?"

_____

A/N: *clears throat* Makeup sex is always the best, right? Hehe

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