Ash rubs her back, up and down, until her breathing evens out and settles. I bet she’s exhausted from all of this.
Which is exactly why I keep the other million questions I have to myself. I can ask them later, after she gets some much-needed rest.
Sleep comes sooner than any of us expect as she drifts off a minute later. She’s limp in his arms, but he secures her in place, not budging an inch.
We sit there for what feels like forever and a second, all in one.
Sooner or later, she stirs awake, her eyes widening with surprise. “Oh God, I did not mean to do that,” she whispers, sitting up instantly, her cheeks reddening.
Asher smirks. “Drool on me anytime, Princess.”
A knock sounds on the door. She jumps, but I raise my hands to try and calm her.
“Are you guys still in there?”
I recognize Griffin’s voice immediately.
Crap. I forgot they were here.
“Go,” Cirella orders. “I think I’m going to head to bed early anyway. And I’d better fill Jules in before she breaks down my door later tonight.”
“Oh, so she knew all about your little secret, huh?” I tease her.
“Who do you think helped me sneak into the party?”
She bites down on her lower lip, and I suddenly want to slap myself and kiss her senseless, all at once.
How could a small eye mask have fooled me this much?
I should have recognized her immediately. Her plump, heart-shaped lips. The way she chews on her bottom one when she’s nervous. The bright blues of her big eyes. All of the signs were there. We were just blind.
“Are you sure?” I ask her, wanting to be sure she’s okay before we leave her alone.
Leaning over to me, she slides her hand along my cheek, pulling me to her, and my lips quickly find hers.
She kisses me tenderly and passionately, as if it’s the last one she’ll ever have, and I’m a bumbling full by the time she pulls away, putty in her hand.
Righting herself, she kisses Asher, her blonde hair falling forward as she rocks against him. When she sits back, there’s a confidence in her aura, one I’d love to see more often.
“I’m positive.” She smiles, wetting her lips.
“I don’t want to leave,” Asher drones immediately with hooded eyes and parted lips. “I don’t need friends anymore actually. Fuck them.”
I roll my eyes, smiling, secretly feeling the exact same way. “Let’s give her some time to rest. We’ll check in on you later, okay? We’ll text you.”
She nods, happiness in her eyes, crinkling the corners. She’s so goddamn beautiful. I will the image of her to burn itself into my brain, wishing to see it every time I close my eyes.
“Good night, Cirella.” I stand up, grab her chin, and kiss her forehead once more.
Turning back to Asher, she grins and slides off his lap. “Good night.”
“Ican’t believe that happened,” Jules gulps, in a state of shock after I filled her in on all things Dean and Asher. “It’s about time though, honestly.”
I chuckle, feeling like a giddy kid on Christmas as I replay the events of tonight over and over in my mind. “Yeah, it was something …”
My phone buzzes on my bed, and Jules impatiently waits for me to check it. I find a couple of messages from the guys.
“Yes, it’s them.” I laugh, reading the messages before showing her and responding.
