A Kiss

Scarlett's Point of view

I despised how my body responded to Asher’s touch, his presence, the way he spoke, and the intensity of his gaze, as if he were peering directly into my soul, seeing through me and all my reactions. I felt overly vulnerable in his presence, as though he were aware of all my secrets, even those I had buried deep within my heart.

I should despise this man. I had convinced both my mind and my heart to hate him, yet my body craved his touch, his lips against mine. As much as I wanted to resist his advances, ever since the day he kissed me, I secretly longed for him to kiss me again, even though I would never admit it.

I grimaced, biting down on my lower lip. I couldn't bear to look at my reflection in the mirror; guilt, self-loathing, and disgust were all that stared back at me.

How can I be so unashamed?

I should avoid Asher as much as possible; being close to him has not been good for me, and I don't want to validate my mother's words. Asher belongs to Scarlynn, and I shouldn't even entertain the thought of wanting his attention. Moreover, I despise him, yet my body betrays me with foolish desires.

That's all.

Was it all worth it?

I was jolted out of my thoughts by the sound of footsteps echoing in the room, and there he was—the person I had been trying to avoid with all my might.

I rose from the chair, realizing that Asher was walking toward me. Avoiding him was the best decision I could have ever made.

Asher didn't allow me to take another step; he grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks.

“You look stunning, my dear wife. If it were up to me, I would tear that dress apart; you look even better without it”. His voice was husky, and he was doing it intentionally. I hated him for it.

My stupid heart began to pound against my chest. “Haha, very funny,” I retorted impatiently, trying to sound indifferent. It seemed that the little research I had done over the past few weeks was helpful; at least I could respond to him while staring into his eyes. It was a bit challenging, but I simply had to do it.

Before I could take another step, Asher scooped me into his arms and made me sit in the hairdresser's chair. He spread my legs and leaned closer, standing between them.

A slow-burning flame ignited within me. My mind knew I should push him away and yell at him, and my heart wanted the same thing. However, my body craved something different. It was a battle between my body, heart, and mind, and I couldn't decide which should win.

“Do you know the consequences of talking back to me?” His voice was low and husky, and his eyes locked onto mine as he lifted his finger, gently stroking my lower lip.

My lips parted, a gasp escaping as his touch sent a shiver down my spine. As much as I despised him, a deep longing washed over me.

But what was I truly longing for?

Was it him or?

How his hand would feel against my skin, how his lips would taste against mine, and how it would feel when he entered me for the first time, causing me to moan his name.

“Asher…” My voice was barely above a whisper, a heat spreading between my legs. I had never felt like this in my entire life; this sensation was so strange that I both loved and hated it simultaneously.

Asher’s hand trailed down my neck grasping it , his eyes never leaving mine. He pulled me closer, and his lips brushed against mine.

Shame and desire mingled intensely in my throat, and I swallowed painfully hard.

Asher pressed his lips against mine, kissing away all my shame and fears. His kisses were too cruel, devouring my will to resist him. I found myself responding to his kiss; each kiss sent an electric jolt through my veins.

His hand moved to my dress, pulling it up, his fingers caressing my bare thighs and sending a shiver down my spine.

"Don't pretend to be so innocent. Deep down, you're relieved that your sister is dead, and you've married Asher. He's every girl's dream, and you've hit the jackpot. Now you'll become the Queen of the Black family.”

My mother's words echoed in my mind, pulling me out of this fantasy world of pleasure. With all my strength, I pushed Asher away.

This is wrong; it shouldn't be happening. I shouldn't be having a sexual relationship with Asher, as it is no less than betraying Scarlynn.

Asher grasped my hand before I could make my escape and pulled me toward him, my head falling against his chest.

“Aren't you tired of running away?” Asher's lips brushed against mine, his breath coming in soft gasps. I inhaled sharply, unable to articulate how my heart was pounding against my chest. I felt too powerless to resist these unfamiliar emotions…

“We should get going.” My words emerged as a pleading moan. I shouldn't have expressed myself that way, but I was overwhelmed by unfamiliar emotions that I couldn't even begin to describe, no matter how hard I tried to understand them.

“This is not over!” Asher whispered against my lips before finally letting go of me and heading to the bathroom.

I clenched my chest as my heart pounded violently, a wave of heat flushing through my entire body. My legs quivered, making it difficult for me to stand properly.

Damn!

I was losing control over my body; Asher was taking charge, and I felt too helpless to resist. He shouldn't have kissed me that day, and now my body craves more.

More of what though?

I couldn't understand anything; all of this was driving me to the brink of madness. Why can't my body react to his touch with the same disdain that my heart feels for him? It shouldn't be that difficult, should it?

It took me a few minutes to compose myself. Asher emerged from the closet fully dressed, radiating confidence and charm. It was difficult for any ordinary woman to resist him, and I was no exception.

I took a deep breath. I was already prepared to leave, and I knew I should stay away from Asher, doing everything I could to avoid him until the auction was over. Once I returned home, the nanny would leave, and I would be alone with Asherly. He wouldn't have the opportunity to get closer to me. I would simply use Asherly to create distance between us; it would work perfectly.

Asher and I left the house, and I could only express my gratitude to the person who called him; he remained on the phone until we arrived at the venue.

The avenue exuded an air of opulence; the grand ballroom sparkled under a crystal chandelier and gleaming marble floors. The auctioneer's podium was positioned on a sleek, contemporary stage.

All eyes turned toward Asher and me as we made our way inside. The media surrounded us, microphones extending from side to side. I flashed my best fake smile, knowing this would be the headline news tomorrow.

“Mister and Mrs. Black, you look so beautiful together. Congratulations on your marriage! " the journalists said.

“Mister Black, are you certain that you will be acquiring the diamond tonight?” one of the journalists asked. I could only wonder what the significance of that diamond was.

“The auction is about to end. Are you sure you will be able to acquire the diamonds tonight?” another journalist asked. At least I wasn’t the reason for his tardiness; it was his own fault.

The guards cleared a path for us, moving the journalists out of the way. Asher pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down while he took a seat next to me in the front row reserved for VIP guests.

I could hear people murmuring, and I was certain they were gossiping about me. Unfortunately, I had no time for airhead housewives, and I'm not even going to hang out with them.

"One billion going twice," the bidder shouted. I was almost certain that Asher was not going to be able to buy this ice-cold diamond. Surely he had no billions lying around, no matter how rich he was.

"One hundred billion," Asher spoke calmly. My eyes went wide in shock, and I choked on my own saliva. I started coughing so hard that everyone in the room was equally shocked.

"One hundred billion, going once!"

"One hundred billion, going twice!"

"One hundred billion, going thrice!"

"The pink diamond has been sold to Mister Asher Black," the bidder yelled. My eyes widened in shock. How rich was this man? How could he spend hundreds of billions just like that, as if it was nothing?

“Asher, you might have gotten the Pink Diamond, but you are still going to pay for my brother..." I turned my attention to the man who was talking.

Asher let out an amused chuckle as he rose from the chair, slipped his hand into his pocket, and brought out a silver bullet.

"You have two days to kill me and bury me in your backyard. If you fail, I will make you regret being alive," Asher placed the bullet in his pocket, his words dripping with sarcasm. He extended his hand to me, and we both made our way out.

This man was really mad. How could he go around threatening people knowing that he had a small baby at home? She was barely a month old, but he didn't care. All he wanted was to satisfy his ego.

"Asher, baby," I removed my hand from Asher’s grasp. He turned his attention to the woman who called out to him.

She shamelessly walked over to him and placed a soft kiss on his lips, causing my stomach to churn, remembering that not long ago, he was kissing me. He had no respect for anyone. He was just a stupid jerk.

"I was getting used to you for the past week. You just left with no warning, and I'm already missing you," the woman spoke, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I could have gotten rid of her within a second, but I decided against it. He can be with whomever he wants as long as he stays away from me. That might work for me.

With that thought in mind, I walked out of the ballroom, leaving him with his woman. The driver opened the door for me, and I got inside.

"Take me," I instructed the driver.

"But, Ma'am, Sir didn't tell me to take you home," he spoke, his tone dripping with uncertainty.

"I said take me home right now unless you have a death wish. I am more than willing to fulfill it for you," I threatened. Without saying a word, he started the car and drove off.