Page 86 of Ruthless Heir

I never knew I could have a taste of it right here in New York.

“Wow,” I gasp, knowing I’m drawing attention to myself for being so fascinated with my surroundings but I can’t help it.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Asher grins down at me.

“This room is a work of art. I’ve never been anywhere like this before.”

“Welcome to my world.” He gives me an easy grin and I get lost in his smile just as easily as I do with the place.

We spot his family sitting at a long table in the corner of the hall. There are some other people at the table I don’t recognize and I wonder whether the woman he likes is here.

I have no idea what her name is or what she looks like. Only that she exists.

Asher’s hand moves from my waist and he takes my hand. His large hand swallows mine, warming my body from head to toe, and all thoughts of his mystery woman drift out of my mind.

He held my hand the other night at the Dark Odyssey but that was different. Or ratherthisis different. At the club it was theI’m-mad-as-fuck-and-you’re-coming-with-me-nowkind of hand holding. Whereas this says…you’re mine.

“Ready?” Asher leans in again, filling me with the scent of his musky cologne and power.

“Ready.” I look up at him this time, not realizing how close he is.

Our eyes lock, time slows, and the world narrows in the space between us.

He guides me to stop then inches closer and I quickly realize with impending shock that he’s going to kiss me. I’m going to get the answer to all those years of wondering what it would feel like to kiss him.

The sudden thought makes my nerves buzz but I’m drawn to him like a magnetic force.

Shivers rush down my spine. Then his lips touch mine. And it’s electrifying.

Asher presses his mouth to mine and fire ignites within my core, consuming

me with the raw heat of desire and longing.

The kiss is divine, filled with every dream I’ve ever had of Asher Le Blanche’s lips on mine. But it’s also bittersweet because I know that nothing will ever be the same again.

Nothing.Because… the kiss. It doesn’t feel fake.

A fake kiss isn’t supposed to make your head spin. Or stir need in your core that makes you think of hot wild sex.

The kiss feels as real as we are standing here.

Asher moves away and I wonder if he felt it too. Thenon-fakenessof our

first kiss.

His lips part to speak but he doesn’t get a chance. His parents come up to greet us and the magical moment we just shared is sucked away with their excitement at seeing us together.

Asher’s mom hugs me like I’m her long lost daughter and practically carries me away to meet the rest of the family, leaving Asher with his dad.

I just about manage to glance over my shoulder at him before a group of people clouds him from my view. But he was looking at me too.

His mom introduces me to all the wives, friends, and acquaintances. I’m seated in between Luna, Layla, and Autumn, Luc’s wife who all talk nonstop about everything.

The excitement is infectious but all I can think about is Asher and that kiss.

When dinner is served Asher and I sit together, becomingthe coupleagain.

He kisses me two more times and I don’t believe there’sanyonehere who thinks we’re anything other than a couple. Except of course for those who know about our plan.

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