Chapter 213: Penny
“So you told your parents what, exactly?”
Mila is halfway through her poached eggs and halfway into a dramatic gasp, eyebrows nearly in her hairline.
I sip my vanilla latte, trying not to blush. “That I might have something for him.”
“Might‘? Babe. You disappeared with him for three days and came back glowing like some war–touched goddess. You have something.”
I huff a laugh, pushing my croissant around the plate. We’re at our favorite brunch spot–corner booth, tall windows, light jazz, and the low hum of winter shoppers outside. Three days have passed since the funeral. Since the attack. Since…
Since Asher pressed me into his mattress like I was oxygen and he hadn’t breathed in weeks.
He kissed my stomach like it was sacred, each kiss a whispered mantra.
“You’re okay.”
kiss
“You’re safe.”
kiss
“You’re mine.”
kiss.
And when he was inside me–slow and deep and completely overwhelming–he said it again, between every thrust, between every breath.
“Mine.”
“Still here.”
“So goddamn glad you’re okay.”
His voice was rough and wrecked, like he’d fought a war and won only because I was still in his arms.
My body aches just thinking about it.
“I had to tell them,” I finally say. “They kept looking at me like they knew. So I just… told them.”
“And?”
“They weren’t surprised,” I admit, shrugging. “They just asked if I was sure about what I was doing. And reminded me that if he decides to go back into the Navy, I can’t hold him back. And he can’t hold me back from my ballet dreams.”
Mila softens, her grin replaced by something warmer “That’s… actually really lovely.”
“I told them we’re not official or anything. It’s just… I feel safe with him. And happy. I think he does too.”
“They like him?”
“They do. A lot, actually. Said they trust me to make good choices.”
“Well, they haven’t met his arms, have they?” she teases.
1/5
υπαμαι 415. Penny
I laugh behind my hand, cheeks heating.
We lapse into silence for a second. Outside, the snow falls gently, sticking to café windows in tiny starbursts. It’s peaceful, in that after the storm kind of
way.
Then Mila leans in again.
“And the bar? The gang thing?“.
I frown, tracing a sugar packet with my finger. “He didn’t tell me much. Just that they call themselves the Vultures. Apparently they like to cause trouble for military guys. Or… just anyone.”
“Creepy as hell.”
“Yeah,” I say softly, thinking of those eyes. Those voices. Boomer’s hand tight on mine. The disgusting things they said.
And Asher.
You’re mine. You’re okay. You’re mine.
“Anyway,” I say quickly, “what’s new with you? You and Declan still pretending not to date?”
She rolls her eyes. “He’s the worst. And by worst, I mean hot. And sweet. And possibly illiterate.”
I giggle.
After brunch, we head to the mall. Mila helps me sift through outfits, but I know what I’m looking for.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Asher said he has something planned.
His voice was quiet when he said it, almost shy. Like he didn’t want to give anything away. But side of my neck after, and my whole body said yes.
his
hand was on my thigh when he did, and he kissed the
I want to look nice.
Soft.
Pretty.
Like someone you plan things for.
I end up choosing a slate–blue knit top–long sleeved, off the shoulder, cropped just below my belly button. I’ll pair it with my black pleated skirt and tights.
It hugs me in the right places and makes my collarbones pop. The moment I try it on, I know.
This is what I’ll wear.
Mila, of course, gives me her official stamp of approval. “He’s going to combust.”
We grab cinnamon lattes to–go. After a bit more window shopping, I hug her tight outside the mall entrance.
“Call me after your hot soldier date,” she
tea
“I might be too busy.”
“Oh my god, get out.”
I laugh all the way to the bus stop.
And even when the cold wind cuts through me and I settle into the bus, the heat of everything–him, me, us–lingers in my chest like something I can’t
Chapter 213: Penny
shake.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.
And somehow, even in all this chaos, I feel like I already got what I wished for.
“Hey, sweetie,” Mom calls from the living room the second I step inside. “How was brunch?”
“Great,” I say, kicking off my boots by the door. “Long, though. Dress fittings are a whole production.”
Dad pokes his head out from the kitchen. “You survive the five hour ballet torture?”
“Barely,” I grin. “But I looked amazing while
so it’s fine.”
They both laugh, and I wave goodnight before
up to my room.
Once the door’s shut behind me, I let out a breath.
It’s warm in here. Familiar. My bed is made, my pillows stacked just the way I like them. My coat hits the chair, and I peel off my scarf, trying to let the silence settle over me.
But there’s something tugging at the edge of
I didn’t tell them about the bar.
my
chest.
Not when I came home after it. Not when I talked to them yesterday. Not even today.
It’s not exactly a lie… I just left it out.
Because what would I even say?
That a gang showed up?
That Boomer had to carry me away over his shoulder while men shouted about what they wanted to do to me?
That I saw Asher covered in other men’s blood just hours after speaking at his dead friend’s funeral?
No.
They don’t need that. Not now. Not when things feel normal again.
And it’s not like I’ll ever see those guys again anyway.
Still.
I bite the inside of my cheek. It doesn’t sit right – the weight of that silence between us. I’ve always been honest with them. But maybe this means to be caught in two worlds. The one I came from… and the one Asher lives in.
I collapse onto my bed and stare at the ceiling.
Then my phone buzzes beside me.
I grab it.
what it
ASHER:
You ready for tomorrow?
I smile instantly.
Chapter 213: Penny
ME:
Ready for what exactly? You haven’t told me anything.
Three dots bounce on the screen. Then:
ASHER:
I like keeping you in the dark.
ME:
That’s a little ominous, soldier.
ASHER:
Yes, but I know you like it. You can’t lie to me, princess.
ME:
I might like it more if you gave me some clue.
ASHER:
Dress warm. You’ll be outside part of the time.
ME:
Outside?! Asher Hayes. I swear if you make me do anything involving snowshoes or sled dogs I will kick you in the shin.
ASHER:
Noted. Will adjust accordingly.
I laugh under my breath.
Then his next message pops up.
ASHER:
You trust me, right?
My breath catches for a second.
Then I type slowly.
ME:
With everything.
I watch the screen.
No reply for a moment.
Then:
ASHER:
Chapter 213: Penny
Good girl.
Sleep tight.
My heart does a thing. A flutter that’s sweet and a little wicked.
ME:
Goodnight, Asher.
I put my phone down, bite my lip, and roll onto my side.
The ache in my legs reminds me of how he touched me. How he looked at me. How he said mine like it meant something bigger than pust the moment
I sigh softly, pull the blankets up, and close my eyes.
Whatever tomorrow is…
I know who I’ll be spending it with.
And that’s enough.
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