Ch. 26..30: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 26-30

Chapter 26: You impressed me

Tristan had thought she might have never paid attention to her surroundings because she had her team guiding her but he was wrong. Even with so many crew members around her, she was still alert to the people around her.

"You impressed me," he said with pride.

Tristan had never thought being an over-pampered girl of Richard Brown, Ashley would have an attentive mind. He had always thought that spoiled brats never think beyond their liking but Ashley she was different.

Ashley didn’t think he would praise her without holding back and that way of the speech made her feel shy.

She had now started to notice how his words had an effect on her where she kept blushing more than she thought.

"Cough!!.. okay now enough of your compliment, I am hungry can we just place our order," she said trying to change the topic because she was already starting to feel hot because of his sweet honey-like words.

Smiling at her cute act he called the waiter and placed the order for them. Soon the breakfast was served and they started devouring it.

"You know this restaurant has the best pancake you could have ever eaten," Tristan said taking the bite of the pancake that was served for them.

"Hmm.. they are" Ashley too agreed and ate the pancake tasting every bit of it.

Both Tristan and Ashley were satisfied with the breakfast they had and soon left the restaurant.

"So where are we heading now," Ashley asked sitting inside the car and seeing Tristan grin.

"You know my hand itch’s to smack that face of your" annoyed by his silliness Ashley just couldn’t stop from warning him.

"Then smack it in that way at least you would touch me" bringing his face close to her he turned his face to the side and waited for her to slap him.

Ashley was now regretting her decision of allowing him to join the trip with her. This man was so shameless that he kept irritating her with his perverted words.

Annoyed with his blatant words she pushed his face away from her and asked him to drive.

"Shameless" she muttered and heard him chuckle.

Ignoring his mischief face she averted her attention from him and looked outside the window.

****

Alice’s apartment

It was a fresh new day but for Alice, it was the same as the day before. Being a sleep-deprived person she couldn’t distinguish if any of her days was as beautiful and fresh as before.

Getting ready she was about to leave for the studio when she stumbled upon her new neighbor.

"Not again" she muttered under her breath and ignore the man who had just stepped out of his apartment.

She didn’t waste her time listening to his useless words because she was getting late.

Avoiding looking at him she started walking and reached the elevator. As soon as the door opened she was about to close the door when it was blocked by a long leg.

Her eyes widen when she saw the person blocking the door.

"You always seem to be in a hurry Miss Alice" Noah said entering the elevator.

Alice frowned at his remark and turned to ask him," How do you know my name. I remember not mentioning it to you" she was annoyed at how this man got to learn her name when she didn’t tell him.

"I have my way. And by the way, don’t neighbors need to know each other’s name" Noah said casually but that didn’t go well with Alice. She felt he was invading her privacy by knowing about her.

"No, I don’t think it applies to every neighbor" she was annoyed by his easy-going personality.

She knew he was handsome but that doesn’t mean he can know everything about her without her consent. She agreed she got swayed by his charming face but that charm didn’t last long when he showed his indecent way.

Noah was amused by how she would easily get pissed by every single word he spoke. He couldn’t understand why was she so annoyed by him.

He clearly remembers it was her who accused him of dashing her car but in reality, it was her car that stopped abruptly when the signal turned red. He was attentive enough to apply the brakes immediately and her car was just damaged with a slight scratch.

He took all of her blame and even offered her the money to service her car but then again she got angry and walked away blaming him again.

’What was her problem’ he thought trying to figure her out.

Soon the lift reach the ground floor and the door opened. As if Alice was suffocated by his presence she dashed out without looking back leaving Noah in deep thought.

Ignoring her weird behavior he too hopped into his car and drove to his company.

****

Tristan stopped his car when they reach the market which didn’t allow any vehicle to trespass further.

"From here we need to walk," he said and hopped out of the car and went to open the door for Ashley.

As soon as she step her feet out she looked at the vast place which was crowded with so many local people. She could even see the tourist who came to explore the place.

She had heard that Basin city was famous for touring so she picked the resort which would allow her to roam the town and explore a place where no one would recognize her.

"I am so eager to stroll around" she excitedly exclaimed and they both started walking.

The Lola market was the biggest market which was the way that leads you to the most exciting places to explore.

Walking along both Tristan and Ashley kept looking around and talking about the things which would catch their attention.

Ashley who had never felt so active was feeling extremely relaxed. With Tristan next to her she felt more open about her thoughts and he too didn’t mind but joined along with her conversation.

"Do you want to try that ice cream" Tristan stopped her and pointed at the stall where an old man was selling ice cream.

"Sure" agreeing with him they both walked to the stall and ordered two ice creams.

They continued exploring the place making both feel so relaxed and letting them forget about their life which was busy to even spare them a free day.

Walking for too long made Ashley extremely tired and they decided to take a break.

Sitting on the bench Ashley looked ahead and saw the people on the beach. Some were alone, some with their partners. Her eyes looked at them with amusement and she averted her gaze looking at the water ahead.

She had planned to bring Greg with her here because wanted to propose to him for marriage. She was very typical when it came to relations and believed in commitment but who would have thought her dream of marrying him will break in such a way.

She didn’t want to think about him because she was enjoying her time with Tristan. Clearing her thoughts about him she averted her eyes from the beach and looked for Tristan who went to bring something for them to eat.

She looked into the pool of people when her eyes caught the sight of the man approaching her.

Just that look on his face made her heart beat and unknowingly she found herself smiling back at him. He was that beam of light that shined on her when she thought she wasn’t enough.

Greg never valued her but this man paid attention to her every word. She never thought her breakup night would lead her to this man. He was that warmth that she needed to vain her emotion.

Even after being heartbroken still, his embrace gave her the security that made her sleep soundly holding him.

" You are drooling" his words broke her trance and she saw him smiling at her.

Embarrassed by her action a blush crept on her cheek and stuttered," N-no I am not drooling..." she turned her face hiding her awkwardness.

Tristan who surprisingly found her staring at him felt the need to rush to her and capture that juicy lips of hers. He had seen her gawking at him many times but she was so prideful a person that she wouldn’t agree with it.

He had been disturbing her thoughts and Tristan was aware of it. The way she melted at his touch, the way her mind went blank on their closeness everything clearly showed that she was slowly finding herself falling for his charms.

"I would have agreed but that lustful gaze of yours is turning me on" his cheeky words made her cough...

"Cough!! Will you please keep that pervert’s thoughts inside your head" she retorted getting annoyed by his bold words. He didn’t even hold it back when they were in a public place and that made Ashley look at his audacity.

’Was he always this shameless or did he just like to tease her’ Ashley who had heard numerous news about Tristan Knight being single all his life never looked up at any women nor entertained anyone who was suddenly talking rubbish in front of them him.

’Did they mislead their audience by publishing wrong info about him’ shaking her head she looked around ignoring his piercing look. The way he stared at her would make her cautious about her actions around him.

Chapter 27: What do I do now

Knight Mansion

Sitting on the couch Grace was drinking her tea when she heard hurried footsteps. Looking up she saw Gavin running towards his room without noticing her.

"Gavin!!!" her voice made him stiff and he turned hesitatingly.

Gavin who paid no attention around thought before anyone would see him getting soaked with sweat he better dash inside his room without getting caught. But his lack of attention did make him caught.

"Mom.." he balked facing his mother’s questioning gaze.

Gavin had yet to disclose about him stepping his foot into serving the country to his family. He had talked about it to his brother and Gwen and as per his instruction, he started his training and even applied for the exam to get enlisted in the military. But now his mother’s deadpan gaze was making his knee go weak.

"When did you start jogging so much" her words relaxed him immediately and he smiled cheekily.

"M-mom you wanted me to be fit like brother right. So I just followed your orders" he answered which made Grace arch her brow.

"From when did you start listening to my orders" Grace who was suspicious of her younger son’s change in behavior couldn’t believe his words.

She knew both Gwen and Gavin were naughty and mischievous kids who never took her words seriously. She got tired of educating them with basic mannerisms but they never once listened to her then how come this sudden change appeared out of the blue.

Bringing the tea close to her lips she was about to sip it when she heard him say.

"Hehe.. mom how can’t you say I don’t listen to you. That day when you were kissing dad on your balcony I was the one who sealed my mouth when you warned me and didn’t say to anybody. So how you accuse me for not following your words-" Gavin’s shameless words made Grace choke the tea she sipped.

She shot her angry eyes at him that made him gulp," I- think I should just get freshen up..." ignoring her deadly glare he hurried upstairs without looking back.

"I shouldn’t have stopped smacking their butts so early" scoffing at his immoral words she continues with her morning tea.

****

Tristan and Ashley stroll around the beach area as they waited to see the sunset. He had heard somewhere that Blue beach gave the best view of the sunset and he couldn’t wait to watch it with Ashley by his side.

"You seem to know everything about this place" Ashley who had been attentive throughout their touring found Tristan knowing every place they visited.

The way he told her even the small stuff about the coffee they drank and the ice cream they ate made her feel he had been a very knowledgeable person. She didn’t think a very busy person like Tristan would spare his time for knowledge about different cities.

Tristan shrug his shoulder denying her statement and saw Ashley shake her head not accepting it," That’s not true. You knew everything about the places we visited and that too in detail. How can you deny it, Tristan"

Ashley was sure he was just teasing her so later he would laugh at her.

Tristan stopped walking and turned to face Ashley would too stop and look back at him.

"What if I tell you I have never been on any vacation throughout my whole life will you believe me" his words sounded genuine as he stared at her.

Ashley stopped smiling as she looked back at his calm face. He didn’t seem to be joking this time which suddenly surprised her," You never went on any vacation" she asked not being able to believe that he never went on any trip.

Tristan nods his head agreeing with her words," Yes and this is the first time I am holidaying that too with you" putting his hand inside his pocket he pursed his lips.

’Will she consider me as a boring person he thought looking at her less speech of words.

Ashley had no words to say... This business tycoon whose news keeps flashing across the news channel only kept his life busy with work and never once spare himself a chance to look outside that.

"Don’t you think you are too money-minded" her words made him choke as he looked at her with utter shock.

"What did you say-" he asked not believing she would come up to label him that way.

"Yes.. don’t you think you have enough to at least spend something for yourself" she turned around and looked ahead into the water. Smirking internally she kept her face straight just so she wouldn’t burst into laughter watching his shocked face.

"I didn’t know you were so behind in earning money that you skip the best part of your life" she kept firing him making him pout at her blunt words.

Ashley who was waiting for him to stop her by talking shameless words didn’t hear him utter even a single word and that made her turn her head to see him.

Tristan stood next to her with that cute pout marred on his lips which made her chuckle. She burst into laughter as she couldn’t hold it any longer. This six feet tall man knew how to be cute with that innocent face.

"Look at you. You seem to cry the next moment" she said holding her stomach as she couldn’t stop laughing. She didn’t know he would look so childish that her heart would melt watching him.

Tristan who kept staring at Ashley felt like being tricked by her suddenly wrapped her arms around her waist and slammed his lips on her shutting her laughter down.

Ashley who didn’t understand what just happened stood like a block of ice and felt his lips on hers. His gentle suck made her close her eyes and she found herself wrapping her hands around his neck pulling him closer.

Those lips tasted the same which she had devoured that night not allowing herself to part from them. He tasted like heaven that made her feel addicted to his kiss.

Every night when she closed her eyes to sleep she could recall the time that she spend with him. His hold, his touch everything she remembers vividly. It was like his touch was still lingering on her skin aroused her at his thoughts.

When Tristan felt Ashley composing around him he deepens the kiss, sliding his tongue inside her cavern. She tasted like sweet honey which was only made for him to taste. Slowly moving his hand up to her back he pulled her closer to him until their chest touched each other.

He felt her reciprocating back with the same passion and he smiled internally.

After a never-ending kiss, Tristan finally pulled back when he felt her gasp for air. Resting their forehead together both panted heavily trying to catch their breath.

Looking up at her red cheeks Tristan couldn’t stop himself from cupping them and making her look at him," Never make fun of me Ashley or I will keep kissing you until you drop" his words were gentle yet it glinted warning in them.

Nodding her head like a submissive cat Ashley agreed and pulled away from him. Her body was still burning with the mind-blowing kiss they shared a minute ago.

Keeping in mind to never provoke him Ashley felt Tristan hold her hand and turn them to see the breathtaking sunset. It felt so unreal when the orange hue light of the sun fell on the shining water below it giving it an ethereal glow.

Ashley held on to Tristan’s hand firmly as her eyes sparkled looking at the beautiful view in front of her eyes. The warmth of his hand made her feel secure and she felt like holding on to it.

After watching the sunset they returned to the resort. Throughout their ride back Ashley kept quiet as she couldn’t erase the moment she shared with Tristan.

’Why was she feeling giddy’ she thought as the stepped out and entered the building.

Reaching their respective suite Ashley kept glancing at the man who was also waiting for her to say something.

Tristan who saw her avoiding meeting his gaze knew she was still not out from the passionate moment they shared. He too wasn’t able to erase that from his mind. How he wished they wouldn’t have to part their ways once they reach back to the resort.

"Umm.. it was nice spending time with you" Ashley finally spoke making the man bloom with a smile.

"Same here... " he said with the same shyness that surprised him.

Nodding her head she opened the door to her room and turned to see Tristan," I think we should rest now" there was this glint of shyness in her voice that amused Tristan.

He had always seen her fierce and brave in front of him never once giving in to his bold words. But now when he saw her blush it made his heart beat into a thousand rhythms.

’Do every person in love feel this unexplainable feeling’ he thought and saw her enter her room.

Ashley held her heart as she tried to calm that giddiness that she felt every time she watched Tristan stare at her. She never thought just one day with him would make her heart pump for him and she would find herself getting more attracted to him.

Unknowingly her hand went to touch her lips and she found herself smiling like a fool.

’What do I do now’

Chapter 28: Are you sure?

Alice had a tiring day today as she had back-to-back three shoots. The first two shots went in peace but the third one was a pain in her ass.

Jane who had a photoshoot with her acted like a stubborn kid giving both her and her crew members hard time. If her profession had not come in middle, she would’ve taught Jane an unforgettable lesson.

Just because now she was soaring high with success her already unruly behavior worsen even more.

Ignoring her thought she stepped out of the elevator and walked toward her apartment. She unlocked the door and was about to enter when she heard a scream..." HELP!!!!.."

Before her mind could register she saw Noah running out of his out and shouting like he had seen some ghost.

This arrogant man turned into a mouse as he kept shoving someone with the wooden stick in his hand.

"Shoo.. go away you creepy thing" Noah was so scared that he didn’t see Alice staring at him in disbelief.

Tapping the stick twice he finally looked around and saw Alice standing in front of him. Throwing the stick away he ran for his life and hide his big frame behind her small one," Alice helps me.. that creepy thing is running inside my house. Just throw it away"

Noah stuttered pointing at his door and hiding himself back behind her.

Alice who stood there like a statue felt him tremble in fear as he held on to her shoulder with a firm grip. Noticing his scared expression she decided to take a look into his house.

A big man like him was acting like a blown-out balloon leaving his strong self behind.

Slowly removing his hand from her shoulder Alice took a few steps ahead and bend down picking up the stick just to stay alert. Taking a few deep breaths she finally muster herself and walked towards the door which was an open step.

Alice who was now standing in his living room with the stick up in the air looked around to see who was the intruder that scared this arrogant man. The more she roamed her eyes around her courage began to decline as she couldn’t find anything inside the house.

Noah who was hiding behind the wall next to his door peeked in and saw Alice standing still in one place.

"Alice why aren’t you doing anything. See it’s right behind you" his voice cracked as he pointed behind her scaring the shit out of her.

Lifting the stick back she closed her eyes and prayed mentally before she turned had screamed raising her hand when the loud voice died watching the thing in front of her.

"A lizard!!" her hands hung in mid-air and she looked at the reptile on the floor.

.

.

.

Getting the lizard inside the round bottle she closed the tap and heaved out a sign. After a lot of struggle, she finally managed to get the lizard to walk into the bottle.

"It’s done," she said and stood up showing him the bottle in her hand.

Noah flinch when she brought the bottle close to him and took a step back," Keep it away from me" he said getting afraid of that reptile.

"I didn’t know you were a scared cat behind this hulk-like façade" Alice chuckled watching the man get scared of this harmless creature.

"I - am not a scared cat okay. It’s just that I had creepy things like it" he pointed at the bottle and pulled back his hand immediately.

"Okay then now that your path is clear just be quiet and don’t scream scaring everyone around" Alice who now wanted to rest without getting bothered warned him.

Noah pursed his lips and stood there looking around just making sure there wasn’t another creature like this to scare him. After he was sure enough he nod his head and saw Alice agree with him.

She turned to leave when Noah stopped her," Do you mind if we have dinner together" his words made her halt her steps and she looked back at him with a questioning gaze.

Noah who sense her doubt his intentions immediately came to explain," Just as a token for helping me with this" looking at the bottle in her hand he scratched the back of his neck.

Noah who was the master of flirting was finding it difficult to ask the girl for dinner. Where did his bold personality go, he thought while his eyes remained stuck on her face hoping for a positive response.

Alice thought for a while before nodding her head and seeing him smile back at her. He wanted to compensate for her help and she was hungry... so it was even.

Getting herself change she returned to his apartment and saw the food already placed on the table.

Impressed by his quick work she hummed mentally and pulled out a chair for herself.

"I didn’t know what you liked so I order as per my liking" Noah kept the bowl of soup in front of her and walked to the other side taking a chair for himself.

When he offered her dinner he forgot to ask her what she preferred eating. He was about to go and ask her but stopped himself as he recall how worn out she looked before she left his apartment.

"Don’t worry I am not picky when it comes to food" she looked down at the mouth-watering food and dived in without waiting for Noah to say anything.

Noah on the other side was amazed watching her ignore him and start with her dinner alone. Shaking his head at her weird behavior he too begins devouring the food.

*****

Greg was sitting on his bed going through the messages on his social media post. He had posted his picture with Jane when he made his relationship with her official. Many accused him of not being loyal to Ashley but some liked them as a couple.

Going through the comment list he smirked when most of the comments spoke in his favor. He was enjoying reading the comment that blamed Ashley for being the reason for their breakup.

Everyone knew how bad Ashley’s temper was and they thought it was the reason why they decided to split.

"I need to make them believe that it’s Ashley who is at fault" Greg’s reputation was already ruined and now he wanted to play the victim card putting all the blame on Ashley so he would gain sympathy from his fans and get out from the mess Ashley had thrown him in...

He was about to place back his cellphone when it buzzed and a notification popped up from Jason.

Opening the message his pupil widen looking at what was inside it. Closing it he immediately made a call to Jason which he picked in one ring," Are you sure it’s all true" he asked trying to confirm his doubts.

"Yes, Sir it’s cent percent sure" he confirmed.

Ending the call Greg open back the message and smirked with an evil grin," It’s time to taste your own medicine Ashley" with a determined look Greg got up from his bed and left the room.

****

Resort Suite

Ashley got freshen up and was about to go to bed. The next day Tristan had planned to take her hiking as he wanted her to witness the sunrise from the highest cliff of this Basin city.

She hadn’t planned to go on a trek but now that Tristan had suggested it she was very much excited for the next morning. Luckily she had a pair of tracks that she brought along with her which solved most of her problems.

Sitting on her bed her eyes went to look to her balcony and her brows frown," Is it going to rain" she muttered looking at the dark clouds outside the glass door.

Brushing off her thought she laid down on the bed and pulled the duvet covering herself before closing her eyes. The day was long but she didn’t feel tired as Tristan’s company never let her feel one.

Slowly she felt her body relax and found herself drifting into a deep slumber...

******

It was still dark outside when thunder broke Ashley’s sleep and she snapped open her eyes only to find everything around her dark.

The pitter-patter sound of the rainwater made her look out from the balcony when she finally understood it was raining heavily outside.

She reached her hand on the side table to turn on the light but it wasn’t working, "Did they cut the electricity" her whisper-like voice muttered and looked into her dark room.

There was one thing that no one except Richard and Alice knew and that was Ashley feared thunder. There wasn’t any specific reason for her fear but just the sound of the loud bolting made her body shiver.

"What should I do know..." she said and a loud shattering sound of lightning made her flinch in fear.

Chapter 29: Sleep here

Tristan was sleeping soundly inside his room when suddenly his eyes opened at the loud sound of the thundering. Adjusting his blur vision he looked at the light inside his room turned off.

Tristan had the habit of turning on the side lamp whenever he was about to sleep but now when the lamp was turned off he frowned.

Reaching his hand to the side table he picked up his phone and made a call at the reception when he found that due to heavy rainfall the electricity was cut and it would take them some time to bring the current back.

Heaving out a sigh he turned on the torch in his phone and climb down the bed when something clicked in his mind. His legs automatically ran towards the door and he stepped out reaching Ashley’s suit.

He had been so involved with Ashley’s life that he found she was afraid of darkness. Just the thought of her being alone inside her suite with no source of light made him alert and he reached for her as soon as possible.

He rang the doorbell twice waiting patiently just in case she might be sleeping. But even after ringing in two times, she didn’t open the door and that alarmed him.

’What if she is-’ he didn’t want to think the worst because he had no clue how her mind reacted to her fears.

He called the manager and asked him to give him her suite’s passcode. Being an influential man no one doubted him because they knew they were not in that position to question him.

Once the manager gave him the passcode he applied it to the door lock and opened the door only to find the room silent.

Stepping in the turned to focus the torch in his hand and looked around the room when his eyes went to the bedroom’s door. It was slightly opened so he thought to look that way.

His heart was beating rapidly inside his chest because not even once Ashley had answered him back and that somehow made him worried about her.

Slowly walking towards the door he slightly opened it and peeked to find no one on the bed which shocked him and he pushed the door wide immediately.

"Ashley!!" his voice was soft yet a little anxious.

He moved the torch on the bed and then to the other side of the bed when he found her figure sitting down with her back facing him.

His leg walked automatically on its own and he reached to the other side of the bed only to find Ashley sitting on the floor with her head buried in her knees. His shoulders were trembling which clearly showed she was badly frightened by the things going around her.

Tristan knew she was afraid of darkness but he didn’t know it was that bad which scared the hell out of her. His heart pained to see her in such a vulnerable state. She was so traumatized that she didn’t notice him enter the room.

Falling to his knees he reached his hand placed it on her shoulder and found her trembling shoulder compose when he called her name," Ashley... it’s me Tristan" his voice was soft which made her lift her head meeting his worried-filled eyes.

Tristan’s body stiffed the moment his eyes met her red bloodshot one that made him freeze in one place.

"T-Tristan.. i-is that you..." her voice cracked as she reached her hand to hold his arm just to confirm she wasn’t hallucinating.

Tristan nod his head and found her pouncing on his wrapping her arms around his neck as she buried her face in his shoulder. He could feel her body tremble in his embrace which made him feel helpless.

Why didn’t he give more thought to her phobia and just took it casually? It screamed that it wasn’t a thing which was to ignore when something would have happened to her if he had not rushed to her.

Holding her securely he brushed her back trying to calm her down," It’s okay I am here" Tristan’s soft soothing voice fanned near her ear and he found her relaxed in his arms.

He kept repeating it until she was completely relaxed and composed in his hold.

Ashley who had calmed down pulled herself back avoiding meeting his eyes as she was embarrassed by whatever happened here.

Tucking her strand behind her ear Tristan asked," Are you feeling better?" he just wanted to make sure if she was fine because it was still dark around with only his mobile torch as the source of light.

Nodding her head she answered him back," I am fine now.." when again the thunderstruck their cords and she flinched wrapping her arms around his neck, "Will this sound ever stop" she cursed holding him tightly.

Tristan who was amused with her quick reflex couldn’t help but thanked the rain as it was now the source of his happiness. Her clinging to him like a koala made him happy.

"It’s nature’s call. I can’t stop it" he said brushing her back and hearing her hmm.

Tristan found her cute which made his lips curl but suddenly her scared face flashed in his mind and his smile disappeared. His hold on her firmed as the scene kept repeating in his mind.

He wanted to ask her but stopped himself because it wasn’t the right time to ask about it. He had plenty of time for that and right now her safety was his priority.

Sitting like that for a while Tristan started to feel discomfort with his legs as they had turned numb because of her sitting on them.

"Do you want us to sit here the whole night" Ashley jerked a little when she heard him and that’s when the realization hit her?

She was so into her fear that she didn’t notice herself clinging on to him like a koala and now it embarrassed her even more.

’Why does she have to be so weak-hearted person who could tackle her fears’ she cured herself and slowly pulled back only to find Tristan grinning at her.

One day she was surely going to smack that beautiful face of his, she thought and climbed down his lap still holding his hand.

She didn’t want to stay alone in the dark space and the sound of lightning was already adding fuel to her anxiety.

"Sorry.." he heard her say and he looked down at his hand which was still held by her.

She was too cute, he thought, and heard her say," How long they’re planning to cut the power"

Ashley wanted to sleep but she couldn’t because of the darkness. She had already dived into an awkward situation and now she didn’t want to go deep.

She knew she was damn scared to be alone and will it make her look coward if she ask him to stay until the power was back.

’No..no what will he think of me. I have already embarrassed myself in front of him to let him see my vulnerable side and I don’t intend to embarrass myself more’ his mind began to think about how she would make him stay with her but she hesitated just to not sound clingy.

As her thoughts started to ponder she heard Tristan’s voice," Do you want me to stay here with you"

Ashley snapped her head and saw him stare back at her.

’Did I say it loud for him to hear’

Tristan who had been observing Ashley the moment she pulled herself away from him found her fall silent. His eyes watched her expression trying to guess what was going inside her brain when he understood and offered her to let him stay with her.

Ashley who looked at Tristan with her shocked eyes, subconsciously nod her head agreeing to him without any hesitation.

Smiling at her foolish behavior, Tristan helped her stand and made her sit on the edge of the bed.

"I don’t think my mobile torch would last long" pursing his lips Tristan showed her the one percent battery left.

Ashley didn’t mind if they had any source of light inside the room unless Tristan was next to her.

Keeping his phone aside Tristan turned and help Ashley lay on the bed before he pulled the duvet tucked her into bed and was about to go towards the cushioned chair when he was stopped by his wrist," Where are you going?"

Turning his head he saw Ashley looking at him with innocent eyes and at that instant, his heart melted.

"I will use the chair to sleep," he said and saw turn silent for a while and found her hold on his wrist loosen.

Before he would take a step he saw her sit on the bed and making space on the other side of the bed," Sleep here" her words made him still.

It wasn’t like the thought of sleeping with her never crossed his mind. He kept thinking about it every day when he found himself getting into a difficult situation.

But now, he felt like she was purposely putting him into a difficult situation by asking him to sleep next to her. He didn’t know how long he was going to stay still with her being next to him...

’God.. help this poor soul’ he prayed and looked at him with pleading eyes.

 

Chapter 30: Pure affection

Tristan gulped at the thought of them sharing one bed and he asked," Are you sure?"

He just wanted to make sure if she was clear-headed and still not in the traumatic situation that might have messed up her thoughts. But all his queries died when he saw her nod her head and pat the side next to her.

Tristan looked at her with sheer surprise and pursed his lips just praying mentally that he don’t lose control that would make her throw down from the bed.

Walking to the other side of the bed he sat and pulled the duvet laying flat on the bed. His eyes were wide awake he didn’t dare to close them.

Tristan never imagined that a day would come so soon where he would be again sharing the bed with Ashley. The first time they did turn out to be the wildest experience of his life.

The life of the monk he was living changed the second he lost his virginity to her. Yes, she was the first woman who he had allowed to touch him. Though he was fully in his senses that night still he found himself losing his control before her.

Letting out a deep breath he closed his eyes trying to count numbers so he wouldn’t go back thinking about their first time. He knew his body was itching to touch her the same way he did back then but he stopped because he knew she would again treat him like a playboy who was just behind her for her body. And.. he didn’t want that to happen.

She had finally started to trust him and he didn’t want to make any mistakes.

While Tristan was fighting with his thoughts, Ashley on the other side went through the same situation. Even though she asked him to sleep next to her she didn’t know if she was going to be sane with her action.

The way her heart was beating made her recall the time they spend without holding back their desire. Fidgeting with her fingers she kept her eyes wide open not allowing them to close because once they did she would end up thinking about the passionate night.

’God.. please help’ she muttered while closing her eyes when all of sudden she felt the side next to her shrink and she immediately turned her head only to find Tristan close to her.

She gulped at the sight of his lustful gaze which was visible even in the dark and she opened her mouth but couldn’t let a word out.

Ashley knew it was hard for her to escape his hypnotic gaze and she found herself slowly leaning close to him until their face was mere an inch away.

"I just can’t fall asleep," Tristan said leaning closer until his lips brushed hers and within a second he found Ashley capturing them...

It felt like their hearts were yearning to feel each other once again and that desire took over their mind soon they found each other kissing like there was no tomorrow.

Ashley had never thought of her craving so damn hard for this man next to her that she couldn’t control her urge and sealed his lips. His kiss had that soothing medicine that calmed her messed heart. Just like a starving human, she kept kissing him until she filled herself up.

"Me too.." she whispered against his lips and lift herself having proper access to his mouth.

Tristan who had long forgotten about his resolve found himself caged between Ashley’s arms as she hovered him sliding her tongue into his cavern.

The feeling was just that night but the difference was, that she was clear-headed.

The pool of lust and desire clouded both of their minds and they found themselves tangled with each other.

"Then what should we do," Tristan asked in between their kiss and moved his hand all over her back.

"I don’t know.." Ashley who herself didn’t know how suddenly this boldness surged over her and found losing her control over her sanity.

She had never felt this urge to kiss someone before not even Greg. It always felt like something was missing. She felt like it never gave her any assurance whenever Greg kissed her but the one with Tristan she found herself secure and truthful without any ill motives.

As she was about to dive more the light inside the room turned on and they stopped their action.

It was as if someone had thrown a bucket full of cold water on both of them Ashley and Tristan were left in an awkward situation.

Ashley propped her head back a little and blinked looking at Tristan’s startled face.

Realization struck them both hard and she pushed herself up getting off his body and looking away from him.

Tristan was also shocked at how things turned steamy for them where they couldn’t recognize themselves.

"Ahem... I think I should leave" composing himself he climbed down the bed and walked out taking a long stride when he remembered something that stopped in by the door.

" We need to climb the cliff before the sun rises," he said looking at Ashley who had turned red in embarrassment.

"Hmm.." she nod her head but didn’t look at him as if she was trying hard not to let him see how stupid she looked with that blush on her face.

Tristan looked at her for a while and turned to walk out of the room.

When Ashley heard the sound of the main door shut she began to panic," What did I just do... Stupid Ashley.. you again took advantage of his kindness" holding her hair she pulled them in frustration.

How can she slip off so easily where she couldn’t even hold back her craving for him. She wasn’t a pervert but being next to Tristan made her act opposite to her character.

"Argh!! what will he think of me and opportunist..." she yelled and slammed her head burying her face into the pillow.

****

The suite next to Ashley had turned flowery as Tristan stepped into his bedroom with a smile pestered on his lips.

He was on cloud nine thinking about what was going to happen a while ago. If the power had not come back they would have ended up doing their deeds.

Laying down on his bed he recalled Ashley’s flushed face which made him smile even more.

"I didn’t know she was that bold," he said tracing his fingers on his lips as he bit the lower one stretching out a smile.

He just wanted to ask her to talk with him as he couldn’t fall asleep but who would’ve thought his one move and Ashley would jump on to him like a hungry wolf.

They both knew how badly their body reciprocated each other’s touch and that made him understand one thing even Ashley felt the same for him.

****

The next morning as per the planned schedule Ashley and Tristan set their feet out for hiking to the tallest cliff in Basin city. They drove a few meters before they started their journey up to the top of the cliff.

It was said that many tourists visited this place just to get a better view of the aesthetic sunrise.

Tristan who was aware of this activity lead the way as Ashley followed him quietly.

There was an awkward silence between them both as they kept recalling last night’s moment which made them shut their mouth.

It was still a little dark when they started heading towards the cliff top. As they moved Ashley’s eyes felt at Tristan’s back.

’Even his back is sexy just like him’ she muttered under her breath as her eyes kept looking at him from behind.

’Wait where did that come from’ Ashley halted her step and looked at Tristan weirdly," Argh.. Ashley can’t you control your dirty thoughts. You were never like this" she said and looked ahead watching Tristan staring at her strangely.

Tristan who was ahead of her heard her talk to herself,’ What is she talking to herself’ he thought walking ahead when he felt her footsteps stop.

He turned and watched her talk to herself again which made him look at her weirdly. ’Did the last night’s trauma affect her brain’ he thought watching her for a second when she looked back at him and smiled as she again began to walk?

Ignoring her bizarre behavior they walked until they reach the cliff top and soon the sun began to rise.

"Woah. I never knew watching sunrise would be such a breathtaking experience" Ashley said while her eyes looked ahead at the orange hue which slowly raised showing its full glory brightening the whole world.

Tristan who heard her turned his head to see the beauty next to him. More than the sun he felt it was her beauty that was bewitching him every passing second.

"Hmm.. it is," he said that making her turn and see him adoring her with pure affection.