Page 20 of A Luna's Dynasty
“But now?” Asher prompted gently, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her shoulder.
Lita closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the tenderness in his touch. “Now I don’t want it anymore.”
Asher’s silver eyes softened as he gazed at her, his protective instincts surging. “Come on,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver through her. “Let’s get you back to your room.”
As they walked through the dimly lit corridors, Lita was acutely aware of Asher’s presence beside her. His arm hovered near the small of her back, not quite touching but close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.
When they reached her room, Asher gently guided her inside. Lita’s heart raced as he pulled back the covers and gestured for her to lie down. She complied, her body sinking into the soft mattress as Asher carefully tucked the blankets around her.
“There,” he said softly, his fingers brushing against her arm as he smoothed the covers. “Comfortable?”
Lita nodded, her throat tight with emotion. She watched as Asher pulled a chair close to her bedside and settled into it, his large frame dwarfing the furniture.
“Asher,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “you don’t have to stay. You need sleep, too.”
He shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I’m fine right here. You’ll sleep much better if I’m close.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Asher interrupted gently. “I want to be here. Let me take care of you.”
Asher reached out and took her hand in his. “Sleep now,” he murmured, his thumb tracing soothing patterns on her skin. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”
Her gaze lingered on Asher’s imposing form in the tiny chair. There was no way he would get a restful night’s sleep, let alone any sleep, in such an uncomfortable seat. She chewed on her lower lip as she hesitated.
“You know, we could ... share the bed. If you promise to behave yourself, that is.”
Asher’s silver eyes lit up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Share your bed? My, my, mate. Are you propositioning me?”
Heat rushed to Lita’s cheeks. “I—I just meant—”
“I’m only teasing.” Asher chuckled, rising from the chair. “Though I can’t promise you won’t try to take advantage of me in my sleep.”
Lita laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing. “Oh please, as if I could overpower the mighty alpha of the Black Ice Pack.”
“You’d be surprised,” Asher murmured, his voice suddenly husky. “You have more power over me than you realize.”
As he slipped under the covers beside her, Lita’s breath caught. She turned to face him.
“You planning to rob me of my virtue?” he teased.
“You can’t rob what’s already been taken.” She laughed but then stopped, seeing his serious gaze.
“It hasn’t.”
“It hasn’t?”
“No. I haven’t been with anyone.”
Lita’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? But you’re so ... I mean, you could have had anyone you wanted.”
“I want you.”
Lita laughed. “I opened myself up for that one. Why haven’t you?”
“I’ve been saving myself for when I take a mate. Call me old-fashioned. What about you? Have there been others in your past?”
“No, there’s ... there’s never been anyone,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Even if I’d been willing, I don’t think anyone would have been interested in me.”
