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Billie
Thank you.
My cousin sends me a thumbs-up emoji, and I lock my phone, returning to my racing thoughts. I don’t know how long I sit on the couch, lost in my own head. The only thing that pulls me away is a knock.
Our secret knock.Knock, knock, pause, knock.
I open the door to find Asher standing there, his eyes full of concern.
I pull him inside with me, needing his presence like air.
“Brody told me, and I rushed here,” he mutters before capturing my lips in a kiss.
I melt into him, missing him so damn much. He pulls me into a hug, holding me tight against him. I inhale his cologne—a scent that feels like home, wishing I could bottle it up and keep it with me always.
“I’ve missed you,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Fuck, I’ve missed you too,” he replies, and I can see the exhaustion etched across his face. “Have you received any other threatening messages?”
“No.” I force myself to smile, but it’s weak, fractured, like a cracked mirror.
He shakes his head, cupping my face gently in his hands. “What could he have on you?”
I let out a shaky breath, trying to steady my thoughts. “I don’t know. Text messages? We were together for four years, Ash. He could release every conversation we’d ever had.”
Anger flashes through Asher’s eyes. “I won’t let this happen.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about,” I whisper, gripping his shirt and pulling him closer. “It’s you, Ash. I can’t lose you.”
“There is nothing Josh could ever say that would make me give you up.” His expression softens instantly, protectiveness mixing with raw vulnerability. “You won’t lose me. Ever. This love isn’t fragile, Billie. It’s fucking bulletproof. No matter what happens, it’s you and me against the world.”
Emotion wells in my chest, relief mixing with determination. “You promise?”
“I swear it,” he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my lips, grounding me in this moment. “You’re mine. Nothing changes that.”
I breathe out, surrendering completely to the warmth of his embrace. His touch ignites something deep within me, melting away the lingering fears that have held me captive. He kisses me slowly, deeply, his mouth tasting of promises and forever. His hands slide gently down my body, stripping away the layers, both physical and emotional. My heart races, my breath catches, and my entire world narrows to just him.
The fading light casts shadows across our bodies as we kiss. It’s tender yet possessive, each movement echoing the depth of our commitment—a silent vow that we’ll face whatever comes our way together.
“You’re mine, princess.” His whispered words against my skin send shivers down my spine. His hands thread through my hair as he kisses my forehead, eyelashes, and cheeks. It feels like worship.
“You’re everything,” I whisper against his lips. “Everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Tears prick my eyes as I cling to him, overwhelmed by the emotions surging through me. He presses his forehead against mine, our breaths mingling as we spiral together. This—us—is worth every risk, every sacrifice.
Asher Banks is my future, my heart, my home.
And I’ll fight anyone who dares to threaten that.
“I’ll go to war for you,” he confesses, pressing his lips gently against mine. “Fuck, I already have.”
I wakeup to Asher’s legs tangled around mine, a warm weight that anchors me to this moment. His strong arm is like a fortress over my body, and I feel the steady rhythm of his breath against my neck.
“Good morning,” he whispers, his voice rough, pulling me closer, as if he’s afraid to let go.
I turn to face him, our noses almost brushing, morning breath and all. A grin breaks across my face, and I feel like I’m dreaming. I always do when it’s just us and the fluttering of our hearts.
“Ash, I want to wake up like this every day. I know it’s a tall order, but I can’t stand the thought of going days without you,” I confess, my heart racing. “And I miss your smart-ass mouth.”