Shattered (Koa #5)

18. Asher

Chapter 18

Asher

L ila was completely out of it after we fucked her. If there was ever a moment I desperately needed my legs to work, it was then. As badly as I wished I could get her home, I knew I needed help. After putting her clothes back on, I had Bane carry her to the car and then from the car straight up the stairs to her bed. She was half asleep, breathing fine, just completely exhausted. I followed them up the stairs and thanked Bane before sending him out, happy to watch him leave. Seeing Sunshine in his care felt like a gut punch.

Once we’re alone, I strip her out of her clothes. I help her into some clean underwear, which has to be more comfortable than a thong, especially after the beating she just took.Once she’s comfortable, I pull the blankets over her, tucking her in. Then I head to the other side of the bed, stripping myself down to my boxers, and climb in beside her.

I won’t leave her. Instead, I turn on the lamp on the table beside me, and I study her while she sleeps. She’s on her back with her face turned toward me, her lips slightly parted, and her shoulders rise with each intake of breath.The more I stare at Lila, the more I admire her features. The softness of her face, the fire in her eyes, her cute button nose. She’s beautiful, whether asleep at peace or yelling at me in rage.

I’ve shared her twice now, and it’s made one thing very fucking clear. I’m never doing it again. The first time with Bane was rudely interrupted. But with Bane and Jared? I thought I could handle it, but we were partway through when I became fucking feral with something I did not expect ; jealousy . And now? Thinking about her with another man makes me feel fucking ill .

The night I met her, I decided I hated her and wanted to destroy her. And still, no matter what I throw at her, she comes back for more.She doesn’t back down. Even when she’s overwhelmed enough to break down and cry in the middle of sex, she’s so strong-willed. The way she tells me off and puts me in my place makes me feel something.

I’ve never given a shit about a woman in my life. By the time I was old enough to like them, I hated my life, hated my parents for not giving a flying fuck about me, and that anger just consumed me. When I started having sex, it was always rough and angry. It was how I felt inside. I knew I was a menace, but the pleasure filled me with something I desperately needed. Something short-lived and hollow.

But with Lila, I feel something different. It’s like it’s not the pleasure that fills me anymore. Whatever it is, it isn’t so hollow.

“You did good,” I whisper, feeling the overwhelming urge to praise her. To my surprise, her eyes flutter open slightly. The tiniest smile creeps across her lips.

“You’re not all bad, you know,” she whispers, shutting her eyes again.

I chuckle, shaking my head. This woman does things to me. “Yeah, well, don’t go telling anyone.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” she says softly, scooting a little closer to me.

I run a hand over her chest, gently grazing against her breasts. “Beautiful…”

“What, no teasing?”

“They’re small. I never said they aren’t perfect.”

The sweet little smile I pull out of her takes my breath away. I wrap my arms around her and pull her in so she’s tight against me. When she turns to rest her head on my chest and drape an arm over my stomach, I tighten my hold on her. One hand holds her against me by her lower back, and the other tangles in her hair, making her hum. Her warmth feels incredible.

“I hope you had fun tonight. I won’t be sharing you again.”

I feel her smile against my chest, and her hand moves to my arm, squeezing it gently. “Will you stay with me?”

Jesus fuck, is this what butterflies feel like? She drew them, and now they’re in my stomach. I don’t hate it. “Yes. I’m not going anywhere.”

She turns her head just slightly to press her lips to my chest, and that’s when the butterflies fucking explode.

“You better not snore. I’ve lost enough sleep because of you.”