From the Ashes (Possessed 2.50)

Breathless, we break from the kiss. Her cheeks are stained pink, and I’m just conceited enough to believe it’s from arousal. Hopping on my bike, I pat the seat behind me for her to sit. As soon as she’s settled, I pull her arms snug around my waist.

“Hang on,” I say just as I open throttle and take off. The vibrations from the engine don’t help the erection currently straining my pants. I can feel her wiggling around behind me, a smirk crossed my lips. Pride has me sitting straighter. I am fucking relieved to know that I’m getting to her. It won’t be long before she can’t deny me anymore.

Chapter Five

Ashley

The sensations from Declan’s motorcycle between my thighs have me tingling in places I shouldn’t be. This man has the power to cripple me, and I’m falling faster and further under his spell.

Feeling his muscles rippling under my hands as he maneuvers the beast we’re riding, I can’t help flexing my fingers, digging their tips into his skin. I love the raw power that exudes from his every pore. His confidence is more than I could ever dream for myself.

All too soon, the ride is over as he pulls into the drive of my parents’ home. Landon’s Audi is sitting there, pretty and perfect as can be. The bike shuts off, and the silence is eerie in its wake.

Dread slithers up my spine like a snake. I love my family, never doubt that, but there’s a tentative silence every time we’re in the same room together. I know it’s my fault because of what I’ve done, but I wish I could skip this weekly meal I’d agreed to since being released.

“You ready?” Declan asks as he climbs off his ride and helps me.

Gazing up at my parent’s home, my childhood home, I see the curtains shift and know they’ve heard us and are waiting.

“They’re going to have questions about you,” I warn him. Hoping he won’t want to come in.

“I know.” His simple response bothers me.

“They will want to know who we are,” I hold his gaze, “together.” I hope he gets my implication.

“You mean they’ll want to know if we’re fucking?” My eyes narrow, his stupid, sexy smirk appears.

“Do you have to be so crass?”

“If they’re going to ask me dumbass questions, then yeah, I’ll be fucking crass.” My panties shouldn’t dampen at the anger in his voice.

“Ashley?” I hear Cecilia’s shy voice.

Since coming to see me in prison a few months ago, we’ve somehow become close. I don’t know how or why it’s happened, but we have. And I’m grateful

. I can’t imagine not having her in my life anymore; she’s become the only light within my darkness. Her forgiveness, her support, is the most incredible thing, especially when she should hate me.

“Hi, Cec.” I turn to smile at her as she comes down the steps. Landon stands studiously at the open door.

As she comes up to hug me, I feel Declan’s grip on my hips tighten possessively. I’m still not comfortable with her friendly affection, but this time I wilt into her arms.

“How are you?” she whispers in my ear.

Smiling, “I’m fine. How’s peanut?” She’s three months pregnant, and I swear she glows with a radiant happiness.

“Morning sickness is a bitch.” She laughs as she pulls back.

“Who’s your friend?” Landon asks, but it sounds more like a demand. His glare is focused on Declan’s hands on my hips.

Pulling me closer to his body, the man in question answers. “Declan Hart. She’s mine.” His open claim has my eyes widening in shock, Cecilia gasps and smiles, and I think I hear Landon snarl as he walks up to Cec.

Landon’s cold gaze pierces my own, and for the first time in more years than I can remember, I see concern in their depths. “You ready for that?”

Before I can answer, one of Declan’s hands smooths up my back to grip the hair at my nape, giving a gentle tug. A quick glimpse back at him, and I can see his own stare hasn’t left Landon’s. His eyes, though, they show a wealth of emotion that I know only I could see.

“Not even a little bit,” I express to Landon truthfully. I’m not. He’s everything I fear, yet everything I need. His gentle caress into my hair displays his approval of my honesty. He had known before I did what my answer would be.

“Ashley, dear,” I hear Mom call from the open door. Her eyes widen in shock as she sees Declan’s possessive hold on me. For the first time that I can remember, I fidget, not wanting her to disapprove of him.