Page 100 of Fated

“You can use that bathroom,” he said, motioning to the open door behind him.

“Werethosewindows shut?” I mumbled warily, glancing toward the bathroom.

Ash chuckled. “Don’t worry, Areya, you’ve already scared everything living off this boat.”

I grabbed a pillow from behind me and launched it at his face.

He ducked out of the way just in time. I threw another one, and this time, he caught it with ease, still grinning. I crossed my arms, glaring at him.

With a mischievous grin, he tossed the pillow back at me. “Watch out—spider!” he teased.

I shrieked, instinctively scurrying backward into the bed.

He was laughing again.

“I’m sorry, Areya, I shouldn’t have,” he said, crawling onto the bed toward me, looking at me under those dark lashes in a way that made my heart race despite myself.

I turned my face away, stubbornly crossing my arms, refusing to meet his gaze.

“I was mean,” he admitted, his tone softer now, almost hesitant.

Still, I didn’t flinch, then his finger trailed lightly down my arm, sending a shiver through me.

“I was getting dressed up here and I heard you screaming. I thought you were being attacked,” he said, his tone a bit more serious.

I glanced at him, struggling to maintain my angry façade.

“You were just so adorable standing on top of that toilet,” he continued as he leaned in and kissed my arm. “Forgive me for laughing at you.”

He was making a ridiculous pouty face.

I could feel my resolve cracking, and despite my best efforts, a smile broke through.

“How can I make it up to you?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.

I pretended to consider his question, letting my gaze drop to his lips before meeting his eyes again, giving him a clear answer without a single word.

His smile grew as he leaned in, brushing his lips against mine.

When he started to pull away, I grabbed his shirt, pulling him back to me.

He froze, his lips an inch from mine, as if he were wrestling with some internal conflict.

I wasn’t waiting any longer. I closed the gap, tracing the curve of his lips with my tongue, my patience gone.

“Areya …” He whispered my name, his voice pleading.

“Please, Ash.” The words barely left my lips before the dam inside him broke. His lips crashed into mine, his tongue pushing its way into my mouth, tangling with mine in a kiss that was deep and desperate—so unlike the soft, restrained kisses I had gotten from him before.

My body trembled under his intensity as his mouth explored mine with a hunger matching my own. I didn’t know why he had been holding back before, but I wanted more—Ineededmore.

Surprise flashed in his eyes as my body twisted over his. I pushed him into the bed, straddling him as my towel began to loosen around me.

His hands found my waist, steadying me as I brought my lips back to his, parting them to invite his tongue in once more. One of his hands slid to my hair, gripping it gently but firmly, pulling me closer as if he were drowning in the moment, just as I was.

A gasp escaped my lips, feeling the hardness between my legs pressing against me, separated only by his pants. His other hand guided my waist, rocking my hips in slow, agonizing movements against him. A fire ignited low in my abdomen, the friction sending sparks of heat through my body.

A soft moan slipped from me as my name fell from his lips like a prayer. “Areya.”

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