Page 31 of Poison's Promise

The final notes hang in the air, and the crowd erupts, but all I see is her, standing there, unmoving, unblinking.

“Thank you,” I say into the mic, my voice barely above a whisper.

I finish the set, the next hour passing in a blur of lights and sound. Every song feels like an eternity, but finally, the last chord dies away, and I make my way backstage.

“Great job, Asher,” someone says, but I’m not listening.

My eyes are searching, scanning the faces until I find hers.

“Polly!” I call out, walking straight toward her.

She rolls her eyes, folding her arms across her chest. “I know what you’re doing, Ash,” she says, her voice sharp. “And it’s not a good idea.”

“Really? Because I seem to remember you promising to always be with me,” I counter, stepping closer.

Her expression falters, and I see the flicker of doubt. “I promised to be there for you, not with you,” she retorts, but her voice lacks conviction.

“Semantics,” I smirk, leaning in. “I’m desperate for another chance, baby. So why not give it to me?”

“You’re being really fucked up right now,” she snaps, but there’s a crack in her armor.

“How so?” I ask, stepping closer, crowding her space.

Her perfume—something floral and dangerous—hits me like a punch.

“You’re trying to drag up the past,” she snaps, crossing her arms tighter over her chest. “Us being together? It’s a terrible idea.”

“One more time,” I say softly, my eyes boring into hers. “If it doesn’t work out, I won’t ask for another chance with you ever again. I promise.”

“That’s not fair, Ash,” she mutters, looking away. But she doesn’t step back. Doesn’t push me away.

“Fair or not, it’s the truth,” I insist. “You’re not the kind of person who breaks promises. Not after what your dad put you through.”

She flinches, eyes snapping back to mine, anger and something deeper flickering there. “You don’t get to use that against me.”

“Then tell me I’m wrong. Tell me I’m fucking crazy,” I challenge, my voice softening. “Tell me you don’t feel this... magnetic pull between us. Because I can’t let this slip away again, Polly. I won’t. We have a chance to do this right this time.”

“Dammit, Asher,” she whispers, voice cracking. “You’re making this so hard.”

“Good,” I reply, taking her hand, feeling her fingers tremble against mine. “Because some things are worth fighting for.”

She sighs, looking away. “You really think we’re worth fighting for, after all that’s happened?”

I grab her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. “Of course I do.”

Poison’s eyes narrow, but the fire behind them flickers.

She crosses her arms, weight shifting to one foot, causing her hip to jut out in a way that makes my pulse quicken.

Her lips press together in a tight line before she finally speaks.

“Fine,” she mutters, almost like she’s spitting out broken glass. But it’s there—the crack in her voice that tells me she’s giving in. “But don’t get your hopes up, Ash.”

A smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth. “I never do.”

She rolls her eyes again, but there’s no real bite in it.

More like she’s trying to convince herself this is a bad idea when her heart is already sold.

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