Page 99 of Chasing Sparks

The slow burn builds between us until I catch fire, our bodies trembling with the intensity of release. Ash collapses onto his forearms, his ragged breaths warm against my ear.

“You’re everything, Ori.” His words emerge in a whisper, so faint I can barely hear them.

Perhaps my mind is imagining things, although one thing is for certain—we didn’t use anything.Again.

Ash glides his thumb along my lower lip, a strange smile on his face. “You’re really fucking pretty.”

I chuckle and shake my head at his personal brand of compliment. Since almost our first night together, that’s been his signature—where I’m concerned, at least.

Ash stands and walks to the bathroom, returning with a small towel. Then he wipes me down, setting me to rights after our illicit tryst.

And now it’s time to address the elephant in the room.

"We’re tempting fate.” I worry my lower lip with my teeth as I pull my tights up and smooth my skirt.

"I just don’t care. I guess I really like you," he replies, his tone casual and matter of fact.

For a man who claims he doesn’t believe in love, moments like this make me wonder if he’s lying to himself—or both of us.

I snort out a laugh. “Wow. That was almost romantic.”

He grins, his familiar cocky edge softening. “I was thinking hot and sexy, but romantic works, too.”

“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

“Would you like me to refrain from doing that again?” Ash leans casually against the desk, but his gaze never wavers, cutting through the space between us.

Do I? No, I don’t. Some might call it mad, but I feel so connected to him now. Plus, we had the talk about safety and getting testedlongbefore this aspect came into play.

Look, I’m a romantic, but I’m not an idiot.

“Just warning you—we’re playing with fire.” I walk into the bathroom and use the mirror to twist my hair into a loose bun, pulling a few strands free to frame my face.

Ash joins me, resting his head on my shoulder, his green eyes meeting mine in the reflection. For a moment, the world fades away—just him, me, and the crackling heat between us.

“Ori, I’ve been playing with fire since our first night together,” he murmurs.

“You know what I mean.”

“I do—and I told you I don’t care. So, I guess I must really like you.”

“Or you really like the way my pussy feels,” I reply as a smirk tugs at my lips.

His laugh is low and rough, but he doesn’t miss a beat. “Smart ass,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my cheek. His tone softens, quieter, more vulnerable. “You, Ori. I really likeyou.”

That settles it. He’s the best medicine in the world, and sex with Asher Hammond will definitely cure what ails you … although I’ll cut any woman who goes near him now. Just saying.

“Are you free tomorrow?” Ash asks as I return to his office.

“I am. Why?”

“I have a surprise for you.” He rubs the back of his neck, his gaze darting to mine before glancing away.

“Another one?” Not that I’m complaining—the Keys were heaven.

“What can I say? I love surprising you.” He shoots me a wide grin. Seems he’s not disclosing any additional information.

Works for me.

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