Igniting Ash (22 page)

Chapter 22

Emma hummed and stretched out across the bed. She grinned when her hand came into contact with a warm, muscled body. The same body that had covered hers and pulsed with desire only hours before.

Asher took her breath away. His warring emotions and deep-seated need to show her he cared drove their coupling to new heights. He’d been bold, dominant, his touch urgent, and each time they’d neared the pinnacle, he’d made sure she fell first.

She stretched again, rolling onto her side to be greeted by Asher’s smile. “Morning, angel.”

“Hey.” Reaching out, she stroked her fingertips across his forehead. “Look at you all smiley and relaxed. If I didn’t know better, Mr. Harris, I’d say you were happy.”

His grin grew. “Nah, sex does that to a bloke. Didn’t you know?”

“Idiot,” she laughed, pushing at his chest.

His hands snapped out, manacling her wrists. A low growl emanated from his lips as he rolled her onto her back, covering her with his body and keeping her arms raised.

She hissed as his skin met hers, and groaned when his erection pressed against her thigh.

“I’m a what?” he asked.

My god, she loved this side to him.

“You heard me. I know you’re not hard of hearing.”

He quirked a brow. “I wasn’t, but after the amount of screaming you did last night I think that could have changed.”

Embarrassed by his statement, she closed her eyes. Not that she could avoid him. Asher was holding her, on top of her and completely surrounding her. Every part of her moulded against a part of him. Divine.

“Your noises were hot. Just so you know.” He nuzzled her neck as he rocked his hips against her. Emma swallowed. “I also want it noted that I really enjoyed you riding me.”

“Asher!”

His laughter ripped through the air, and when she opened her eyes, she lost her shyness. The man was teasing her, and his happiness illuminated his face, leaving her with no other option but to smile back.

“What? I’m just being truthful.”

“You can’t go being all carefree and joyful now. I’ve spent too long dealing with the stoic, yet cocky you. I’d gotten a hold on that.”

Asher rolled his hips again. “You getting a hold of me is exactly what I was hoping would happen this morning.”

He kissed her, his mouth slanted over hers, his tongue stroking over her bottom lip. A familiar sigh left her lips as she lifted her legs and wrapped her thighs around his hips. His kissed a path along her jaw, his thumb stroking the inside of her wrist at the same time.

“Haven’t you had enough? I thought you’d be worn out after last night.”

“And this morning…”

“Yes, this morning too.”

“I doubt,” he replied smoothing his hands down her arms as he let her arms go free, “I could never get enough of you. I told you yesterday—you slash at everything I’ve spent a lifetime erecting. You’re like a fucking whirlwind.”

“I’ve never been described as that. I’m the good, responsible girl.”

Something sparked in Asher’s eyes, something dark and very arousing. “Oh, Em, you have no idea how much I like the idea of tarnishing your
good girl
image. How about I continue with my dirty plan now? You had better be covered, babe, because I’m not getting off you to find a fucking condom.”

Emma had no chance to respond before he took hold of her hip and rocked against her until he entered her, slow and deep.

“Still so wet for me,” he said on an exhale. “Still so ready.”

She sighed his name, lost in the heady sensation of his gentle thrusts and intimate stretch. Pushing her fingers into his hair, she held his head close, unable to break eye contact with him. She watched every emotion play across his face, noticed when he liked the way she clung to him, saw his enjoyment when she thrust back and knew when he was growing close to orgasm. Not ready for that yet, Emma rose up and rolled him onto his back.

“Are you going to use me up, angel?” He placed his hands behind his head.

“You’re the one with that particular fantasy, not me.”

“Then what’s yours? The bad boy corrupting the rich girl? Because I think I already did that.”

Emma frowned, sliding her fingertips up and down his chest. “You’re no bad boy, and I’ve told you I’m not rich. Don’t ruin this, Ash.”

He winced before rising up on his elbows and kissing her hard. “I’m being a prick. Ignore me.”

“Bit difficult when I’m sat on top of you and your…well…” His mocking smile didn’t help her awkwardness. In fact, it only annoyed her. She huffed. “When your dick is so close to me. It’s too distracting for me to ignore.”

A low rumble started deep in Asher’s chest, and seconds later he moved, carrying her with him. She squealed and wrapped her legs around his waist, enjoying the moment with him. Her arms coiled around his neck, her finger delving into his messy hair. “Where are we going?”

“Shower,” he bit out, groping the cheeks of her bottom. “Time you got wet.”

Feeling a little bold, she replied, “If you reach forward a bit more you’ll see I already am.”

“Oh, I know that.” He flicked on the shower, waiting for the spray to heat before he carried her into the cascade. Her back hit the tiles as his mouth crushed against hers. Asher continued his assault, his kiss deepening as his dick demanded entrance.

Emma was close to begging. The teasing in the bedroom moments before just incited her further. “Asher,” she gasped.

“Shh, angel. I’m here.”

Adjusting his hold of her arse had the tip of his erection entering her. Water rained down, splashing on her nipples and causing her to writhe from the exquisite torture.

She bucked her hips, needing more of him. Needing
all
of him. Desire curled tight inside her, every touch, pulse and kiss causing it to constrict further. “Asher, please.”

A low chuckle filtered through her lust-filled haze. She was ready to go crazy if he didn’t act soon.

“Easy.” His kissed her, and thrust in deep. Her thighs clenched as their moaned mingled in the raising steam. “Home,” he whispered. “With you I’m home.”

“Oh, Asher.” His small confessions, ones like that, gave her hope. She would wait until he was ready to admit more, because he would. She felt his love every time he kissed her. He just wasn’t able to convey that yet, and right now she was more than happy to get carried away on the wave of lust that was hitting her. Every thrust, every heavy slap of wet skin, and every lick to her nipples gave her what she needed. She lost herself in him, driven by her arousal and the need to ignite Asher’s own.

Burying his face in the crook of her neck, Asher whispered tender words. He cupped her breast, flicking at the nipple, before skimming his palm along her slick torso. His fingers crept between their joined bodies, adding pressure to her tight bud. Emma bucked, her back bowing against the tiles as she tossed her head back.

“Fucking sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. But I want more.” He circled her clit faster. “Fall for me. Fall.”

“Already fallen, Asher. I love you,” she sobbed, clinging to him as her lust unfurled and hit her hard. Wave after wave washed over her, leaving her skin sensitive to his every caress. She writhed against him, clenching her thighs as his pumping hips grew faster and forceful. He nipped at her neck, grunting with every thrust. She cradled his head, threading her fingers through his sopping wet hair, before letting them drift limply down his spine.

Asher stiffened, his hoarse cry muffled by her shoulder, as his hot, wet completion entered her sex. They moaned in unison, both slumping down the tiles to sit on the shower floor. The water continued to rain down, only now it was cooling. Emma shivered. Asher tightened his hold on her. “That got out of control really quickly. Sorry.”

Smiling against his arm, Emma shook her head. “No apology needed. We were both naked. Last night should prove that we can’t do that unless we want it to spiral.”

“I like it spiralling. I like you totally out of control.”

A loud buzz cut into their moment, startling Emma and making Asher grumble. He stood up, pulling her to her feet. “Forgot I told Gabe to get here early today. That’ll be him at the shop door.”

“Oh,” she said, allowing him to lead her into the bedroom.

He opened a drawer, pulling out two T-shirts and tossing one across to her.

“I have my own clothes, Ash.”

“Not here you don’t. You’ve spent the night in my bed. I want you remembering that for the rest of the day.” He pulled his T-shirt over his head, raising his arms and stretching out his torso. Emma licked her lips as she drank in every inch of his chest and stomach.

“I don’t need help recalling last night. Asher, I can still
feel
you inside of me.”

His smirk told her she’d said just the right thing. “Good. Now you can smell me too.” He kissed her quickly and pulled on a pair of sweatpants. “I’ll let Gabe in.”

Emma grabbed a towel from a stack on the shelves and watched him leave as she perched on the end of the bed. She scrubbed at her hair. The sheets were still crumpled, clothes were still strewn across the floor and her body still vibrated from the orgasm Asher had drawn from her. The night had been amazing. Asher had been amazing, and she couldn’t stop the huge smile that was now spreading across her face. With him she’d been bold and hadn’t been too shy to show him what she wanted. Asher had given her his all. She knew that without question.

Still smiling, she dried herself and tugged on his T-shirt, inhaling his scent before letting the fabric slip down her body. After tying her hair up in a messy bun she walked back to the bathroom to switch off the shower. The rumble of voices floated up from the shop, along with a deep chuckle. Wanting to see that happiness reflected on Asher’s face, Emma tugged on her leggings and rushed down the stairs. As she rounded the counter she met Gabe’s green gaze.

“Hey, Priss. Didn’t expect you to be here this early.” He looked to her wet hair and down to her bare feet. “Oh. I get it.”

Asher pointed at him. “None of your business. Keep your nose out.”

“Nothing to do with me,” Gabe shrugged before offering up a quick smirk. “Whatcha wanting me to do today?”

“Wipe that smirk off your face to start with. Don’t go telling me that you haven’t enjoyed a bit of fun recently.” He stared at Gabe knowingly. “If you do, I’ll remind you of why I know you’re lying.”

The kid shrugged again. “She was hot. And I told you not to say anything to Priss.”

A bark of laughter flew from Asher. “I didn’t tell her. However, you just did.”

Emma studied the two of them, liking how much they had already bonded. Gabe had obviously shared a secret of two, and that meant he trusted Asher. Everything was going as she’d hoped.

“I do not want to know what you’ve been getting up to with anyone,” she said, moving across the shop toward Asher. She slipped her arm around his waist and leaned into his side. “You have enough going on in your life without complicating it further.”

Gabe toed the floor. “She, um, she knows. She’s always known.”

“Are you telling me you’ve been seeing her for a while? From before you moved into the shelter?”

Gabe nodded. “They didn’t know about her. She’s not in danger or anything.”

His declaration didn’t sit well with Emma, but then nothing about Gabe’s situation did. He’d kept his girlfriend quiet so she could only hope he was correct when he said she was safe. Gabe had dealt with enough pain.

“So, Asher, what did you need me to do?”

After giving Emma a hug, he pointed his thumb over his shoulder. “Out back. Got a few boxes of books that need cataloguing. They came in yesterday and the job is a big one. It’s time consuming.”

“So I’m going to be stuck putting stuff into the database then?”

“Yeah, afraid so.”

“Hmm, okay but can I go to the shop and pick up some juice and snacks first? Need something to keep me focused.”

“Sure,” Asher agreed letting Gabe stalk over to the door. “Wait!” he shouted as the kid reached for the handle. “Angel, do you want a coffee? I’ll go and grab us one. Some breakfast too.” He lowered his lips to her ear. “I worked up an appetite.”

“A coffee would be fabulous,” she responded, beating down the flush of bashfulness. “Breakfast would be good too.”

“Excellent. Leave the shop closed until we get back.”

She let them leave, wandering over to the bookshelves. She let her fingers flick along the spines, reading the titles and rearranging a few of them back into alphabetical order. The bell sounded over the front door just as she took a book from the shelf. Emma cocked her head around the bookshelf, taking in the man who’d entered. “Sorry, we’re not open yet.”

He zeroed in on her, a cold chill zipping down her spine. Goose bumps broke out across every inch of her skin and apprehension weight heavy in her guts. “I said we’re closed,” she stated, trying to remain calm.