Free Revelation by Randi Cooley Wilson Page B

I figured milk chocolate would be too sweet for you,” he taunts.
    We both sit in comfortable silence for a moment before I bravely decide to speak. “Who owns the house?”
    “This house belongs to Keegan, Ca llan and myself,” Asher says. “We also have a similar home in London. Both estates were left to us by our parents,” He’s watching my reaction.
    M y gaze moves to the flames before returning to him. “Do Abby and McKenna stay here often?” I ask, trying to ignore the ridiculous twinge of envy brought on at the thought of them being so close to Asher.
    He smirks knowingly. “Yes. Our parents and their parents were all very close friends. The six of them were also in business together. The girls’ mothers were sisters and married men who were more like brothers to my father than friends. Making us all family,” he recounts. “We spent most of our childhood with Abby and Kenna. Schools, vacations, holidays, family functions, well, you get the picture. When all six of our parents didn’t return after a business trip, Keegan sort of became our guardian.”
    Without thought , I reach for his hand and gently squeeze it. “I’m sorry.”  I see his gaze intensify again, the energy between us buzzing.
    “It’s okay . We have a great family unit here.” Asher’s voice is raw. Indigo eyes flicker to my hand still on his. His brows furrow as his eyes lift, connecting to mine while confusion flitters across his face.
    H e leans forward. His left hand brushes a stray hair off my face and tucks it back behind my ear. My mouth goes dry. Asher’s beautiful face is blemished with uncertainty.
    My body stills and I close my eyes, afraid any movement will cause his retreat.
    I feel his body move closer as the c ouch dips. Taking my chin between his fingers, he leans in as a shiver works its way down my spine.
    “Open your eyes,” he whispers so low I almost miss it.
    At his hushed command , my lids flutter open, locking onto his indigo eyes. They’re faintly glowing, which is odd, but I assume it must be an effect of the flames. He licks his lips, his heat radiating onto and into me. Asher’s eyes scan me, unhurried.
    His voice is thick. “You’re not what I expected, siren.”
    I frown. “ I’m not sure how to respond to that.”
    He smiles sadly. “You’re stronger than I thought you would be.” His tone is contemplative.
    “How would you know?” My eyes dart to his parted lips.
    Asher leans in even closer. His breath tickles my lips. I swallow hard. Kiss me, I plead in my head. His vulnerable gaze locks onto mine as our lips come within millimeters of brushing one another. My eyes close in anticipation of our lips merging.
    “EVES? ASH? You guys around?” Callan shouts.
    We both jerk away from each other at an amazing speed as Callan’s booming voice startles us, severing the connection. Crap . Asher blows out a long breath as if, once again, pulling himself out of a daze.
    I squirm, my eyes never leaving Asher’s, as Callan and Abby bounce in.
    Ignorant as to having just walked in on us during a private moment, Callan plops on the couch between us while Abby stands, eyes as round as saucers at having noticed the awkward situation.
    “Watchya doing , kids?” Callan teases, delighted in our close proximity.
    “Nothing ,” Asher responds in a flat tone.
    Abby looks between both of us , her eyes studying our body language.
    “Is everyone hungry? Abby and I got steaks, asparagus, and potatoes for mashing. Who’s in?” Callan looks around, oblivious to the tension.
    “ Sounds good.” My voice quivers as my body recovers.
    Callan smiles as he suddenly realizes what he interrupted. He puts one hand on both Asher’s and my knees and pushes himself into a standing position. “To the kitchen, everyone. It’s time we get to know Eves better while Ash peels potatoes for the family dinner!” Callan announces with great dramatics.
    Asher and I exchange tired looks. It’s going to be a long