The heroine realizes she’s not meant for the hero’s world… but then he kisses her again and those lines start to blur and once again, she’s left confused.
21
GRACE
Asher and I don't revisit that kiss. I make sure of it by avoiding him at all costs. It's probably not great for building the image of our fake relationship, but Asher doesn't push it. He doesn't ask me to do anything.
For the most part, I stay in our room and read on my Kindle while alternating between lounging by our private pool or in bed. Asher comes and goes, but mostly goes, leaving me to my own devices.
Which I've been content with. Until tonight. I’m becoming a bit feral and itchy for socialization.
"You're coming to dinner."
I lift my head from where I'm cocooned in our white comforter, Kindle in hand and a bag of chips beside me.
Just because I want to talk to people doesn't mean I want to talk tothosepeople. Beyond the safety of our room is Asher's family, and Celeste made it clear they aren't happy with this marriage arrangement.
"Why?"
He takes an easy stride to me, yanking at the white comforter I'm wrapped in until it falls, revealing me in another set of matching pajamas from Vivian.
"You're in your pajamas in the middle of the day while you're in another country. Have you even moved all day?"
"Yes!" I argue, but then snap my mouth closed. I only climbed out of bed to grab the room service I ordered, but then crawled right back in. It's not like it's that bad; I was planning to shower eventually…
Asher gives me a stern look. "Get up. Shower. Get dressed."
"But—"
He puts his hand up, silencing me mid-sentence.
"This is not a request, Grace."
My jaw parts, a fight brewing on the tip of my tongue. How dare he order me around?
Except, a tingle spreads through my body and lands straight in my core.
I close my lips and turn off my Kindle, swinging my legs off the bed and moving wordlessly toward the bathroom.
"Good girl."
Warmth floods my body; so much so, I freeze. Why do those words make me feel so…good?
I ignore the heat that’s building and slip into the bathroom as fast as possible. The shower cools me down, and by the time I exit, I'm feeling put together again.
Asher is waiting for me, sitting on the edge of the bed, fingers tapping away on his phone, as usual. I walk past him in my towel, moving to the dresser where my things are unpacked, rooting through until I find a simple linen dress. I pull it on, attempting to hide my body as I do.
He's supposed to be my fiancé, but I'm not sure we've graduated to being naked in front of each other.
When I'm dressed and ready, Asher finally looks up from his phone, eyes scanning over me, leaving me feeling like I'm being checked for flaws.
"You look nice," he says simply.
"Uh, thanks."
And then he pockets the phone and stands, reaching for me to take one of my arms. He tugs me in until I'm only a few inches from him, the heat from his body warming mine. Lifting one hand, he reaches up to brush my hair behind my ear.
