by Aria Cole
“Asher?” I smiled, pulling away. “I was waiting for you to ask me that.” I placed a quick, friendly kiss on the deep bow of his beautiful lips before I darted from my spot on the chair and giggled, hearing his footsteps follow me through the doors, up the stairs, and right into the master cave of his bedroom, the one he’d given me my first night here.
“I should have been here that first night.” Asher’s hands pushed into my hair as he laid me back on his fluffy king bed and kissed me. “But I will have you here every single night after this.” His eyes lit with temptation as his palms smoothed up underneath the cotton of my shirt and over the rounded shape of my breasts.
“Asher?” I moaned.
“Yes, princess?” He pulled at my shirt with his teeth, and I was anxious, feeling his eyes scanning my curvy body.
“Should we do this the first night the boys are here?” I asked awkwardly.
“You sound like a mother hen.” He chuckled and licked at my naval, dancing his tongue around the circle before pulling at the waistband of my sleep shorts. I squirmed as arousal flooded between my thighs. I was desperate to feel the slow stretch of his dick invading me.
“I can’t help it. I worry,” I mumbled, before his fingertips dusted across my burning nipples. “Asherrrr.” The word slipped out on a moan as all thought ceased and only his hands on my skin remained.
Chapter 20
Asher
“Keep giving me those sweet moans, music to my ears, baby.” My hands roamed her silken skin, pushing the cotton of her shirt above her torso, my eyes savoring the soft dips and curves of her body in my bed. I wanted her, I needed her. I needed to know we were okay and we’d gotten through this better, stronger, without resentment or barriers to our future.
“I was so worried when you left today,” I said as my hands trailed up her naked body, pure pleasure coursing through me at the feel of her against me. “Every fear I had flashed in front of me. Were you hurt, did someone take you, had you left? I never want to feel that way again.”
I plumped one of her full breasts in my palm and latched onto a succulent nipple, tasting it on my tongue, rocking my hips between her legs, driving her as crazy as she did me on a daily basis. “Does that feel good?” I moved to her other nipple, a choked moan my only response as her hands tugged at my hair. “So sweet, so pure and innocent.”
I moved down her body, taking my time with her, aware every move I made sent another sigh of pleasure whispering past her lips. Like a song to my ears, I played her body until my fingers found her soft, damp folds, eagerly welcoming my rough fingers. My appetite got the better of me, and I moved between her thighs and attached my lips to her clit, flicking my tongue and nipping with my teeth until her hands were clutching and clenching in my hair, her thighs tight around my ears as she rode her orgasm.
Unable to contain myself a second longer and while her body was still trembling with arousal, I sheathed myself in her hot body and relished the feeling of being home. Every moment I was inside her was like a gift, a new and blissful sensation, a feeling I hadn’t known existed. My fingers worked her clit fervently as I leaned over her soft body and latched onto her nipples, pulling in long slow sucks until her moans started up again, driving me to my own hard and fast orgasm.
I grunted as my muscles tensed and I felt myself release inside her, her own orgasm fisting around me as she cried and sang and came in a rush of pleasure. My breathing heavy, I collapsed next to her instantly, pulling her into my body, my chest heaving with pants as her own eyes drifted closed with sweet release. My Eve. My beautiful dream come true, Eve.
“I know you’ve been through a lot. I know you don’t have a single reason to believe me, but I’ll never hurt you,” I confessed against the sweet dampness of her skin. “I know everything since day one has been complicated and cloudy, but my love for you isn't, Eve. It never was. I love you with everything I am. I’ll protect you with all the power I have. And I’ll love you with every fiber of me forever. Please know that.” I caressed the dark locks of hair at her temple, her soft, ruby lips parted as she breathed quietly.
“I believe you. I believe you with my entire heart. I’ve never met anyone like you. The feeling I had when you first walked into that room was different. Everything about you is different, and I know with every inch of my soul that you’re good, you’re right for me. You’re right where I need to be,” she finished, placing a soft kiss on my lips. My beautiful, sweet angel.
First Epilogue
Eve
I sucked in a giant gulp of cool air as Jenna tightened the lacing on the back of my dress. I smiled when she put the finishing touches on my lipstick, and then slipped my soles into the cobalt blue heels I’d chosen to wear today. Not an easy feat, but I loved them. I wanted to have my princess moment and I was finally getting it. Much sooner than I ever expected, but getting it still. In a big way.
I took a moment to pause when Jenna packaged up her make-up tools at the small makeshift vanity in Asher’s office. My lips turned up as I looked out over the sparkling, powdery white yard, down to the icy blue lake and the beautiful weeping willow at one edge. The tree had meant so much, and Asher’s prophecy had come true.
Set up next to the frozen tree was a large white canopy, flowing with every shade of white flower known to man, along with vibrant red apples arranged in bundles that added a stunning pop of color to an already beautiful scene. My mind immediately chased back to the memory not so long ago of Asher and an apple in his kitchen. He’d included those apples in the decor because so many of our sweetest moments revolved around the apples that’d grown in his orchard.
It was a wedding plucked right from a fairy tale, and I’d been pinching myself at all the various intervals. From the swags hung with blood red roses to the full ball gown with the sweetheart neckline and delicate lace and beadwork. This moment was my fairy tale, and he was my prince.
Asher and Eve.
Butterflies turned in my stomach as I pressed my hands to my belly and thought I’d need to get out of this dress soon. The waist pinched and the shoes rubbed. I was also praying that my mascara wouldn’t run with the tears of happiness that would soon be blurring my vision.
“Ready, Eve?” Jenna, the assistant Asher had hired to help me through this process of wedding planning and life adjustment, had been a godsend. Jenna had become like the sister I’d never had in the six months she’d been with me. She was good people, just like Asher and Peggy. I trusted them with my life, and even more importantly, my heart.
“I’m ready.” I nodded and swallowed the anxious lump in my throat before turning and flashing her a smile. “I’ve been counting down the days to this. I’m more than ready.” I smiled brightly. We looped arms and strode through the house.
Jenna slipped open the wide French doors and gave a small wave, then I heard soft music start. Tears instantly burned my eyes as I recognized the wedding march played sweetly by a lone violinist.
Just another of Asher’s touches. He’d spared no expense and leapt right into wedding-planning mode after he’d proposed to me with a ring more expensive than any house I’d ever lived in. I’d said yes and fallen into his arms as happy tears surged down my cheeks. The boys and I had only been with Asher for three months, but even by then, I’d known. I’d known by the very first weekend that he was the one I was meant to walk this earth with. From the second he’d sauntered into my life, the energy had become charged with something, as if the energetic mix of him and me caused a combustible reaction in the atoms between us. There was no turning from him. I was as hopeless to his force as I was to anything I loved with fierce faith and loyalty in my life.
Within days of the boys moving into Asher’s estate, an FBI raid splashed across evening news headlines. Various arrests were made at the escort service that day, including Shoshanna. I’d cried tears of happiness knowing no other woman would undergo the monstrous circumstances I had. Asher had been central in orchestrating the take down of one of t
he most notorious high-end escort services in the tri-state area. Just one more reason I loved him with every fiber of my soul.
“Ready, sister?” Julian’s soothing voice reached my ears, and my muscles instantly relaxed. I caught his warm gaze as he looped my arm in his elbow. I’d asked him to walk me down the aisle today, and he’d promised he’d have it no other way. I was so glad. I’d missed him since he’d left.
Shortly after Asher and I were engaged, Julian came to us with his GED and a plan to go to college across the country, in California. My heart had nearly broken on the spot, but with Asher’s hand clasped tightly in my own, I’d swallowed back my own sorrow at his leaving and given him the biggest hug I could manage. He deserved this. This was a second chance for all of us, and I was so proud of him for taking his.
After the boys had moved in, I’d began digging into colleges almost immediately and was now enrolled at the local community college. I’d have a few long years ahead of me, but I hoped to have my social work degree in less than four years. I was anxious to get to work helping disadvantaged and forgotten kids, just like the one I’d been.
“Thanks for coming all this way, brother,” I sighed, feeling my heart warm with every ounce of love thrown at me this day.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He placed a quick kiss on the apple of my cheek, and then we stepped into the aisle that would lead us down to the willow. The violin played and Julian took slow measured steps in time with the chords. When we turned a small bend and Asher came into view, my heart nearly fell to my feet.
He was stunning—his dark hair pushed back smartly, a crisp black tux, and one sexy flash of red at his pocket. I wanted to run to him, kiss him like no one was watching, and thank him for loving me. For loving all of us. My eyes cast over the two young men at his side, Mason and Grant, my other brothers. They looked handsome as ever, and more uncomfortable than ever, waiting for me to arrive. I smiled brighter, seeing them standing there, representing all the love in my life on this special day.
I knew instinctively I should be smiling and acknowledging everyone in the chairs as I passed, but I couldn't peel my eyes from the man who would soon be my husband. Most of these were Asher’s friends anyway, a few distant family members, a small group of fewer than thirty people. I had who I cared about—not another person on the planet mattered to me more than the men right here with me.
I felt tears climbing up my throat and threatening to overflow before I heard Jenna’s nagging voice in my head reminding me not to cry today for fear of raccoon eyes.
With a final few steps, my eyes locked with Asher’s. Julian held out his elbow, and I unhooked myself from him and connected with Asher’s waiting palm. With that simple touch, I connected myself to him for an eternity.
“Finally,” Asher whispered softly when I was close enough to hear, his lips placing a delicate kiss at my neck before my happiness overtook all else, my smile so big it might crack my cheeks, my heart so full I didn’t think anything better could exist. I was wrong. There was so much more to come, and life with Asher would only get bigger, and so much better.
***
Asher
With the ceremony and photography session over, and the guests filtering back to the house to celebrate with wine and hors d’oeuvres, I snagged my girl by the hand and walked her to the shoreline. “Okay, angel?” I pulled her down with me onto the small bench. I needed a moment with her. There may be one thousand more in my future, but I needed this one.
“I’m so much more than okay,” she murmured. “I didn’t think I could be this happy. Thank you for giving me such a magical day.” Her eyes finally turned, and the water hovering at her eyelids nearly undid me on the spot. I had so much love for this woman it couldn’t be expressed with words.
“You're as stunning and pure as the driven snow, Eve White. My life was messy and dirty before you. You are like that snow, landing in my life and making it a wonder. Because of you, I know that the future is bright for both of us.”
My wife. How had I ever gotten so lucky? I’d thought I’d have to lock her into a contract for two years to work on her, get her to hear me out and understand that I needed her like air to breathe. “After that first weekend with you…” I trailed off as my thoughts lingered on all those months ago. “You changed everything. You’re the wild card I didn’t see coming. My life is so much fuller with you in it, and all your baggage,” I teased and watched as her eyes lit with laughter. “I love making you laugh. I hope I never stop.” My eyes softened again. “I love waking up to you in the morning.” I planted a soft kiss on her lips. “And I love listening to you sing in the shower.” I snagged another kiss as she rolled her beautiful eyes. “Thank you for marrying me.”
She hummed against my lips as my palms trailed down to her waist, imagining the vibrant tiny heartbeat I knew to be there.
“So when are we going to tell them?” I asked, referring to the guests back in the house.
“An announcement during your toast would be fun,” she answered as light reflected off her dark curls. She looked so damn happy today. Radiant.
“Maybe I’m not ready to share you just yet.” I smoothed a palm over her belly, only gently protruding and hidden beneath layers of lace and satin.
Four months pregnant.
It’d been confirmed just last week. We’d both been late to spot the symptoms, chalking much of it up to stress on her system. And then I’d come home to a positive pregnancy test perched perfectly on top of my pillow.
I’d nearly tackled her in joy. So unexpected, so welcome. There would be no shortage of love in this home.
“Maybe once we find out if it’s a girl or boy,” Eve said as she placed her palms over my own, encircling her abdomen and our baby.
“Definitely a boy,” I said, bending my head to place a proud kiss there.
“There are enough boys around here! I want pigtails and princesses!” she laughed as her fingertips dusted across the nape of my neck and sent my system into overdrive. I gritted my teeth, thinking I only had a few more hours of playing pretend before I could bring her upstairs and unwrap her like my own priceless gift.
I grunted and then took her lips in a more promising kiss. “I’ve got plans for you tonight.” I dragged my teeth across the plump flesh of her bottom lip. “I can’t wait to get inside you.”
“Oh?” She sighed and shifted, lust glazing her eyes as her palm went to my crotch, feeling the rock-hard steel between my thighs.
“I was hard all through that ceremony. I wanted to tell the pastor to hurry the fuck up so I could get you alone and see what’s under this dress.” My hands played with the fabric, trying to pull it up to reveal her legs, but only finding more fabric and less flesh.
Her laugh echoed in the chilled air around us as the sun glinted vibrantly off the lake. “You’ll never find anything under there as long as I’m wearing this.” She gestured at the dress. “But wait till you see what I bought for tonight.” Her eyes shone with mischief. She stood and pulled me up by my hand. I rose, cupping her cheeks in my palms and planting a long, slow kiss across her mouth.
I loved this woman more than I loved myself. She meant more, she cared more, she loved harder, and she loved me.
“You just made me the luckiest man alive,” I murmured against her lips, our foreheads resting together, endless love pulsing with every heartbeat between us. When I’d finally found her, I’d found myself.
***
Eve
I hooked the spaghetti straps of the expensive lingerie over my shoulders and then did a little twirl in the master bathroom. Asher was waiting out there, my new husband. My stomach rattled with butterflies as I took in the full, overflowing D-cups in the mirror, the generous curves that would only grow fuller with pregnancy, and my long dark hair trailing across one shoulder.
I hoped he loved it.
I sighed, turning to my profile and admiring the small bump that was slowly popping. Our child. I’d been shocked to
discover I was pregnant, but from the first moment, my mothering instincts had kicked in, and I wanted nothing more than to raise a happy, healthy child that would never want for love a single day of its life. If I had it my way, our family would grow bigger with every passing year.
“Okay in there?” Asher rapped on the door, and I smiled.
“I’m coming,” I sang softly, adoring the sound of my husband’s voice. The comfort it brought. The love and protection I’d so desperately needed, now given to me by one of the most beautiful men I’d ever met, inside and out. He’d embraced me and my makeshift family without hesitation, and that had said much more than flowery words ever could.
I heard Asher clear his voice, no doubt anxious for my entrance after I’d teased him earlier about my purchase. This season’s La Perla, the price tag had been hefty, but Jenna had assured me it was worth the sticker shock just to see Asher’s reaction.
I was about to find out.
I turned the knob and stepped into the bedroom, my eyes instantly finding the man I loved.
He sat back on the bed, his tie and shirt collar loose and hanging haphazardly, his shirt untucked, the dark slacks of his suit unzipped and unbuttoned, hanging open and waiting for me.
I instantly wanted to crawl up his body, unbutton those pearly white buttons with my teeth, then lick every square inch of his hard, beautiful body.
“Jesus, Eve.” His low growl floated on the air between us and turned my knees to jelly. My husband was calling.
A half smile turned my lips as I did my best to walk seductively like Jenna and I had practiced one night over bridal magazines. “What are you doing to me, angel?” Asher’s palm slid down the front of his pants, and I watched in lustful fascination as he squeezed his thick length through the fabric.
“Oh, God,” A moan slipped out when I reached the edge of the bed. Asher’s eyes flared as his gaze trailed up and down my body. “You’re so beautiful. Everything about you makes me want to cover you with my lips. I want to be buried inside you until it feels so good neither one of us can think straight.”
