Free White by Aria Cole

her lips before trailing my tongue down the line of her delicate neck to place kisses beneath her earlobe. “And once you’ve had me, you won’t ever be able to walk away. Do you think you’re ready for that?” I husked, sucking her lobe into my mouth and enjoying the taste of her skin on my tongue.
    She swallowed once, her eyes falling closed before the timer went off on my coffee. I licked my lips, more certain than ever in my decision to wait. “I didn’t think so either. But I promise you, it will be soon.” I kissed her on the lips one last time, then smacked her thigh playfully, before leaving her breathless and perched on the counter while I crossed the kitchen to pour my cup of coffee. “I’ll be in my office if you need anything.” I flashed her a grin as I left the room, headed for my office to check the morning’s emails.  
    Let the little minx toss that one around for a while.

eleven
    Eve
    My heart pounded like wild horses on the sand as I finished my coffee and the apple he’d taken a defiant bite of. That bite had nearly had me swooning in a pool at his feet. His stubbled jaw working the flesh, the flex and pull of his throat when he’d finally swallowed, the memory of it alone made my heart flutter. For the sake of a much needed distraction, I busied myself in my room for a while, before heading into the library of his living room to peruse his vast collection. I wasn’t able to focus, his words on repeat in my mind when he’d pushed me up against the counter this morning.  
    Are you ready for me?
    You’ll never be able to walk away.
    What did that mean? Why did it have an edge of danger, and why did he excite me so much? I caught a glimpse of the sun shining off the lake outside the windows, and I headed for the French doors that opened onto the wraparound porch. I took a deep breath of the fresh air, then padded out on bare feet across the sun-warmed steps and down onto the vibrant green grass.  
    I’d never been to a place so beautiful, much less lived in one. Feeling the sun caress my skin, I walked down to the small path that bordered the orchard and lake. When I finally reached the gently lapping waves, I cooed when I found a duck and her ducklings paddling in the shallow water by the shore. A grin tipped my lips as I sat on the heavy granite bench perched at the waterside. I stretched my limbs out in the sun, closing my eyes and soaking up the peace this place offered.  
    Never in my life had I been more at peace than here, with him. Did I deserve it? Maybe after all the years of brutality and abuse I’d faced, but I wasn’t one for thinking I particularly deserved it. I’d have to get used to being taken care of. For so long it’d only been me. Me and the boys against the world. They would love it here, I thought, as I sighed and smiled, the wind curling through the locks of my hair and fanning it across my face.  
    “This is my favorite place on the property.” Asher’s deft rumble sounded from behind me. This guy with the timing. It made me think his eyes were never far from my form. It was an odd feeling, but in some sense, a comforting one.  
    “It’s beautiful. I absolutely love it.” I smiled and peered up at him, soaking in the bright sunlight.  
    “I want you to be at home here, Allie.” He sat and took my hand in his own in a swift move. “My home is yours. I know you’re here under extraordinary circumstances, but if we can move past that, I want to take care of you.”  
    “That’s…so sweet of you to say.” I stumbled for words, never having met someone so forthright with their feelings before. “I can’t thank you enough,” I finished awkwardly. Did I want someone to take care of me? I’d never had the option before, and he was so incredibly kind, I thought as I turned my head away.  
    “Don’t do that. Don’t try to keep me at arm’s length.” He scooted closer and continued, his gaze intense on mine. “I know you’ve been through a