Page 23
LUNA
I decided to put on my pajamas. If we were living together like this, I wouldn’t stay dressed as if I were a guest. They paused mid-conversation as I opened the door. Two sets of eyes tracked me, slow and deliberate—I felt thoroughly appraised.
I put more confidence than I felt into my walk and carefully sat between them on the couch. Connor, who’d been leaning forward, talking to Ash, moved back to his side, giving me space. I couldn’t wait until I didn't have to move so damn carefully.
“Want the blanket?” Connor asked, eyes on my legs, already standing to grab it from where it was folded over the back of the couch.
“Thank you.” I placed it over my legs.
He queued up the episode. We watched—it turned out I hadn’t missed much.
But I felt weird. Like there was a gap between us all when it felt natural to be closer.
I had to be careful. They were so invested that without this bond completed, they were at a disadvantage.
But I wanted to know where I fit. I didn't want to be an accessory they needed but didn't want to have.
I tucked the blanket up to my chin, watching the screen, though I barely registered it.
I couldn’t sleep. Waking alone, the silence of the house pressed on me. Quietly, I made my way upstairs, drawn like a moth to Ash’s room.
The hallway was quiet, the moonlight soft and cool on the polished floor as I crept toward Ash’s room. My heart hammered—half from nerves, half from a pull I couldn’t explain.
I pushed the door open slowly. There he was, stretched out across that huge bed—his chest rising and falling with steady breaths, muscles relaxed yet defined even in sleep.
The moonlight kissed every line of him—strong shoulders, a bare arm draped across the pillow, the curve of his jaw shadowed by dark stubble. His hair was tousled, his skin glowing in the pale light.
Something inside me twisted—an ache, a warmth spreading low in my belly.
I swallowed, then stepped inside, closing the door behind me.
Ash stirred immediately, eyes fluttering open, alert.
“Luna?” His voice was thick, low.
“Can I stay?” My voice was barely a whisper.
He didn’t hesitate. He shifted the covers, patting the space beside him.
I crawled toward him, heart pounding, and slid under the warm covers.
His arms wrapped around me, steady and sure, pulling me close.
His breath was warm against my temple as he kissed me softly.
The tension inside me unwound just a little.
I felt safe here.
I fell asleep quickly, but not before my fingers traced the taut planes of his chest beneath the thin shirt, memorizing every muscle.
Sunlight spilled across us. I woke, the heat of his body pressed against mine like a magnet.
My cheek rested against his bare skin, and every breath he took sent a thrill through me.
His hand moved slowly across my back, fingers brushing over bare skin exposed by my t-shirt riding up.
I pressed a kiss to his chest without thinking, lips soft and searching.
He smiled, eyes warm and steady.
“Good morning, Luna.”
His voice vibrated against my skin, deep and steady.
I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze—the slow burn in his eyes matched by the fire rising inside me.
“I came to you,” I whispered.
“Yeah.” He nodded, hand threading through mine under the blanket, holding me close.
I let my fingers wander, tracing his muscles, feeling the heat of him beneath my touch.
The ache between my legs was new, unfamiliar, but undeniable.
“Are you… Smelling me?” I teased quietly, breath warm against his cheek.
He chuckled. “Doesn’t sound so good when you put it like that.”
My hand slid up to cup his jaw, rough with stubble.
His control shattered.
He leaned down, lips capturing mine in a kiss that left me breathless.
My hands clutched at his shoulders, desperate to know this was real.
His lips trailed down my neck, reverent and searching.
“I don’t know what this is,” I whispered.
“Neither do I,” he admitted. “But it’s everything I’ve waited for.”
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23 (Reading here)
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39