Page 33 of Poison's Promise

“Why the fuck not? Surely you deserve a break.” Asher replies, his breath mingling with mine.

His eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

“You’re such an ass,” I say, pushing him back slightly, but not enough to break the contact.

He smirks, that infuriatingly sexy smirk that always makes my knees weak.

“Yeah, but you love it.” His hands slide down my sides, lingering at my hips. “Let’s go out and get some drinks.”

I narrow my eyes at him, repeating myself. “We can’t just leave.”

“Why not? One night off won’t kill anyone.” He tries to pull me closer, but I hold my ground.

“That’s not how this works, Ash. You don’t understand.” My voice is softer than I intend, betraying the conflict within me.

“Then help me understand,” he says, his tone surprisingly gentle. “But let’s do it over drinks. Like old times.”

“Old times,” I repeat, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. “You think we can just pick up where we left off?”

“Why not?” He gives me that cocky grin again, the one that makes me want to slap him and kiss him at the same time. “We were good together, Polly.”

“You can’t call me that right now,” I snap, trying to ignore the way my heart flutters when he says my name. “When I’m doing stuff for the club, it’s Poison.”

“Poison,” he corrects himself, his voice dropping lower. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”

I hesitate, glancing back at the stage where Sydney’s performing.

This isn’t just about us anymore.

It’s about the club, the commitment I made. But damn it, he’s right. I did promise him.

“Fine,” I finally say, rolling my eyes. “But I’m checking with Gears and Dex before I leave. And, if anything happens while we’re gone, it’s on you.”

“Deal,” he says.

I walk over to Gears and Dex, briefly explaining Asher wants to take me out. They both tell me to go, so I head back over to Asher.

He grabs my hand and pulling me toward the exit.

His touch sends electric shocks through my body, reminding me of all the reasons I could never stay away from him.

“You’re still impossible,” I mutter as we weave through the back of the arena.

“Only for you, babe,” he replies, squeezing my hand. And despite everything, I can’t help but smile.

As we step into the cool night air, I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.

The city lights cast a glow over us, and for a moment, I feel like we’ve stepped back in time.

“Where to?” I ask, looking up at Asher.

“There’s a place around the corner from the Arena,” he says, leading me down the street. “Maybe we try it out?”

“Better be worth it,” I grumble, but there’s no real bite in my words.

I’m already lost in the familiar rhythm of our banter, the push and pull that’s always defined us.

“Trust me,” he says, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “It will be.”

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