Page 33 of Forbidden Mischief
“You okay?” I ask, keeping my voice casual.
Asher runs a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. “Yeah. Just—” He pauses, choosing his words. “I get a little more primal when I’m shifted. Not as in control.”
I nod like that explains everything. Like that makes what I felt okay.
“Needed a minute to collect myself,” he adds.
I swallow. “Right.”
Silence stretches. It’s not awkward, but it’s thick.Heavy.
Then he shifts on his feet and says, “Wanna watch a movie?”
A perfect distraction.
“Yeah,” I say, grateful for something—anything—to break whatever weird spell we’re under.
We settle onto the couch, but I can’t focus on the screen. I barely register what’s playing.
Because Asher is right next to me.
His arm along the back of the couch. His body heat soaking into mine. Every shift, every breath, every tiny movement—I feel all of it.
I tell myself it’s fine. It’s normal. We’ve sat next to each other like this a thousand times before. But my body doesn’t believe me.
Not after last night.
Not after today.
Not after… that.
I try to focus on the movie. Some action flick, explosions, gunfire—shit I usually like. But my mind keeps dragging me back.
To the feel of his wolf pinning me down.
The weight of him, pressing into me.
The heat between us, too much, too close.
The way my body reacted before my brain could catch up.
I shift in my seat, restless. My skin won’t cool down.
Asher glances at me, his gaze flicking over my face. “You good?”
No. Absolutely not.
“Yeah, fine. Just, uh, enjoying the movie. Love this part.”
He doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push either. Just nods and turns back to the screen.
I watch him from the corner of my eye.
The sharp line of his jaw. The way the glow from the TV catches the golden flecks in his eyes. His lips—the same ones that had been on mine last night.
Fuck.
I shouldn’t want him.
