Warning: This chapter contains mature content
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Asher left with a promise. "I'll be back as soon as I can, and once I return, I won't leave you again."
Valeria stood at the door, watching him disappear into the distance. Her heart ached, but she smiled softly, holding onto his words. Once he was gone, she returned inside, pulling out pen and paper from the drawer.
She had a promise to keep, a promise to Katherine. Though she didn't yet know how to send the letter, especially if Asher were to stay with her permanently, she resolved to deliver it someday.
Sitting at the dining table, Valeria stared at the blank sheet of paper, twirling the pen between her fingers. Writing this letter was harder than she expected. How could she even begin to describe what happened last night? The memory alone made her cheeks flush. Still, Katherine deserved to know, to be prepared for when the time came for her.
Taking a deep breath, Valeria dipped the pen into the ink and began writing, her thoughts drifting to the night before.
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Last night
Asher's lips brushed softly against hers, his movements unhurried and tender. Valeria, however, fumbled as she tried to kiss him back. Her inexperience showed, and her clumsy attempts made her cheeks burn.
Asher pulled back slightly, a teasing grin on his lips. "Just relax, Valeria. Don't overthink it. Follow my lead, okay?"
"Easier said than done," she muttered, her face turning redder by the second. She didn't even know how they ended up like this—on her bed, her heart racing, and her mind clouded with thoughts she dared not speak aloud.
He chuckled softly, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. "Trust me. You'll get the hang of it."
Valeria hesitated for a moment before nodding. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his again. This time, she let herself follow his rhythm, mimicking his movements. Asher deepened the kiss, his tongue brushing against her lower lip. Startled, she parted her lips slightly, and he took the opportunity to explore further.
Suddenly, he was above her, his hands roaming her sides. Valeria's heart pounded wildly, her embarrassment reaching new heights. She felt vulnerable, exposed, yet strangely… safe.
"Asher," she whispered, her voice trembling.
He paused immediately, concern flickering in his eyes. "Do you want me to stop?"
"No," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "I… I like it."
Asher's lips curled into a small smile. "Good." He pressed a kiss to her jaw, trailing lower until he reached her neck. Valeria tensed, a soft gasp escaping her lips.
"Relax," he murmured against her skin. "I've got you."
When he nipped at her neck, Valeria's eyes widened. "What are you doing? Are you trying to eat me?!" she exclaimed, flustered beyond belief.
He laughed, the sound low and rich. "I can't help it. You're just too sweet." His hands stilled, resting on her sides. "May I?" he asked, his tone gentle, seeking permission to take off her dress.
Valeria hesitated, her mind warring with itself. This was wrong—she knew it was—but for once in her life, she wanted to do something for herself. Something that wasn't dictated by rules or expectations. Taking a shaky breath, she nodded.
"Y-you first," she stammered. "Take off your clothes first."
Asher raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "How about we do it together? At the same time?"
She bit her lip, considering his suggestion before nodding again. With trembling fingers, she began unbuttoning her dress, her gaze firmly fixed on the floor. She couldn't bring herself to look at him, not yet.
Once she was undressed, she quickly slipped under the blanket, her face burning with embarrassment. Asher, meanwhile, sat beside her, unabashed and completely at ease.
"Hey," he said softly, his voice breaking through her thoughts. "We can stop anytime, Valeria. You don't have to do this."
"It's not that," she whispered, her voice muffled by the blanket. "It's just… embarrassing."
His lips curved into a reassuring smile. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about."
Still, she couldn't help herself. She sneaked a peek at him, and her eyes widened. His body was honed and muscular, a testament to his years of training as a knight. Scars adorned his skin, each telling a story of battles fought and won.
"You're staring," Asher teased, his voice laced with amusement.
"I am not!" she shot back, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. "I was just… looking."
"Look all you want," he said with a smirk. "I'm all yours tonight. So, shall we continue?"
Valeria swallowed hard, her nerves threatening to get the better of her. But then she nodded, her determination outweighing her fear.
"I need words, Valeria," Asher said firmly, his tone leaving no room for misunderstanding.
"Yes," she said again, her voice steadier this time. "I want this."
A satisfied smile spread across his lips. "Good. Then let me show you, rather than explain. Words would only confuse you."
He leaned over her, his movements slow and deliberate. He kissed her again, his lips soft and warm against hers. His hand trailed down her side before coming to rest on her chest. Valeria gasped, her body stiffening in surprise.
"Asher!"
"Trust me," he whispered, his voice soothing. "I know what I'm doing."
And as his lips trailed lower, she felt herself melting under his touch. His enveloped her rosy bud. It was completely embarrassing but she enjoyed the feeling and didn't push him away, a small whimper leaving her lips. He was patient and gentle, guiding her every step of the way. For the first time, Valeria allowed herself to let go, to experience something purely for herself.
He turned his attention to her other rosy bud and in only seconds she was putty in his arms. His lips started to trail lower over her stomach and left a trail of small kisses but he didn't stop at her stomach. "What are you doing?" She asked unsure.
Asher didn't had a problem that she asked every step of the way. It was understandable since this was all knew for her despite her small encounter with the king when he touched her. Asher was fuming when she told him earlier that the king tied her down on the bed and touched her without her consent.
"I will prepare you now so it won't hurt too much once I enter you. I will put my mouth between your legs and eat you." Still, even if he wanted to make this perfect, he couldn't help to tease her a little since she blushed so sweetly.
Valeria looked wide eyed at him. She didn't understand one thing but she suddenly felt confident and wanted to try it out even if it sounded completely embarrassing. "O-okay… do that." She said completely flustered.
Asher grinned at her words and buried his face between her legs. A gasp left her lips and she tried to close her legs at the sudden new sensation but Asher kept her legs wide open for himself.
The pleasure he made her feel left her dizzy and breathless. Her hands desperately grabbed the bed sheets to have something to hold onto. "You are doing so good… just let go and feel it." Asher mumbled out against her heat as he licked, sucked and didn't give her a break.
Valeria didn't know what else would happen tonight but she was eager to find out since this was already feeling amazing.