CHAPTER 19
ASHER P.O.V
"Was that your first time?" I asked.
I was referring to the kiss.
I shouldn't have asked… but I did.
Because despite how brief it was—
I felt it.
And from the way she reacted… the way her cheeks burned red, the way she avoided my gaze—
It was obvious.
She was inexperienced.
She denied it.
Poorly.
But I didn't push.
Not because I believed her—
But because I didn't trust myself to continue.
She apologized again.
Then turned and ran out of my room.
A few moments later, my butler walked in.
"Sir, we have done as instructed. Here are the keys."
I took them from him without hesitation.
Her car keys.
A small punishment.
For sneaking into my room.
For inviting my siblings.
For turning my house into chaos.
A faint, dangerous smirk formed on my lips.
Not long after, I heard movement downstairs.
Restless.
Searching.
She had noticed.
She would be panicking now—checking her bag, retracing her steps, trying to figure out what to do.
She would consider leaving.
Then realize the risks.
Too late.
Too dangerous.
She'd be forced to stay.
That was the plan.
At least… it was supposed to be.
But when it came down to it—
I couldn't do it.
I couldn't leave her stranded.
And I definitely couldn't let her drive alone at this hour.
So I changed it.
Gave the order.
She would stay.
Safe.
Here.
Through the CCTV, I listened.
Watched.
Expected resistance.
Arguments.
Defiance.
But—
Nothing.
She didn't argue.
Didn't complain.
Didn't question it.
That alone told me everything.
She was exhausted.
And for some reason—
That bothered me.
A lot more than it should.
A quiet sigh escaped me.
I made her work on a report I didn't even need.
Forced her to come here.
And then tried to punish her.
…
I really am heartless.
A few minutes later, I found myself standing outside her door.
I didn't remember walking there.
But I was.
I opened it quietly.
And there she was.
Sleeping.
Peaceful.
Still.
Untouched by everything that happened tonight.
I pulled a chair closer and sat down.
Just watching her.
How could someone be this beautiful?
It wasn't just her face.
It was the way she existed.
The way she filled a space without trying.
The way she pulled me in—
Every single time.
Like gravity.
Unavoidable.
Even now…
I couldn't think of anything else.
Just her.
Only her.
And a thought slipped in—
Uninvited.
Protect her.
Keep her close.
Always.
I frowned slightly.
This wasn't me.
I've never felt like this before.
Not for anyone.
Could she even survive my world?
That question lingered.
Heavy.
Unsettling.
Without realizing it, my hand moved.
My fingers brushed against her cheek.
Soft.
Warm.
Real.
A quiet breath left me.
My gaze dropped—
To her lips.
The same lips from earlier.
Tempting.
Too tempting.
"So tempting…" I murmured.
Before I could stop myself—
I leaned in.
And pressed my lips gently against hers.
Soft.
Brief.
Barely there.
But it was enough.
Enough to send something sharp through my chest.
Something dangerous.
Something I shouldn't feel.
"Mine," I muttered under my breath.
The word came out naturally.
Possessive.
Uncontrolled.
And that—
Was the problem.
I knew from the beginning.
From the moment I met her at the villa.
I knew what she was to me.
My mate.
I've been fighting it ever since.
Ignoring it.
Suppressing it.
Denying it.
But tonight—
That control cracked.
I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair.
Then moved onto the bed beside her.
Carefully.
I pulled her slightly closer—
And she shifted unconsciously.
Closer.
As if it was natural.
As if she belonged there.
A faint smile touched my lips.
Tonight, I saw everything.
Her stubbornness.
Her fire.
Her softness.
Her vulnerability.
All of it.
And it only made things worse.
Because now—
I wasn't just drawn to her.
I was attached.
This is bad.
Very bad.
If my enemies find out—
They will use her.
Break her.
To get to me.
Which means—
I should stay away.
Create distance.
End this.
Before it begins.
But as I lay there beside her—
Feeling her warmth.
Hearing her quiet breathing—
I didn't move.
Just for tonight.
I'll allow it.
Just this once.
Because deep down—
I already know…
Walking away from her—
Won't be that simple.