Chapter 31

thirty-one

. . .

Asher

The door shuts behind us, muffling the sounds of the party downstairs. Sloane’s hand is still in mine, her grip firm but her touch soft. The second we’re alone, she steps closer, tilting her face up, and my lips crash into hers like I’ve been starving for her all night.

Her fingers thread through my hair, tugging just enough to make me groan against her mouth. Every nerve in my body is firing, but before things can go any further, I pull back, resting my forehead against hers.

“Wait,” I murmur, my breath uneven. “I want to talk about some things first.”

Her brows knit together, her lips still parted and swollen from our kiss. “Now?”

“Yeah. Now.” I take a step back, rubbing the back of my neck as I try to organize my thoughts. “Look, I’ve been thinking about us—about this—for weeks. And I just…I don’t want to mess it up.”

She blinks, clearly not expecting that. “Mess it up? Asher, what are you talking about?”

I gesture between us, my words tumbling out before I can second-guess them. “I mean this. You and me. Whatever we’re doing. I don’t want it to just be sneaking around or hookups or…I don’t know. I want more than that. I want you to be my girl. I want to parade you in front of the fucking campus, Sloane. Girlfriend. And honestly? I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. But…let’s just say I really like you, Sloane.”

Her mouth opens, then closes, like she’s searching for the right response.

“I know you’ve got grad school coming up,” I continue, my voice softer now. “And I know you’re scared about what’s next. But that’s next year’s problem, right? Why can’t we just…” I trail off, shaking my head. “Why can’t we just enjoy what we have now?”

Her gaze drops to the floor, and for a moment, she’s quiet. When she finally looks up, there’s a vulnerability in her eyes I’ve only seen once or twice before.

“I guess I’m scared,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. “Scared of getting too close and then losing it all when we have to go our separate ways.”

“Who says we have to go our separate ways?” I counter, stepping closer and taking her hands in mine. “You think I care about football? About any of this frat stuff? Sloane, I’m here for you. Not for all of that. In the scheme of things, I know where my priorities lie.”

She lets out a shaky laugh, her fingers tightening around mine. “You make it sound so simple.”

“Because it is,” I say, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I like you, Sloane. A lot. And I don’t care about all the other noise. I just want to be with you.”

She bites her lip, her gaze searching mine. “But what if?—”

“No ‘what ifs,’” I interrupt gently. “We figure it out as we go. Together.”

Her lips curve into a faint smile, and she takes a deep breath. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay,” she repeats, stepping closer until our bodies are almost touching again. “But just so you know…I’m still a little scared.”

“Good,” I say, grinning as I tilt her chin up. “So am I. It’s natural—because neither of us knows what the future will hold. But I think we’ll be fine.”

And then I kiss her again, slow and deliberate this time, like I have all the time in the world.

Her laugh is soft and breathless as she steps back, her hands smoothing the front of her pencil skirt. “You know, I think you’ve got a thing for librarians, Knox.”

I grin, leaning back against the door. “Can you blame me? Especially when they look like you.”

Her cheeks flush, but she doesn’t look away. Instead, she tilts her head, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. “So, did you figure out the costume was for you?”

“Oh, I knew the second you walked into that party,” I say, stepping closer until there’s barely any space between us. “The skirt, the glasses, the way you looked at me like you wanted to ruin me? Yeah, it screamed Asher Knox fantasy fulfillment. ”

She lets out a soft laugh, biting her lip. “Well, then I guess it worked.”

“Keep it on tonight,” I murmur, my voice dipping lower.

Her eyes widen slightly, but then she laughs again, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you love it,” I shoot back, my smirk growing.

She pats the couch, arching an eyebrow. “Sit. If I’m keeping this on, we’re doing this my way.”

My heart thuds hard in my chest, a grin spreading across my face as I follow her lead. I sink onto the couch, sprawling out slightly as I look up at her. “You love it when you get to order me around, don’t you?”

Her lips curve into a mischievous smile as she straddles my lap, her hands bracing on my shoulders. “You’re not wrong.”

I let my hands settle on her hips, pulling her just a little closer. “So, what’s next, Miss Librarian?”

She leans in, her lips brushing against my ear as she whispers, “Shh. No talking. You’re here to study, remember?”

The low, teasing tone of her voice sends a shiver down my spine, and I can’t help but laugh softly. “Right. I’ve been having trouble paying attention in class.”

“Well then,” she says, sliding a hand down my stomach, her touch feather-light but enough to make my muscles tense. Her fingers brush against me over my jeans, and my breath hitches as heat pools low in my stomach. “Guess I’d better offer you some extra motivation.”

The look in her eyes—wicked and knowing—has me ready to lose it on the spot. I grip the edge of the couch, watching as she unzips me, her hands moving with an infuriating mix of confidence and leisure. When she unzips me and pulls me out of my jeans without even taking them off, I’m already rock hard, and the way her lips part slightly, her eyes flicking up to meet mine, makes me throb in her hand.

The first touch of her mouth has me sucking in a sharp breath, the heat of her tongue making my entire body tense. She takes me slowly, her hand and mouth working together in a rhythm that’s both torturous and perfect.

Jesus. How is she so fucking perfect?

I can’t take my eyes off her, the way her cheeks hollow slightly as she moves, the faint purr of satisfaction vibrating against me. She looks completely focused, utterly in control, and the sight of her like this—on her knees for me, her librarian costume still perfectly in place—has me gripping the cushion so hard my knuckles ache.

This isn’t just sexy. It’s insane.

The way she’s getting into it, the soft sounds she makes, the way her nails drag lightly against my thigh—it’s all too much. My breathing is uneven, my heart hammering in my chest, and I swear my vision is starting to blur.

“Fuck,” I groan, my head tipping back as a wave of pleasure rushes through me. My hands move to her hair instinctively, threading through the soft strands, and she doesn’t stop, doesn’t slow. “Sloane.”

I glance down again, and the sight of her—on her knees between my legs, her lips stretched around me, her hand wrapped firmly around my length, and her eyes flicking up to meet mine with a look that’s equal parts sweet and sinful—is enough to push me to the brink. My fingers dig into the couch cushion beside me, holding on for dear life as my chest heaves.

She knows exactly what she’s doing, and she’s enjoying every second of it. The way her tongue teases the sensitive spot just beneath the head, the soft hum in her throat, the way her free hand rests on my thigh, her thumb making lazy circles that are somehow maddeningly distracting—it’s a symphony of sensation.

For a moment, she pulls her mouth off of me with a quiet, teasing pop. Her lips are flushed, and there’s a smug little glint in her eyes that makes me want to laugh and groan at the same time.

“You know,” she starts, her voice playful but almost shy, “I never liked doing this until you.”

My head tips back for a second as I let out a breathless laugh, my hand raking through my hair. “Oh, yeah? What changed your mind?”

She tilts her head, her grin turning sly. “You’re very… motivating.” Her hand gives an experimental stroke that makes my hips jerk involuntarily, and she giggles. “See? Positive reinforcement.”

“Motivating, huh?” I ask, my voice low and rough as I glance down at her again. “What can I say? I aim to please.”

She snorts, resting her chin on the edge of my thigh as she looks up at me. “Actually, I think you say ‘please.’ In your head. Every time I do this.”

The laugh that bursts out of me is loud and unrestrained, my hand covering my face for a second before I lower it to meet her amused gaze. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And yet,” she says, leaning in to press a lingering kiss against the base of my length, “here I am, on my knees for you.”

The heat in her voice sends a shiver down my spine, but there’s a softness to her smile that grounds me. Her free hand slides down to my ankle, and before I can question it, she’s tugging at my boot.

“What are you doing?” I ask, still catching my breath.

“Taking charge,” she says breezily, yanking the boot off with more force than necessary. It thuds against the floor, and she grins up at me like she’s just won a prize as she takes off the other. “See? I’m a multitasker.”

I can’t help but smirk. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” she quips, already working on the other boot. It joins the first with a satisfying thunk, and then she shifts closer, her hands on my thighs again as she kneels back between my legs.

For a moment, she just looks at me, her expression softening. “I like this,” she murmurs, her fingers brushing lightly over my skin.

“This?” I ask, my voice quieter now. “What’s ‘this’?”

“You,” she says simply, her smile growing as she holds my gaze. “Like this. No walls. Just… you.”

The words knock the air out of my lungs, but before I can find something meaningful to say in return, she grins again and presses a kiss to my inner thigh, breaking the tension with her usual teasing charm.

“And for the record,” she adds, looking up at me through her lashes, “you definitely say ‘please.’ Comfortable now?” she teases, her lips quirking as her fingers trail over my thighs.

“Almost too comfortable,” I say, my grin widening as I reach for her. “But it’s my turn now.”

Just as I’m about to flip the script, there’s a loud, insistent banging on the door.

We both freeze.

“Knox! Open up!” Joe’s voice booms from the hallway, loud enough to cut through the noise of the party.

Sloane’s eyes meet mine, wide with alarm, and for a second, we just stare at each other, silently praying he’ll go away.

“Knox! I know you’re in there, man! Quit hiding!”

“Unbelievable,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair as I stand. I’m not even bothering with my jeans. If Joe’s drunk enough to bang on my door, he can deal with seeing me half-dressed.

Sloane sits up, pulling her knees to her chest as I head for the door. “Asher, don’t?—”

But I’m already there, yanking it open with more force than necessary.

Joe stumbles slightly, a half-empty beer in his hand and a glazed look in his eyes. His gaze immediately drops, stealing a glance at my “gift,” and his expression shifts from smug to startled.

“Jesus, Knox,” he mutters, straightening up. “No wonder you’re so cocky.”

“Joe,” I snap, stepping into the doorway to block his view of the room. “What the hell do you want?”

He waves the beer around, his grin slipping. “Look, man, I just…I need to talk. About her.”

His tone is dripping with self-pity, and I feel my temper spike. “Joe, you’re drunk. Go sleep it off.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” he shoots back, his voice slurring. “You think you’re better than me, don’t you? Just because you’ve got her now?”

“Not just because of that,” I say coldly, crossing my arms.

His eyes narrow, but before he can say anything else, I step closer, lowering my voice so only he can hear. “You screwed up, Joe. She gave you a shot, and you blew it. Now you’re creeping around like this, and it’s pathetic.”

Joe flinches, but I keep going. “I’m not going to screw this up. I like her.” I hesitate for a fraction of a second, the word on the tip of my tongue. Love. But I swallow it, keeping my focus on him. “And I’m not going to let you mess this up for her. Or me.”

Joe blinks, his expression wavering between defiance and defeat. Finally, he mutters something under his breath and stumbles back down the hallway, disappearing into the noise of the party.

I shut the door with a sharp click, leaning against it as I exhale.

When I turn back, Sloane is sitting on the couch, wide-eyed but smiling faintly.

“Well,” she says, her voice light with amusement. “That was…something.”

“Sorry about that,” I say, running a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the interruption.

She tilts her head, a sly smile curving her lips as her eyes trail down to where I’m still standing in my boxers. “Not gonna lie… the look on his face when he saw you? Worth it.”

I laugh softly, crossing the room to her. “What can I say? I’m full of surprises.”

She reaches for me, her fingers trailing lightly along my arm as she pulls me down beside her. “Think we’ll get another interruption?” she asks, her voice playful but laced with a hint of caution.

“Not a chance,” I reply, leaning in closer, our faces just inches apart. “I’m locking that door this time. Double-bolting it.”

Her laugh is soft, but it catches in her throat as I move closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. My lips find her jawline, trailing a slow, deliberate path along her skin. “You’re so good at handling interruptions,” I murmur, my voice low and teasing. “Now let’s see how good you are at following orders.”

Her breath hitches, her body instinctively leaning into me. I take her hand, guiding her to stand, her back brushing against the edge of the bed.

“Asher,” she whispers, her voice laced with anticipation, her pupils dark and dilated as I spin her gently to face me.

I lower my hands, starting with the delicate straps of her heels. My fingers brush along her ankle as I undo the clasp, slipping one shoe off and then the other, my lips grazing the curve of her calf as I go. She shivers, her breath hitching again when my hands trail upward, finding the zipper of her pencil skirt.

With practiced ease, I slide it down over her hips, letting the fabric pool at her feet. She steps out of it, and I can’t help but linger, my eyes tracing the curve of her legs and the soft dip of her waist. “You’re stunning,” I murmur, my voice unguarded as I reach for the clasp of her bra.

Her hands move to my shoulders, steadying herself as I release the bra, letting it fall away. Her chest rises and falls with each deep breath, and I let my fingers skim over her sides before hooking them into the waistband of her panties. My eyes lock onto hers, a silent question passing between us, and she nods, her lips parting slightly.

I take my time sliding the last barrier down, savoring every inch of exposed skin, every subtle tremble of her body under my touch. She steps out of her panties completely bare before me, and the sight takes my breath away. She’s all soft curves and confidence, and for a moment, I can’t do anything but look at her.

Her lips quirk into a small, knowing smile. “Orders, huh?” she teases, her voice shaky but bold as she moves to take her glasses off.

“No, the glasses stay on.”

“Okay,” she smiles.

I smirk, stepping closer to her, my hands settling on her hips as I guide her backward. “Get on all fours,” I say, my tone soft but commanding, my breath brushing against her ear.

She glances back at me, her cheeks flushed, her lips parting slightly in surprise. But then she moves, her body sinking gracefully onto the bed, the curve of her back arching in a way that makes me grip the edge of my self-control. The way she looks, so trusting and ready, nearly undoes me.

“Good girl,” I murmur, trailing my hand down her spine, letting it rest just above the curve of her hips. I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to the small of her back, and her breath hitches in response.

Kneeling behind her, I let my hands settle on her waist, my thumbs brushing the soft skin there as I lower my mouth to her. My lips trace a slow, deliberate path over the back of her thighs, teasing closer to her heat with each kiss. The first flick of my tongue against her makes her gasp, her body trembling as I hold her steady.

I take my time, savoring every reaction—the way she moans my name, the way her thighs quiver under my grip, the way she arches into me, desperate for more. Each slow, languid stroke of my tongue drives her closer, her soft cries growing louder as I draw her right to the edge.

“Asher,” she whimpers, her voice breathy and strained, her fingers digging into the sheets. “Please… oh my God, please.”

I glance up, my hands gripping her hips tighter as I let my tongue circle her one more time, pushing her higher. Her legs tremble, her body straining as she hovers on the brink of release. “Please,” she begs again, her voice cracking. “I need you inside me… now.”

Her words send a jolt of heat through me, and I groan against her, pressing one last kiss to her before pulling back. My hands slide up her body, guiding her upright as I lean over her, my chest against her back, my lips brushing her ear. “You want me that bad?” I murmur, my voice rough with desire.

“Yes,” she gasps, nodding frantically. “I need you, Asher. Please. I’ve missed this…I’ve missed you…so much.”

She moans softly, pressing back against me, her movements desperate and unguarded.

Her desperation pushes me over the edge of restraint. “I’ve got you,” I whisper, kissing her shoulder as I position myself behind her. “I’ll give you everything you need.”

“Patience,” I murmur, my grip tightening slightly as I guide myself to her entrance, teasing her for just a moment.

When I press into her, it’s slow, deliberate, the heat of her surrounding me inch by inch. A guttural sound escapes my throat as I sink fully inside her, the sensation overwhelming. My hands slide up her sides, steadying her, before finding their place on her hips.

“Oh, God,” she gasps, her voice trembling. “This…oh my God. Asher. You’re so…wow.”

“You feel so good,” I murmur, my voice thick with restraint, my fingers flexing against her skin as I pull back and thrust again. The rhythm is deep, purposeful, unrelenting, building with each movement. “Look at you,” I breathe, my words heavy with admiration. “Taking me so perfectly.”

Her cries fill the room, each one sending a jolt of satisfaction through me as I watch her body move with mine. The way she arches her back, the way her fingers clutch at the sheets—it’s intoxicating, a sight I know I’ll never get tired of.

And dressed up as a sexy librarian, no less.

I can think of a few more costumes I’d like her to play dress up with me as. And now we’ve got time.

“Say my name,” I demand, leaning forward slightly, my lips brushing against her shoulder.

“Asher,” she gasps, her voice trembling but certain. “Oh, Asher…deeper…harder.”

I grip her hips tighter, my fingers pressing into her soft skin as I thrust into her, each movement deliberate and unrelenting. The sound of her moans, desperate and unrestrained, fills the room, driving me to push her further, deeper.

“You take me like such a good girl,” I growl, my voice low and rough as I lean forward slightly, my lips brushing against her shoulder. “So tight, so perfect. Made just for me, weren’t you?”

She cries out, her fingers clutching at the sheets, her back arching even more.

“Look at you,” I murmur, my tone thick with admiration and hunger. “So fucking gorgeous, bending over for me like this. You love it, don’t you? Love how I fill you up, how I make you feel.”

Her response is a broken moan, her body trembling beneath me as I move faster, harder, each thrust eliciting a new sound that sends a jolt of satisfaction through me.

“Say it,” I demand, my grip shifting to her waist, pulling her back against me. “Tell me how much you love it.”

“I love it,” she gasps, her voice raw and trembling. “I love how you feel inside me. Oh God, Asher…”

“That’s right,” I growl, leaning forward to press my lips to the curve of her spine. “This is mine, Sloane. Every inch of you, every sound you make—it’s all mine.”

“All yours.”

Her cries grow louder, and I feel her body tighten around me, her legs trembling as she teeters on the edge.

“Come for me,” I whisper, my voice commanding but tender. “I want to feel you. Show me how good I make you feel.”

Her body arches, and with a soft, broken cry of my name, she shatters beneath me, her release so intense I feel her trembling through every movement. Her walls pulse around me, dragging me under with her, and I groan, the overwhelming sensation pulling me over the edge. My rhythm falters as my own release crashes through me, raw and all-consuming.

For a moment, there’s only the sound of our labored breathing, the room thick with the aftermath of our passion. I press a soft kiss to the back of her neck, lingering as I try to steady myself. Her body is still trembling slightly, her skin flushed and damp under my hands.

I ease out of her carefully, pulling her into my arms as we collapse onto the bed together. She turns into me, her face buried in the crook of my neck, and I hold her close, my fingers brushing lazily along her spine.

“You okay?” I murmur, my voice rough but soft, a contrast to the intensity of moments before.

She nods against me, her breath warm on my skin. “More than okay,” she whispers, her tone tinged with exhaustion but filled with contentment. “That was… God, Asher, that was everything.”

A small smile tugs at my lips as I press another kiss to her hair. “You’re everything,” I say quietly, the words slipping out before I can overthink them.

She pulls back slightly, her eyes meeting mine, and there’s something in her gaze—something unspoken but undeniable. Her fingers trace along my jawline, her touch light but grounding.

For once, there’s no teasing, no witty comeback, just the two of us, raw and unguarded. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

She rests her head on my chest, and I feel her body relax completely against mine. The silence between us is warm, comfortable, and as I run my fingers through her hair, I realize there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

“Stay,” I whisper. “You’re going to stay, right?” I tighten my hold on her, pressing my lips to her forehead.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she purrs, her voice soft but sure. “I’m done being your dirty little secret.”

“Yeah? What are you now then, that you’re not my secret?”

“I’m your dirty little dream come true,” she whispers, her eyes glinting with a mix of affection and mischief.

A grin tugs at my lips as I brush my fingers through her hair. “Dirty little dream come true. I like that.”

Her laughter is light, like the sound of something finally set free. She curls closer to me, her hand resting over my heart, and I hold her tighter, letting the quiet settle around us like a blanket.

For the first time in what feels like forever, everything is exactly how it should be.