Page 70 of The Last Strike

Abi chuckled. She imagined the traditional royal affair was elaborate and stressful and completely public.

Dinner was served and more wine had. Emilia told a story of Abi stealing Asher’s toys as a child on one of their early vacations together before the feud.

“I don’t believe it,” Abi said with, shaking her head playfully. “You must be mistaken. It was many years ago.”

“No, Abi,” William said. “You were a little hellion.”

The table laughed and Abi shook her head at them all, feigning insult, but Abi would rather have been a hellion than a wallflower.

“This is my future,” Asher said, struggling to get out the words as he laughed.

William hollered. “Yes, it is. Good luck, son.”

Abi raised her eyebrows at both of them but couldn’t keep an annoyed expression for long. She didn’t know if it was the wine, the relaxed environment, or because Asher was tired, but he seemed to find it so funny that he looked like he might start crying from laughing so hard.

“Having fun?” Abi asked.

“I can’t remember you stealing my toys, but I can imagine it in my mind. God help us if we have a daughter like you,” he said, grinning.

Dessert was served and aperitifs followed.

For the second time, Abi saw something she’d almost missed, but this time it brought a smile to her lips. She looked to Rachel and raised an eyebrow.

Rachel rolled her eyes, smiling.

Abi leaned in, trying to be as discreet as possible. “Did you message him?”

“Yes, if you must know, I did. We’ve been texting since,” Rachel said in a hushed whisper.

“This pleases me,” Abi said magnanimously.

“Yeah, if Asher could give him five minutes off, that would be great,” Rachel joked.

Abi grinned. “I’ll work on him,” Abi said, hoping that day would come sooner rather than later. Because if Reed had time off, that meant the situation with Khalil had settled down and they could relax a little. Until then, Rachel and Reed might need to steal seconds together where they could.

Asher looked to his watch. “I think we should wrap this party up,” he said.

James, Deacon, and Reed stood like soldiers and went to the doors to brief staff on escorting everyone to their rooms or homes.

Abi and Asher stood, saying goodbye to their guests until they were the only ones remaining in the room.

“Now I have my wife all to myself,” Asher said with a sly grin.

“What are you going to do with her?” Abi asked playfully.

Asher wet his lips as his eyes darkened. “Let me show you.”

He grabbed her hand and led her to the door where security awaited them, and escorted them to their room.

When Asher closed the door, he turned, locking his eyes on her like a predator. It sent a shiver up her spine—the good kind of shiver.

He stalked forward, removing his shirt and unbuttoning his pants, keeping his eyes locked on hers.

Asher grabbed her waist, pulling her in, pushing his lips against hers hungrily.

His tongue dove in, caressing hers, electrifying her body. He groaned and Abi wrapped her arms around his neck, her chest pressed flush against his.

“I like this dress,” he said as he pulled it up to her waist and ripped off her lace panties.

---