Among Ash and Ember: A New Adult Romance

by René, Dani

  “Kitten.” He smiles. “You’ve been a busy girl.” He walks into room, joining me at the table.

  “I wanted us to do something special tonight,” I tell him. “It’s time to just be. No more messages, letters, and gifts from people. I want it to be just us.” I’m not sure he’ll understand what I mean, but there have been too many people in the house lately.

  We’ve had maids and butlers busying themselves in the house. Ash’s colleagues have dropped by to check on him, offering expensive bottles of whiskey as gifts. Within the humdrum, we haven’t had a moment to focus on us.

  “I like that idea, Kitten.” He grins, picking up the tumbler. He swills the amber liquid before taking a long gulp. I can’t help but giggle when he winces at the burn. “God, that’s good.”

  “I figured you’d like it.” I smile before leaning forward to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. “And I have another special surprise for you later, after dinner.”

  “Mmm, can I have that surprise right now?” he says, the corner of his mouth kicking into a mischievous smirk.

  “No, dinner first.”

  “You’re really not fair.” Ash pouts playfully, and I smile at the happiness emanating from him. These moments of lightheartedness are rare.

  Since Ember.

  “What’s for dinner?” Ash asks.

  “There’s a starter of oysters, and then there’s a main—lamb roast with potatoes and brown onion gravy. There’s also a choice of sides—vegetables or salad—if you’re so inclined.”

  “You’ve gone all out, Kitten,” he says, as the chef serves our starters.

  While we eat, we talk about work, school, and what I want to do for our upcoming vacation to Europe. But even as we smile and laugh, my mind is on my idea for dessert. I’ve never been nervous about spending a night with Ash, but this is different. Tonight, I want to give him something I haven’t before.

  “Listen,” he says, pushing his chair back and resting his left ankle over his right knee. “I’ve been thinking, and over the past couple of weeks I’ve had an idea which I need you to agree to.”

  “Oh? I don’t want to move if that’s—”

  “This has nothing to do with the house, or anything else, Kitten,” he tells me, swallowing the third shot of bourbon. His icy gaze meets mine before he reaches into the pocket of his work slacks. He pulls out a small velvet box and drops to one knee.

  “Ash.” His name is a gasp on my lips, while my heart thuds an excited rhythm against my ribs.

  “I wanted to do this in a more romantic setting,” he informs me, “but being at home is one of the most perfect places to do this. I’ve wanted you since the first night you blew my mind. You were everything I needed in a woman, but you also scared me.”

  As, he talks, the music playing in the background changes, and we’re met with the music of Amber Run singing “I Found.” It fits the moment perfectly, and my heart leaps into my throat when he flips the lid of the small box.

  “But I’m not scared of you anymore. I haven’t been for a while, but I’ve felt terrible for wanting to ask you this when Ember had just left us.” He is so serious. I want to pull him into a hug, but I wait for him to continue. “I’m done with the pain. I want happiness, and that’s you, Kitten. It’s always been you. Will you do me the honor of being Mrs. Ashton Addington?”

  I can’t stop the smile cracking on my face. I have a man who wants me forever.

  “Yes, yes, Ash, yes. A million times, yes.”

  He rises from the floor, and taking my left hand, he slips the slim white-gold ring onto my finger. The stone in the middle is a deep, dark orange, but the moment light hits it, I notice the small engraving on the inside.

  “There’s a rose,” I murmur, running the tip of my index finger over the stone.

  “Yes, it’s from the painting,” Ash informs me. That painting is now hanging in our bedroom above the fireplace.

  “Take me to bed.”

  Ash

  Her words are a flame licking at my skin, and I scoop her up, dinner forgotten, as I dismiss the staff and head up the stairs to the bedroom we now share. The moment after I lay Katerina on the mattress, I’m tearing at her clothes.

  I need her naked.

  I want her to open for me to devour.

  I ache to show her what she means to me.

  My slacks and shirt are on the floor in seconds, and she stares at me with rapt attention when I’m finally naked and hard before her. Those gray eyes pierce me, holding me hostage before I drop to my knees and spread her thighs.

  “Ash—”

  “Shh, Kitten,” I soothe her before my tongue darts out and laps at her bare pussy. Her scent and flavor are like fuel to my already raging fire, and I want to devour her. My mouth latches onto her, and I’m intoxicated.

  Every inch of this woman is perfect.

  The first moment I watched her pleasure herself, I was convinced she was an angel, and now I’m sure. My tongue dips into her heat, feeling her pulse around me, and my cock throbs, wanting to feel it as well.

  Her thighs tremble when I dip two fingers into her, pumping them in and out. She cries out my name each time I massage the spot inside her that seems to draw pleasure right from her very fucking soul.

  Her body shakes and shivers, and I don’t stop my assault. This is the woman I’ll spend my life with, and I’ll show her every pleasure there is. My other hand dips between her ass cheeks, finding the hole that causes her to gasp.

  “Not—”

  “Just feel, Kitten,” I coo, watching her body arch as pleasure wracks through her. I continue my taunting, needing her to enjoy every moment because the second I slide into her, my cock is going to explode.

  My index finger taunts her tight ring of muscle, wanting to dip inside, but I don’t. My two digits in her pussy continue to make her squirm on the bed. Her hands are in my hair, tugging and pulling, and her body shakes harder than I’ve ever seen.

  “Ash!” Her voice echoes, bouncing off the walls, and I’m thankful I sent the staff home, or they’d have heard everything. Her body pulses, her pussy drips onto my tongue, and her arousal soaks me with sweet juices I lap up like a man starved. Because I am.

  It’s been too long since we’ve done this, and I can’t help but reach for my dick and stroke it a couple of times, getting ready to take her.

  I rise and nestle between her legs.

  “I’m not going to last very long with your pretty little pussy squeezing my dick,” I tell her as I nudge her entrance. The slick flesh is ready, and I easily slip into her body, causing her to whimper and moan.

  “I just need you,” she tells me. Our gazes are locked in pleasure as we move in sync. As if we’re dancing in a passion that seems to have filled the room. I know I’ll never love someone the way I love Kat.

  Her hips rise to meet mine, and I drive into her deeper and deeper each time I move as she meets my thrusts. Her nails rake down my back, drawing a hiss from between my clenched teeth. I’m so fucking close, but I want her to come with me.

  I reach between us and begin to circle her clit, slowly and methodically, until she’s clawing at me and I’m certain she’s drawing blood. But right now, I don’t give a shit. Our bodies are slapping and slamming into each other; it’s raw, emotional, and sensual.

  “Please,” Kat moans, her mouth dropping open when I thrust at the same time as I pinch her clit between my thumb and index finger. Her walls flutter, then tighten so much I can’t hold back.

  My orgasm shatters me, and a groan falls from my lips as pleasure shoots down my spine, and I fill her with my seed.

  * * *

  When I roll over, I’m alone in bed, and the sun is streaming through the window into my eyes, which only makes me groan in displeasure. I shove the sheets away before swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I blink once, twice, and by the third time, I’m fully aware that I’ve been left alone, but there’s a mug of coffee waiting for me. “Nice.”

  “I t
hought you’d say that.” Kat’s sweet voice comes from the doorway. She’s wearing my white shirt and nothing else. Her dark nipples are visible through the material. My gaze lowers, dropping to her pussy, and I note there’s no sign of panties.

  “If you come into our bedroom not wearing any underwear you’re getting fucked, Kitten,” I tell her earnestly because my morning wood is hard and raging.

  “Not this morning. I have an exam. But when I’m done, I’ll come by your office.” She winks playfully. “Your suit and shirt are ready, and I’ve picked out a tie as well.”

  She struts her pert little ass over to my closet and shows me the hangers. There really is an outfit waiting for me.

  “What’s the time?”

  “It’s only six, but I need to go in at seven, so I can get my seat and be ready,” she tells me, before padding barefoot toward me and planting a kiss on my cheek. That’s when I notice the ring glinting in the morning sunlight.

  She said yes.

  We made love last night.

  “Are you on the pill?” My question stills her, and those pretty eyes turn glossy. That sounded terrible and not at all what I wanted it to mean. I’m such an asshole. “I mean . . . I hope you’re not. I didn’t mean . . .”

  “You’re an asshole.”

  “I know. I thought that was why you loved me?”

  “Love you.” She leans in and whispers in my face. Her warm mouth is inches from mine, and I want to steal her and keep her here all day. “And yes, I’m on the pill.”

  “What would you say if I told you I want you to stop taking it?” I question, hoping with all I am that she’ll say she wants a family as well.

  Her gaze is locked on mine, and I’m convinced she’s about to tell me she doesn’t want children. She straightens, shock painted on her pretty face. “What?”

  “I know we haven’t had this conversation yet, and I think it’s time we do.” I smile at her, making sure she’s not angry at the way I brought it up. “I’d like to one day see a little Kat running around the hallways of our home.”

  “You really want this,” she says. It’s not a question; she’s in shock. It’s true. I want babies with her. “I want you. I want a family, and you’ll be my wife. I guess you should be the one to carry my children,” I utter playfully, but she knows I'm being an asshole.

  Why change the habit of a lifetime?

  “Ugh, God, Ashton, you can say things in a better way,” she bites out in frustration, spinning on her heel.

  But I’m faster, gripping her wrist and pulling her closer to me.

  “Let me go.” Her voice is strangled and husky, and I know I’ve gotten to her.

  “I want a family with you, Kitten. You’re my girl, my soon-to-be wife. Once we say our vows, we’ll be practicing non-stop until you have my baby growing inside you,” I promise her. And I’ll keep my declaration.

  “I need to get ready for school,” she insists. “So that will have to wait.”

  “I’m not a patient man,” I tease, watching her roll her eyes in frustration.

  “Oh, I know that. Now can I go ace my exam, or are you determined to impregnate me right this second with twins?”

  I chuckle. It’s carefree and lighthearted, my first laugh like that since Ember died, and my heart lurches for a moment. I shouldn’t be happy, but this is what he wanted.

  “Hey,” Kat says. “Whatever we have, boy or girl, we already have a name.”

  I nod, swallowing my emotion down. “Ember.”

  She nods.

  My perfect girl.

  My perfect woman.

  I’m no longer alone.

  And I silently thank my brother for giving me a love—a forever.

  Epilogue

  Katerina

  “Ashton!” I glance up at him when he walks into the bedroom. “My water just broke.”

  His blue eyes widen. “Oh fuck,” he curses, rushing around the room. Ash races for the suitcase we packed only two nights ago. “Come,” he says, holding his hand toward me. I grip it tightly. The pain that shoots through me is unbearable.

  “I need drugs,” I bite out as he leads me to the car, which is ready and purring the moment he settles me in the back. Our driver is in the front, and the second the door closes, we’re on our way to the hospital. “I need all the fucking drugs, Ashton.”

  “I know, Kitten,” he tells me, holding me in his arms as he places soft kisses on the top of my head. But every sweet motion doesn’t ease the fear that’s gripping my chest.

  What if something goes wrong?

  What if I’m a bad mother?

  What if I can’t do this?

  “Katerina.” My name uttered in Ash’s calm tone causes me to jolt out of the fear-filled thoughts, and I meet those azure eyes. “You’re my beautiful girl,” he tells me with the confidence I need right now. “You’re going to be the perfect mother.”

  A contraction causes me to bite down on his shoulder. Agony shoots right through me, and I cry out when I feel another twinge. “I just need drugs.” I smile through the pain.

  “Soon, baby,” he assures me.

  And soon enough, we’re at the hospital, and I’m being wheeled into the private room Ashton ensured I’d have for the birth of our baby.

  I’m lying on the bed. The painkillers are slowly trickling through me, and they’re starting to work. I’m calm. Ash is beside me, and in my heart, I know Ember is here too, along with my parents.

  * * *

  Ash

  She is perfect.

  They both are.

  Katerina holding our little girl is the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. At six months of age, she is the spitting image of her mother. She has those wide gray eyes and that smile that makes my heart soar.

  “Ember’s hungry,” Kat says.

  I hand her the bottle I’ve just made and take in my wife in her tight pink tank top and black yoga pants.

  She’s finished her first year of university, and I’ve never been prouder. Watching her study, work hard, and focus has been daunting because I wasn’t sure how we’d handle a new baby, a wedding, and her studies. But it’s worked out.

  “I miss him,” I utter, causing her gray eyes to meet mine. Emotion skitters through them, and I know she understands.

  Katerina nods. “I do too.” She swallows. I watch her throat work, and her tears fall. They trickle down her cheeks, and I want to wipe them away. But I allow her this moment to feel it.

  “Let me take her,” I offer, and she accepts. Once I’m holding little Em, Kat checks her makeup. “You look perfect.”

  “I just . . . I don’t know. I’m nervous.”

  “You can do this,” I tell her, and it’s the truth.

  When Kat came to me two months ago and said she wanted to open her own art gallery, I said yes. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that she would be the perfect person to do this.

  We purchased the space, she worked night and day, and now that she’s going to have a small business where she will be exhibiting both her work, as well as Ember’s, it’s a blessing. Things are only looking up in her career.

  “This is it,” she tells me with a smile so bright, I can’t help but grin in response. Her hair is pinned in a messy bun, but I’ve never seen a woman look more beautiful than she does right now.

  “Let’s get changed, and we can head out,” I tell her, rising with little Em.

  When we reach the foyer, Mrs. Hargreaves is waiting to take over Ember duties. As a nanny, she’s been the perfect person to care for our little girl when we’re out for the evening. And now that Addington and Associates has grown, there have been a lot of events we’re both expected to attend.

  “Look after our girl,” I order the older lady, who offers a loving nod and hugs Ember to her chest.

  Fifteen minutes later, we’re in the car, dressed in our formal attire. I lean over and kiss my wife, reveling, in her little whimpers. “Ash, behave. Not now,” she admonishes me, and I can’t help b
ut grin at her trying to act as if she’s in control. She’s not.

  I glance out of the window, watching the darkness and twinkling lights flick by, and I know I’ll never be happier until I get Kat pregnant again.

  But I know the reason I’m here is because of my brother. He made me see there’s more to life than what I had envisioned. There is much more to life than work. My wife and my daughter are my family, and that’s where my heart lies—among Kat and Ember.

  I recall the two words he left me before he closed his eyes forever, and I remember them every day and night.

  ‘Be happy.’

  Thank you, brother.

  Acknowledgments

  This story meant a lot to me for different reasons. I wrote some of the scenes from deeply personal parts of my life, and found myself in tears for most of them. But I needed to write it, and I needed to give Ash, Ember, and Kat their story. And what a journey it was.

  Thank you to my BETA’s—Carmen Jenner who offered valuable advice and notes. And to my two diamonds—Allyson, Cat—you ladies are amazing. I don’t know how I could do this without you!

  Anna Bishop, you truly did polish this raw, emotional story for me. Thank you! Your advice was so welcome, and I can’t thank you enough for all you did.

  My proofreader, Brian Joseph, thank you for your hard work, and thank you to Jo-Anne for being an amazing support. To Allyson for stepping in and giving it a second set of eyes, thank you, darling!

  A huge thanks to my my Angels street team, thank you for pimping my work EVERYWHERE. You ladies rock!!

  To my adult, Caroline, thank you for everything! Thanks for keeping me in line and ensuring I don’t completely lose it! You’re a godsend!

  My reader group, The Darklings, as always, you’re the only place I know I’ll find like-minded ladies and a handful of gents who will have a laugh without drama. The group has grown so much and I’m excited for the future! Thank you for being there.