Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
As the medics work, Asher’s eyes never leave me. He’s always so alert and protective. It makes me feel safe. Protected. He answers questions crisply, professionally, detailing the threat, descriptions, and Wade’s last known direction. But every few seconds, his gaze flickers back to me, softening with an unspoken reassurance.
Finally, when we’re briefly alone, Asher cups my face gently, leaning his forehead against mine, whispering quietly. “I almost lost you tonight.”
“But you didn’t,” I whisper back fiercely, leaning into his warmth. “You came for me.”
He nods, eyes dark with intensity. “Always.”
He draws back just enough to meet my gaze directly, sincerity radiating from every word. “Charlotte, I don’t just protect you because it’s my job. I protect you because I love you.”
Tears blur my vision, emotions surging wildly through me. “Asher, I love you too. So much.”
His eyes soften, relief washing over his features as he kisses me gently, deeply, banishing every trace of fear and pain.
In this moment, wrapped securely in his arms, I know that whatever comes next, as long as Asher is by my side, I can face it.
We’ve survived tonight, and together, we’ll survive anything.
27
Charlotte
The suite feels surreal after the chaos we just survived. Asher locks the door behind us, checks the deadbolt twice, and sweeps a careful glance around the room before turning back to me. He’s still in security mode, and somehow, watching him methodically ensure my safety brings warmth blooming in my chest. I love this man.
“Come here,” he murmurs softly, holding out a hand. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
I take it, allowing him to lead me gently toward the marble bathroom. Every muscle aches, deep bruises blossoming beneath my skin as harsh reminders of the evening’s terror. But his touch, warm and tender, calms my nerves. I follow without hesitation.
Inside, he sits me carefully on the cushioned stool by the vanity. He leans over the tub, turning the taps until warm water rushes, steam rising gently as he pours in bath oils and bubbles, the air quickly filling with the soft scent of lavender and vanilla.
“It’s going to sting a little,” he warns gently, crouching beside me. His gaze traces the bruise darkening my wrist, eyes shadowed with worry. “But you’ll feel better after.”
I smile weakly, reaching up to brush my thumb along his jaw, needing to reassure him as much as he reassures me. “I’m okay, Asher. Really.”
He catches my hand, pressing a tender kiss to my knuckles, his eyes serious and soft. “You don’t have to be brave right now, Charlotte. I’ve got you.”
I nod slowly, throat thickening with emotion. I trust him implicitly, more than anyone I've ever known.
Asher tests the water again, then gently helps me stand. I’m shaky, but he steadies me, his strong arms providing the safety net I desperately need. He carefully helps remove my torn, dirtied clothes, taking care not to hurt me any further. His expression remains gentle, protective, eyes respectful, never straying from mine.
He lifts me carefully, supporting my weight as I step into the tub. The warm water envelops me, stinging slightly on the abrasions, but gradually easing the ache from my bones. I sink into it gratefully, closing my eyes as I exhale a long breath. The silence stretches around us, broken only by the quiet splash of water as Asher gently wets a cloth.
“Can I?” he asks softly, the warm cloth poised near my shoulder blades. It’s so surreal to me. He’s seen me naked. He’s been inside me. And yet, he still asks permission to touch me. It’s so respectful, it makes my chest clench with love.
“Please,” I whisper, shifting slightly forward.
He gently runs the cloth along my shoulders, careful over the bruises, the warmth soothing my muscles and quieting my racing mind. It’s comforting. It’s exactly what I need right now. Most men would try to get lucky. Try to turn this into a lead up to sex, but not Asher. He genuinely wants to ensure I’m okay. I’m grateful for that.
“I still can’t believe Wade went so far,” I murmur quietly, breaking the silence. “I knew he was desperate, but… I didn’t think he’d go that far.”
Asher pauses briefly, then continues, his voice steady. “Desperation makes people dangerous. It clouds their judgment, and overrides their morality. Wade was losing everything—status, reputation, control.”
I stare at the bathwater, tiny bubbles popping softly against my skin. “But to hurt me? To threaten my family? How does someone get so twisted?”
Asher’s touch remains gentle. “Sometimes people can’t handle their world unraveling. They grasp at anything—no matter who it hurts.”
I turn slightly, meeting his eyes. They’re gentle, sad, but fiercely protective. “I wish I’d seen it sooner.”
“It’s not your fault.” He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “None of this is your fault, Charlotte.”
He leans forward, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head. Then he stands slowly, setting the cloth aside. “I’m going to step out for a moment. You take your time. I need to update Dean.”