The Assassin's Allure

Chapter 6: Stop thinking

Ivy

As I step into my apartment, my thoughts are tumultuous at best. I’m just so confused about my feelings. Diego is sweet, handsome and successful, but I can’t stop thinking about Asher. When Diego kissed me, I couldn’t help but wish Asher was the one kissing me. It doesn’t help that I could feel the animosity radiating off Asher when he and Diego talked. It’s not fair that I’m so attracted to the one man I will never have. Even if Asher wasn’t married, he didn’t refute my claim.

Feeling frustrated, I kick off my heels and slip off my dress. My cell phone rings a moment later, but I ignore it.

I spend the rest of the night staring up at my ceiling and replaying every moment I spent with Asher. I know that I should wipe him from my mind and think about Diego, but my brain refuses to. For what feels like hours, I toss and turn in my bed, trying to clear my mind. Diego is everything I would want in a man. For a moment, I consider just sleeping with him and avoiding Asher, but once again, my mind rebels at the idea. However, come morning, I’m resolved to lock away any feelings I might have for Asher. There’s no hope for us, and it’s a futile task to try.

My assistant, Carla, walks into my office at twelve o’clock sharp, her face set with a sly grin. “Knock, knock,” she calls out jovially.

I met the bubbly blond at a coffee shop two years ago when she noticed that I couldn’t find a place to sit, and she offered me the seat across from her. As soon as I sat down, I saw that she was looking through several employment sites, and I interviewed her.

Carla has been an amazing asset since then. Her smile widens as she shuffles in her tight pink pencil skirt and six-inch heels, making her seem taller than her five feet. “So, this really gorgeous guy named Asher Cage waiting by the front desk asking to speak to you.” She bounces in place as she gives me a giddy expression. “He’s delicious.”

My heart flutters in my chest, and my stomach falls at her words, “Did you say, Asher Cage?”

She nods, “Yeah, he said you knew him.”

Swallowing hard, I take a seat and adjust my emerald off-the-shoulder blouse and black pencil skirt, “Yeah, I know who Asher is...he’s a friend of a friend. You can send him in. I’ll talk to him.”

Carla’s smile widens as she bows her head slightly and steps out of my office. Carla’s is gorgeous with a Marilyn Monroe look. She has short curly blond hair, pale skin, and a curvy frame. Her lips are her best quality. When she pouts, she makes men melt on the spot. Nearly a year ago, she married the love of her life and had tried to help me find mine since.

A minute later, Carla comes back in, followed closely by Asher. My mouth dries as I take in his dark blue tailored suit with its crisp white button-down shirt and perfectly coiffed hair. “Asher.” I greet him politely as Carla ushers him toward one of the office chairs.

Carla gives him the once over and sighs.

Noticing her perusal, Asher gives her a gracious smile and moves to the seat.

Carla and my eyes stay glued to his movements as he unbuttons his suit jacket and elegantly takes a seat. We might as well be watching porn by how hot it is.

As if snapping out of a trance, Carla shakes her head and backs out of the room, nearly tripping in her shoes.

The sun brushes his face like a halo from the picture windows, highlighting his high cheekbones, dark hair and exotic eyes.

“I apologize for not calling ahead, Ivy.”

I shrug, making the shoulder of my top slip down to my elbow, “It’s fine, Asher. I have the time. What can I do for you?”

His eyes hone in on my bare shoulder before turning back to mine, “Though Priest has been very accommodating in letting me stay at the warehouse, I’m feeling a bit…confined. Now that I’m making New York my home, I need to find more permanent accommodations, and I was hoping you could help me.”

I swallow hard as I follow his words. I like that he has a little bit of an accent. His words are clipped and formal but carry a sexy timber that makes my toes curl. I guess he must have picked up British mannerisms while he lived there. Come to think of it, since I met him, I’ve noticed that his dialect seems to be a mixture of dialects. Almost as if he can’t make up his mind, but not in a bad way.

He must see my inquisitive expression because he leans forward and asks. “Is there something wrong?

I shake my head. “It’s just I always thought…your accent was intriguing.”

I slide my fingers through my hair with embarrassment. “Sorry, that didn’t come out correctly. I promise it’s not a bad thing. I was just wondering where your dialect comes from.”

Instead of being offended, Asher smiles and releases a gentle snort. “It makes sense that I sound odd. I spent most of my childhood in Japan and my adolescence in London before traveling around the world, and I suppose I’ve picked most of my dialect here and there.”

I arch a brow, impressed by his reply. “Wow, so do you speak many languages?”

He nods. “I speak several other languages, including English.” He points bemusedly toward his lips. “I apologize if I sound off sometimes.”

“No, not at all,” I reply. “In fact, I apologize if I sounded rude.”

He quirks a brow and shrugs. “No need to make an apology. You came off more as curious than offensive.”

Wanting to change the subject, I lean forward and say, “Okay, so you want to buy a home. Do you have any requirements?”

He nods, “I want it to be private and spacious. However, I do not want a house, and I prefer a penthouse in the city's heart, and money is no object.”

I write down the information and resist asking questions that churn through my brain. However, somehow I manage to bite back the impulse. Married or not, it’s not my business to ask about it.

“Alright, I might have some vacant places we can see today if you’re available,” I mutter evenly.

Asher nods, “That would be brilliant.”

“Alright, let me ask my assistant to organize your contract and a couple of listings that fit your requirements.”

“Thank you,” he mutters, his eyes remaining on mine as I reach for my phone and speak to Carla.

Carla walks in a moment later and hands me a contract and a stack of listings. Smiling, I rise from my seat and sit next to Asher, placing the contract and listings on the table, “Alright, before we begin, I need you to sign a realtor agreement. It’s all standard, and it merely states that you wish to have me as your realtor and agree to the commission. You can take your time and read it if you wish.”

Asher opens the folder, slips a pen from the penholder on my table, and signs the document. His scrawl is masculine and assured, which I find very sexy.

Once he has signed the contract, he takes the stacks of listings and sorts through them. I tried not to overwhelm him, so I asked Carla to give me my top five picks.

“I asked Carla to choose each listing according to what you required. These are all private and spacious, which fits your criteria. Are you ready to go?”

Asher takes the sheets and rises from his seat. “Shall we?”

I have to admit that being in an elevator with Asher is a very arousing experience. He doesn’t make a move or even touch me, but the way he leans on the wall and smolders as he waits is seriously hot.

Ugh, as soon as the thought strikes, I berate myself for going back on my promise to push any feelings I have for him from my mind.

Even though it’s seventy degrees outside, my body feels overheated. My clothes cling to my body like a second skin, and my hair feels heavy around my shoulders.

Asher, however, looks completely unaffected.

As I show him each apartment, I consistently scold myself for ogling him.

Asher is business savvy and assured about what he needs, which helps me feel centered. He asks pertinent questions, and his comments are well-informed.

“This suite was recently remodeled by the broker, and Sophia designed the interior, so it’s tastefully done. All of the furniture is included.”

Asher strolls around the penthouse and runs his gaze appraisingly across everything he sees. This suite seems to be the one that impresses him the most with its minimalist beauty. There’s a large modern fireplace in the living area, gray wood floors, and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase taking up one of the walls. The picture windows are large and get a lot of light, and the open concept kitchen has industrial-sized appliances, large gray cabinets, and a huge island with quartz countertops. Sophia decorated the interior with neutral earthy tones, making the room look sleek and sophisticated.

The bathroom is striking with its massive soaking tub, separate two-person shower with multiple shower heads and grey and white tile with dark gray backsplash. The double vanity is a cobalt color with white countertops.

There’s a striking wrap-around private terrace with large bushes surrounding the tall balcony, beautiful green turf, and several tastefully placed flower pots. The garden is what seems to attract Asher the most. His eyes gleam with delight as he strolls through the cobblestone path surrounding the garden and takes in its beauty. “It almost makes me feel as if I’ve found tranquility in the city.” He murmurs absently.

I nod. The apartment is on the top floor, so there’s very little sound coming from the busy street below.“Yeah, greenery is pretty scarce around here. New York is gorgeous, but it lacks the beauty that only nature can bring.”

At my words, Asher gives me a gentle smile. “This reminds me of my uncle’s garden back in Japan…I’ll take it.”

My head snaps with surprise. “What?Really?”

Asher gives me a steady smile, tucks his hands inside his pockets, and strolls through the apartment, his expression broody.

“Yes. This is wonderful. Write up the contract, make a generous offer, and I’ll call my broker to release the funds. Tell the realtor I’m willing to give an incentive if we close quickly.”

I nod excitedly. “Alright, I’ll call the realtor right away. Is there anything else you want me to add to the contract?”

He shakes his head, “No, this is perfect.”

I bite my lip at his dulcet tone as he strides through the garden and slumps down across one of the comfortable chairs with a comfortable sigh. While I make the call, I watch his every movement. The sun shines down on his ebony hair and olive skin, making him look almost ethereal. I have to swallow hard when he closes his topaz eyes and inhales deeply. He’s such a striking man, and the aura of power radiating from him is off the charts.

Carla agrees to inform the broker of the news and promises to call me when she hears from them. A subtle breeze rushes through the air fluttering my hair away from my face as I move toward the balcony and look down at the city. The feel of his body behind me snaps me out of my haze, making me instantly tense up.

My breath hitches, and my heart beats wildly at the feel of his breath brushing against my face. To my surprise, he settles his hands around my waist and buries his face against my hair, “You are so beautiful,” he mutters.

Closing my eyes, I try to steady my breathing, but it intensifies my arousal. Turning around, I gaze up at Asher from the fringes of my lashes and whisper, “Don’t, Asher. We can’t do this.”

His jaw ticks as he gazes intently into my eyes, “I’m not married,” he mutters.

However, I can tell his answer is lacking, “But you’re still engaged, aren’t you?”

His hand comes up to my throat, caressing it gently as he carefully replies, “Yes, but it’s complicated, Ivy.”

My stomach churns painfully at his honest reply.

Before I can answer, Asher, angles his head and brushes his lips against mine. A small gasp escapes my lips as I respond to his touch. Unable to help myself, I wrap my hands around his neck and kiss him back. The kiss is explosively sensual. It’s exactly how I wish my kiss with Diego had felt. Our tongues meet and explore, and our bodies mold as we try to get closer. I’ve wanted this man for nearly two years, but nothing seemed to happen. However, my body can no longer deny the attraction, though I know it’s wrong. Asher’s fingers thread through my hair as he leads me to a nearby wall and backs me into it. As we devour each other, all reality slips away. Molding my hands across his sinewy chest, I restrain from ripping his shirt off.

I snap out of my s****l haze, and reasoning begins to creep in when a bird flutters nearby.

Gasping for breath, I disconnect my lips from his and push at his chest.

Asher is just as disconcerted as I am when he takes a step back. His hair is mussed, and his lips are swollen.

“That was a mistake,” I mutter breathlessly, “You’re engaged, and I’m not that kind of woman, no matter how complicated you say it is.”

Asher threads his fingers through his hair and puffs out a breath, “I know, Ivy. I wish things were different, but─”

“But they’re not,” I retort gruffly, “and it seems that you will not change your mind about the engagement.”

He opens and closes his lips as if to reply but doesn’t say another word, which cuts me deeply. He would end the engagement if he really wanted me, but I know things are not heading in that direction.

Moving around him, I try to tame my wild tresses and mutter, “Obviously, nothing can change between us, which is why it’s best if you stay away from me. Once we’ve closed on the apartment, our business is over.”

Before he can say another word, I open the patio door and wave my hand, “You should go. I’ll stay here and close up. My assistant will call you as soon as the sellers get back to us.”

Asher rubs his bottom lip with his thumb, his eyes set on mine as he strides toward the door, but I maintain my cool façade and gesture for him to leave.

Once he has left, I take the next elevator down and call for a rideshare. I don’t know how I get back to my office, but I manage.

Carla must sense something because she wordlessly brings me a latte with a danish and goes back to work.

As the day progresses, I can’t help thinking about how sinfully good the kiss was and how I will never get to experience it again.