As they settled into the car, the tension from the morning still lingered between them, but there was something else—a pull, an electricity that neither could deny. The city lights flickered outside the tinted windows, the hum of the car's engine a soft backdrop to the silence stretching between them. Vivie tried to focus on the passing scenery, but her heart raced at the awareness of Ashton beside her.

He sat close, his presence overwhelming, his cologne wrapping around her like an intoxicating spell. The moment his fingers brushed against hers, a shiver ran up her spine. She turned to look at him, only to find his gaze already on her—dark, unreadable, filled with something dangerous.

Before she could react, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a deep, urgent kiss. Her breath hitched as his hand cupped her jaw, tilting her head to deepen the contact. She pushed lightly against his chest, a weak attempt at resistance. "Ashton," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "we're not alone."

The driver.

But Ashton didn’t stop. He bit down on her lower lip, eliciting a soft gasp from her before he pulled her closer, his fingers threading through her hair. The heat between them built, igniting like wildfire, leaving her dizzy and breathless. It was only when the car slowed to a stop that he finally pulled away, his smirk filled with satisfaction at her dazed expression.

"We’re here," he murmured, brushing his thumb over her swollen lips before stepping out first.

Vivie took a shaky breath, gathering herself before following him out of the car. The moment they stepped into the venue, she felt the shift in Ashton. The warmth he had shown just moments ago was gone, replaced with a cold, impassive mask. His gaze was sharp, his posture rigid, and his jaw clenched as if he were bracing for a battle.

And then she saw why.

His family.

They were gathered in the lavishly decorated hall, laughter and conversations filling the space. But Ashton remained unmoved, his expression blank as his gaze swept across the room. It wasn’t until his eyes landed on his sister, Selena, that a flicker of emotion crossed his face. She stood beside her husband, her baby bump prominent beneath her elegant dress, a radiant glow surrounding her.

Still, Ashton didn’t move towards her. Instead, he turned to Vivie, his breath warm against her ear as he leaned down, his voice husky and low. "Stay with me."

It was a silent plea, masked as a command, but Vivie saw the vulnerability beneath it. She nodded, offering him a reassuring smile before linking her arm with his.

As the event went on, Ashton remained indifferent to everyone except her. His eyes sought her out in every moment, his touches lingering, his presence a constant shadow at her side. He barely acknowledged the others, his expressions cold, distant. The only warmth he showed was for her, and she felt it in the way he held her waist protectively, in the way his fingers brushed against hers absentmindedly.

But Vivie was too engrossed in the baby shower to fully grasp the intensity of Ashton’s behavior. The decorations, the joy on Selena’s face, the soft cooing of family members over the unborn child—it all fascinated her. She found herself getting lost in the beauty of it all, her heart swelling at the familial warmth, something she had always longed for.

And then, just as she was reveling in the moment, she saw her.

A woman—tall, striking, exuding confidence—sauntered up to Ashton, her eyes locked on him with an unmistakable glint of desire. One of his cousins. And from the way she shamelessly placed a hand on his arm, from the way her voice dripped with flirtation, Vivie knew she wasn’t just a distant relative. She was someone who had her sights set on him.

Jealousy.

It burned hot and fast, searing through her veins like a wildfire. She watched as Ashton, instead of brushing the woman off, indulged her with a smirk, responding just enough to fuel the interaction. He was testing her, pushing her, and it worked.

Unable to bear the sight, Vivie turned sharply and walked away, her heart pounding with anger and hurt.

She barely made it a few steps before she felt a strong hand wrap around her wrist, stopping her. Ashton.

He pulled her into a secluded corner, a smirk playing on his lips. "Jealous, princess?"

Vivie glared up at him, her hands balled into fists. "You were flirting with her!" she accused, her voice laced with frustration.

He chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I was just being polite."

She huffed, turning her face away, but he caught her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You look adorable when you're mad," he murmured before crashing his lips onto hers. The kiss was demanding, consuming, meant to silence her complaints. And damn it, it worked.

Her fingers curled into his shirt, holding onto him as he stole her breath away, his tongue sliding against hers in a slow, teasing dance. When he finally pulled back, she was breathless, her face flushed.

Before she could respond, a voice interrupted them. "Sorry to ruin the moment," Selena’s amused tone cut through the air, making Vivie jump slightly. "But I need to borrow my brother for a bit."

Vivie straightened, composing herself as Ashton sighed, his hand still resting on her hip. "Go," she encouraged softly.

Ashton gave her a lingering look before turning to his sister. Selena smiled at Vivie before turning to her brother, her expression shifting into something softer.

"I miss you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "The baby kicks when I talk about you."

Something in Ashton’s face softened at her words. He glanced down at her growing belly, hesitated, then finally lifted a hand and rested it against the bump. Selena beamed, and for the first time that evening, a genuine smile touched Ashton’s lips.

Vivie watched the exchange, her heart clenching. He may despise his family, but his love for his sister was undeniable.

After a few moments of quiet conversation, the warmth in the air was broken by reality. "We should head home," Ashton murmured as he turned back to Vivie, his fingers brushing against hers.

She nodded, casting a final glance at Selena before following Ashton out. As the car pulled away from the venue, Vivie couldn’t help but replay everything in her mind—the jealousy, the teasing, the fleeting moments of warmth in Ashton’s otherwise cold demeanor.

And as she sat beside him, she realized something.

She was falling for the man who could both ruin her and make her feel alive all at once.