Page 37 of Poison's Promise

“I meant what I said. You’re strong,” he says, his voice steady and sincere. “Stronger than anyone I’ve ever known.”

I stop walking, turning to face him fully.

His hazelnut eyes meet mine, earnest and unflinching. “What makes you say that?”

“Everything you’ve been through,” he says, his grip on my hand tightening slightly. “And you still stand tall. You didn’t let it break you. I know I wasn’t there when you needed me, but seeing you now... it’s amazing.”

“Amazing?” I repeat, my heart pounding in my chest. “You think my pain is amazing?”

“Not the pain,” he clarifies, stepping closer. “The way you’ve handled it. The way you’ve fought back, refused to be defined by it. That’s what’s amazing.”

I swallow hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. His words cut through the layers of armor I've built around myself, reaching a part of me I thought was long dead. “Ash...”

He lifts a hand to my cheek, his touch feather-light. “I’m serious, babe. You’re incredible. And I don’t want to lose you again.”

“Then don’t,” I whisper, leaning into his touch.

His lips curve into a soft smile, and before I can overthink it, he closes the distance between us, capturing my lips in a kiss that’s both tender and urgent.

It’s like coming home after being lost for so long.

When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless. “Let’s not waste any more time,” he says, his forehead resting against mine.

“Agreed,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

CHAPTER NINE

Asher

The hot water cascades over my shoulders, steam filling the tiny shower on my tour bus.

I close my eyes and let the warmth soak into my muscles.

My thoughts drift, as they often do, to Polly—or Poison, whichever name she wants me to call her.

Polly. Poison. That woman with curves that drive me insane. Her silver blonde hair, and those deep eyes that seem to see right through me.

Memories of our time together flood my mind.

The way she used to look at me, like I was her whole world.

I lean against the tiled wall, the water pounding down.

Every detail of her comes back to me.

The way her skin felt under my fingers, soft yet firm, the heat between us undeniable.

Nights spent exploring every inch of each other’s bodies, lost in a haze of passion.

“Fuck,” I mutter, feeling myself getting hard just thinking about her.

It’s been too long since I’ve touched her, since I’ve felt her body against mine.

The last few times we were together...man, those memories are enough to drive anyone wild.

I grip my cock, already stiff and aching.

Images of Polly dance before my eyes.

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