Asher moves back slightly to look me in the eyes. “Hurt is not a one-way feeling, Ella. If things end between us in the future, you would not be the only one to suffer. This is not a one-sided risk. The thought of how it would feel to lose you keeps me up at night. So, I know you’re scared, but I’m scared too. I want all the things you want. I just have to find a way to make them happen while also keeping you safe.”
I let out a long breath.
Woah. I hadn’t thought about it that way. I’ve been so caught up in protecting myself and keeping myself safe that I forgot that this is a risk for Asher as well.
“You chose your business before me,” I whisper, knowing that this is still one of my hang-ups. “I asked you to trust methat I’d handle the story with Kyle, and you didn’t. You asked for something I wasn’t willing to give because you were worried about the board and their threats.”
I want to trust Asher, but I don’t know if I can handle always playing second fiddle to his business. I understand he’s a massively successful businessman, and I don’t have a problem with that, but I do if it means that his business is always his first and most important priority.
“I know.” He brushes his thumb over my chin. “I fucked up. And I’m sorry. I can’t change my actions, but I can promise to try to be better in the future.”
I sigh, knowing he’s got a valid point. The fact that he’s willing to try gives me a lot of comfort. Asher doesn’t make empty promises, so if he says he’ll try, then that’s exactly what he’ll do.
“So, back to my extra credit.” He tugs me to him until I’m flush against his chest. “I’m thinking I want to start on it immediately.”
“I didn’t agree to it yet.”
“Oh, Ms. Hale. You’re cute when you think you can win against me.”
6
ASHER
Irelieve Ella of the last few closed buttons on her blouse, but instead of diving headfirst into cleavage like I want to, I suck in a breath and just take her in. Her eyes are unsure, and I can’t blame her. I didn’t lie when I said I was scared, too. Every day I spend with this woman is a day I fall harder for her. If this ends, it will destroy me. No question. But I can’t budge on the fact that I will destroy myself before I bring her harm.
“We both want the same thing. Don’t forget that.” I brush my thumb along her full bottom lip. “But we don’t have to think about the future today.”
And since I can’t take another second of looking at those lips and not tasting them, I press my mouth to hers and let out a groan of relief when she kisses me back. A spark burns between us, and I know I shouldn’t be pushing this here and now but fuck if I can stop myself. I kiss her like I’ve been fantasizing about for the last three days, and finally, I feel like a part of my sanity clicks back into place.
And it ignites the beast inside me.
I wrap one arm around her lower back and press so that herback is slightly arched, then I pull down the cups of her bra, springing her breasts free. I move my mouth from hers and bend down to swipe my tongue over her nipple. She lets out a breathy moan as I suck on one breast while I knead the other in my palm.
“Asher . . . we’re in the office.” Her voice is breathless, and her paper-thin argument seems to die as her fingers slide into my hair.
“I don’t give a fuck,” I say as I switch my mouth from one breast to the other.
“I—”
“Extra credit,” I growl against her skin. “I earned it fair and square.”
To help her make up her mind, I slip my hand up her skirt and brush my fingers over her panties, grinning when I find her wet for me. She groans, but it sounds like it’s as much from hesitance as it is from pleasure.
“Please, baby. Don’t keep the one thing I want away from me.”
“And what’s that?” Her voice is barely more than a whisper.
“You.”
“Asher,” she groans, still trying to put up a fight.
“Ella.”
“I . . .”
“Extra. Credit,” I growl.
She huffs. “O-okay.”
