Page 56 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. The words tangle in my throat as his dark eyes hold mine. My hands want to fidget with something, anything, but there's nothing within reach.
When I don't answer, Asher steps closer, still holding my wrists. His other hand comes up to tilt my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. The rough pad of his thumb brushes against my jawline, sending sparks dancing across my skin.
"Tell me what you want, Vanessa."
My breath catches. The kitchen suddenly feels too warm, too small. Back in the living room, the forgotten laptop pings with another alert, but for once, I don't turn toward the sound.
That never happens. Ever.
"I want... I need..." I stammer, overwhelmed by the sudden clarity his touch brings. Words usually flow from me in unstoppable torrents, but now they're trapped somewhere between my racing heart and dry lips.
Asher doesn't speak. He moves with purpose, repositioning his hold to capture both my wrists in one hand, drawing them behind my back. The motion brings our bodies flush against each other, my chest pressed to his.
His free hand slides to cup my face, thumb tracing my lower lip with just enough pressure to make me gasp.
"Your mind never stops." He observes, his lips brushing my ear. "Let me quiet it for you."
My breath catches. No one has ever understood this about me. How I sometimes wish for silence inside my own head.
"How?" The question escapes as barely more than a breath.
His free hand traces along my jawline, thumb brushing across my bottom lip. "By giving you something else to think about. Something simple. Clear."
"Nothing's ever simple." I argue, though my body sways toward his.
The corner of his mouth twitches. "That's where you're wrong, little bunny. Some things are simple."
His fingers slide into my hair, tipping my head back to look into his eyes.
"Kneel."
That single word cuts through all my defenses. My heart hammers against my ribs, and for a moment, I can't breathe. No one has ever dared command me like this. I should be outraged.
But it's as if my body recognizes what my mind is only beginning to understand.
Without breaking eye contact, his hand releases my wrists and I sink slowly to my knees before him. The motion feels both alien and instinctive, shocking me with how right it feels. A flutter of surprise courses through me. I've never submitted to anyone, never wanted to before this moment.
The kitchen floor is cool against my skin, but I barely notice. Looking up at him from this position should make mefeel diminished, conquered. But I feel... clarity. The perpetual hurricane in my mind calms to a gentle breeze.
Asher's expression shifts as he looks down at me—his control remains perfect, but something else enters his gaze. Recognition. Understanding. His hand comes to rest against my cheek.
Without planning or forethought, two words fall from my lips: "Yes, sir."
The moment they escape, shock ripples through my entire body.
Did I just say that?
My eyes widen as I stare up at him, my mouth falling open slightly. I've never called anyone "sir" in my life—not teachers, not bosses, not anyone. The words came from somewhere deep inside me that I didn't even know existed.
Heat floods my face as the realization hits: Iwantto say it again.
His dark eyes flare with something dangerous and possessive. "Look at me."
I lock my gaze on his, every muscle in my body going still. The command should chafe against my independent nature, but it settles over me like a warm blanket. My usual restless energy disappears, replaced by this strange, peaceful awareness.
"How does your mind feel right now?" he asks, studying my face with those sharp, calculating eyes.
"Quiet," I breathe, wonder coloring my voice. "It's never quiet."
