Chapter 62
When intoxicated, Thalia’s voice softened, each word ending with a charming upward lilt. Asher’s body instantly stiffened; a fire ignited within him. From below the stage, Lucy’s eyes sparkled as she filmed enthusiastically on her phone. Nudging a colleague, she exclaimed, “OMG! OTP confirmed! We’re witnessing a real-life ship sailing!” Her colleague vigorously nodded. “They’re absolutely gorgeous together! I’m literally dying! This is giving me all the feels!” Behind them, Alexander slapped his forehead in mock exasperation. “What am I doing here? Front-row seats to this rom-com. I must be a glutton for punishment.”
It took Asher ten seconds to recover before realizing he needed to get Thalia off the stage. He swept her into his arms and carried her toward the steps. Thalia instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, nestling against him and gazing up without blinking. How could anyone be so handsome? He looked like he’d stepped straight out of a fashion editorial. Dreamily, she mumbled, “Spend the night with me… I’m quite wealthy, you know. Whatever your fee is, I’ll double it, mmm?”
This was said just as Asher reached Alexander. Alexander erupted in raucous laughter. “Bloody hell! Are you mistaking him for one of The Dreamboys? Planning to stuff some notes in his trousers, are you?” Asher’s face darkened, his gaze sharp. Alexander immediately mimicked zipping his lips shut.
Before Asher could speak, Thalia, still in his arms, smiled adorably and declared, “Darling, just name your price.” Even the stoic William laughed. Alexander, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter, secretly moved behind Asher to record the scene. This was too precious to miss—perfect blackmail material!
Asher’s expression darkened as he looked down at her. His voice, through clenched teeth, was sharp: “Thalia Winters, who taught you this?” Thalia’s eyelashes fluttered, seemingly intimidated. She looked utterly dejected, pouting. “If you don’t want to, just say so. Why are you being cross with me?” Her softness and honeyed voice were completely disarming. His stern expression softened instantly.
“Darling, I want a kiss,” Thalia slurred, tightening her arms and lifting herself closer. Alexander, William, and Lucy widened their eyes, afraid to miss a moment. Requesting a kiss in front of everyone was something the sober Thalia would never do. Even Asher was shocked. This intoxicated Thalia was endearingly unfamiliar.
“Just a little kiss…” Thalia’s flushed face pressed against Asher’s cheek. Her breath sent a rush of blood to his head, his heart pounding, his body tensing with a desire he fought to control. He pressed his lips together, averting his gaze from her alcohol-flushed face. “Lia, stop it.”
Thalia rubbed her cheek against his, giggling. Her voice was clear and bright: “Asher, you’re my Asher. Only you say my name with such tenderness.” Asher’s heart melted. His Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice hoarse as he surrendered. “Alright, just one kiss.”
A warm, soft touch landed lightly on his cheek, leaving a red lipstick mark. Asher froze, his pupils dilating, his heartbeat accelerating. The spot where she kissed him burned with an electric sensation spreading throughout his body. The scent of alcohol and her perfume clouded his mind. He breathed heavily, desire evident in his eyes, his voice raspy. “Lia…”
Thalia, too intoxicated to realize how provocative she was, continued her mischief. One kiss wasn't enough—she tugged at his shirt collar and planted another kiss on his chin, dangerously close to his lips. “Asher…” her voice lilted flirtatiously. Her kisses fell like raindrops, each one making it harder for him to resist. Asher held his breath, taut with tension, caught between desire and restraint.
Alexander declared he couldn’t bear to watch, peeking through his fingers. William glanced at him amusedly. “If you want to look, just look properly. I’ve never seen Asher like this before—it’s quite the revelation.” Alexander was incredulous. “Is this really the Asher we know? For years, women have thrown themselves at him without a second glance. I thought he was immune. Today, one tease from Thalia, and the great Asher Blackwood is utterly undone.”
Asher was disoriented, his composure crumbling with each kiss. His voice was husky as he coaxed her gently, though his body betrayed his words: “Lia, be good now. That’s enough.” Despite his words, his feet didn't stop. He strode quickly away from the bar, his arms tightening possessively around her. He needed to get Thalia home before his restraint shattered completely.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan sped along the road. Throughout the journey, Thalia hummed and murmured incoherently, alternating between calling Asher’s name and playfully demanding kisses and cuddles. Asher’s composure was in tatters. His deep, husky voice filled the car: “Darling, please stop. You’re driving me to the brink of madness.”
The car's dim lighting was punctuated by flashing neon lights creating shifting patterns of light and shadow. Asher focused on driving while Thalia curled up, her head tilted, hair falling across her face, partially concealing the intoxicated haziness in her eyes.
Upon reaching their destination, Asher parked, stepped out, and opened the passenger door. He unfastened her seatbelt and lifted her into his arms. Perhaps exhausted, Thalia rested quietly against his chest, her breathing deep and steady, as if asleep. Asher’s tall, slender frame dwarfed her slight figure, nestled against him like a bird seeking shelter. Noticing she had fallen asleep, Asher slowed his pace, moving with extreme caution. At the apartment entrance, he used Thalia’s fingerprint to unlock the door, then switched on the living room lights. The spacious living room was bright and immaculately kept. Asher carried her into the bedroom, carefully placing her on the bed with the gentlest of movements.