Page 77 of Where the Stars Heal

“Hi, sweetheart,” Asher whispers.

The hope I’ve been trying to ignore in fear of it shattering flares to life inside me. My lip begins to quiver when his eyes soften, and I break under the weight of relief that crashes over me. Asher doesn’t hesitate. He moves quickly, pulling me into his arms. He falls back on the sand, holding me to him as I bury my face in the crook of his neck, tears streaming down my face.

My heart slows as every emotion inside me begins to settle. Pulling back, my eyes scan over every inch of him like I need to make sure that he’s really here. Without thinking, my hand flies out, smacking his shoulder with more force than I intended.

“I’m mad that you ran,” I say, and he winces, “but I’m happy you came back.”

“I know, and I’m so sorry, Halle.” His voice cracks.

The apology hangs between us, and his hands find mine, pulling them close to his chest.

“I lost my head,” he continues. “I lost my strength and I needed… I needed to go see him.”

The vulnerability takes away my lingering frustration, leaving behind a quiet understanding. He did what he had to so he could move forward, and I can’t fault him for that. Not after everything I’ve been through myself.

“Promise me,” I say, my voice soft but commanding. “Promise me you won’t run ever again. That we’ll fight together because I can’t do this without you.”

His grip on my hand tightens as he brings them to his mouth, pressing a soft kiss to my fingers. The simple gesture sends a comforting warmth through me.

“When your brother found me, he made me realize something, Halle.” He pauses, searching my eyes like he’s making sure I’m listening.

“He made me understand that we’re a team. You and me. We’re a team against the world of messy emotions and uncontrollable events.”

His hands move to cradle my face. His thumbs sweep across my cheeks, wiping away the lingering tears.

“I promise you, I won’t ever run again. We’ll fight together.”

I get lost in the gold flecks of his green eyes, the way they look like the depths of a forest. I breathe him in—earthy and musky, safe and familiar. My fingers rake through his curls and his promise settles in my soul. The air grows thick with tension, and I seal it with a kiss.

His tongue sweeps out, and I let him in, sighing at the cool minty taste of him. His hand slides around to the nape of my neck, his touch firm yet gentle, and he groans, deepening the kiss.

“Need you, baby,” he murmurs against me.

Heat simmers in my core, and my hips instinctively roll over him. I feel the hard length of him pressing against the rough zipper of his jeans, the friction sending a sparkthrough me. A growl vibrates low in his throat, and his hands fall under my ass, gripping firmly as he stands, lifting me with ease. My legs wrap tightly around his waist as his lips stay fused to mine, devouring me with a desperate need.

He starts walking down the street, his steps matching the pounding of my heart as the cool wind whips my hair around us. I laugh at him, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze.

“Madi and Connor will be back from the bar soon. You don’t have long,” I say, biting down on my lower lip.

His eyes flash with a challenge, a smirk curving at his mouth as I start bouncing, his steps turning into a jog. I gasp, clinging to him as a rush of anticipation and excitement hits me. This is everything I’ve missed, everything I need.

Asher makes it to the door, twisting me in his arms as he reaches for the handle and pushes it open. We step through, and I kick it shut behind us.

“Wait,” I blurt, planting a hand on his chest to stop him, “why the hell is the door red?”

He throws his head back, laughing loud, and smacks my ass, making me squeal.

“I’ll tell you later. Right now,” he says with a mischievous grin, striding straight to my room, “I need you naked and riding my cock.” He throws me down onto the bed.

My thighs clench, and my pussy throbs as I suck in a sharp breath. I watch Asher strip his shirt, his jeans, and black briefs. His dick is so hard, it’s begging for attention.

Pushing to my knees, I crawl toward him, my movements slow and deliberate. His eyes darken, the green deepening as he tracks me like prey, his jaw tight. Reaching out, I wrap my fingers around him, squeezing lightly as I move my hand up and back down. He hisses, his head tipping backslightly as he swallows hard. The vein in his thick neck pulses, and I can’t tear my eyes away.

I brush my thumb over his tip, and his gaze snaps back to mine. His hand tangles through my hair, gripping the back of my head.

“You gonna suck my cock, baby?”

“Mmm,” I hum low, leaning forward and running my tongue along his base.

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