The Sinner's Heart (SIN CITY Series: Book #1)

Daydreaming

ALEXANDRINA'S POV

As I painted, my mind began to wander. Suddenly, I was transported to a daydream, envisioning Asher's magnificent body. His chiseled abs, his broad shoulders, his piercing eyes... I felt a flutter in my chest, my brush strokes becoming more bold and expressive.

My eyes raked over Asher's chiseled physique as he moved towards me, his gaze smoldering with barely-contained desire. "You have no idea how long I've wanted this," he rasped, his voice thick with need.

I felt a shiver of anticipation and need run down my spine. "Then take me, Asher," I breathed, pulling him closer. "I'm yours."

Our lips crashed together in a searing kiss, all tongue and teeth and barely-restrained passion. My fingers tangled in his hair as he walked me backwards, pressing me against the wall.

"You're so goddamn beautiful," he growled, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down my neck. "I'm going to make you feel so good."

My breath caught in my throat as he nipped at the sensitive skin above my collarbone. "Then what are you waiting for?" I challenged, grinding my hips against his.

He let out a guttural groan, his hands roaming hungrily over my curves. "You're going to be the death of me," he muttered, before capturing my lips in another bruising kiss.

I met his ardor with equal fervor, my body thrumming with unbridled passion. Every touch, every caress, sent electric shocks of pleasure coursing through me.

"I need you, Asher," I gasped between kisses. "Please, I need you now."

But my fantasy was short-lived. I was jolted back to reality by the sound of my name being called from downstairs. "Drina!"

I checked the time on my phone, realizing it was already evening. My dad was home.

I looked at my painting, disappointed to see I had barely made any progress. I grunted in annoyance, setting my brush down.

I got up in haste, checking myself before touching my face, and I spotted a drool. What the fuck?!

Was I drooling? I was even daydreaming about the freaking man!! What was wrong with me? Why did everything I did today revolve around Asher?

Asher. Asher. Asher!!

I was annoyed. I had wasted the whole day hearing things that were related to Asher and if one more person brought up his name, I swear to the skies above, I would punch a wall!!

Yes, the sex was great, but that was all there was…just business, but he had to mess it up by meddling with my life. Besides, did I ask him to pay my debts? Did I cry to him that I needed a savior?

I stomped my foot on the ground and left my room. I rushed downstairs, greeting my dad with a warm smile. "Hey, Dad! How was your day?"

"It was good, sweetie. Just long," he replied, giving me a tired smile.

We chatted for a bit, catching up on each other's day, before he excused himself to freshen up for dinner.

As he headed to his room, I started dinner, deciding on a simple pasta dish. I boiled the water, added the pasta, and began chopping vegetables for the sauce.

My mind wandered back to Asher, wondering what he was doing at that moment. Was he thinking of me too?

Just great!! Here I was thinking about whether he was thinking about me as well. I mean, if I thought about it deeply, he might be. I guess I pleased him enough for him to meddle in my business.

Come to think about it, if he was paying my debts, did he want me to be indebted to him now? I shuddered at the thought, but if that was the case, then that means he wasn't just playing 'Mister Nice guy' for no reason, he wanted me to be his play thing.

Goodness gracious!!! Drina, what have you gotten yourself into? 

I shook my head, focusing on the task at hand. I couldn't let my daydreams get the best of me.

Just then, my dad returned, looking refreshed and ready for dinner. "Smells great in here, kiddo," he said, taking a seat at the table.

I smiled, serving him a steaming plate of pasta. "Thanks, Dad. I'm glad you're home."

We ate in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company. But my mind kept drifting back to Asher. I wasn't even focused on my dad anymore. Curse my wretched mind!

My dad's words cut through the silence, "Oh, I talked to the construction manager about those mural ideas I mentioned to you before."

I perked up, intrigued, "Hmmm. What did he say?"

"He liked the idea, but he needed to run it by his boss first," my dad replied, taking a bite of his pasta.

My excitement grew, "That's great, Dad! I can't wait to get started. What's the project about?"

"It's a children's rec center," he said, his eyes lighting up. "It'll be a great place for kids to play and learn."

I nodded, my mind racing with ideas for the mural. I can already picture myself glued to the walls of the building. But then, my dad dropped a bombshell. "Asher Thorne..."

My heart skipped a beat. I tried to hide my shock, but my fork paused midair. "Who's that?" I asked, attempting to sound nonchalant.

My dad didn't notice my reaction. "He's the owner of the rec center we're building. Since the building is almost done, the construction manager might get back to me sooner rather than later."

"I see…" I said, my voice fading away.

"Hopefully he gives it a chance. It will be good decor for the building, but everyone knows who Mr. Thorne is. He's a hard man to please," my dad said, taking a drink of water.

"I really don't know who this man is. I've never heard of him before," I said, lying through my teeth. Technically, it was a white lie. Up until a day ago, I had never heard of the man. I wasn't that interested in his affairs. 

My dad chortled. "He's a great businessman, I'll give him that, but he is ruthless and anyone who messes with him has themselves to blame. If I were anyone, I wouldn't offend the man."

I only hummed in response to what my dad said.

I was stunned. Speechless. My mind reeled as I tried to process the information. Asher Thorne, the mysterious stranger who had somehow been captivated by me, was the owner of the rec center as well?

At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if he was the homeowner of the apartment we lived in. 

I forced myself to continue eating, but my appetite was gone. I prayed for the day to be over, and for my heart to stop racing.

The rest of the dinner was a blur. I nodded and smiled, but my mind was elsewhere. Asher Thorne, the enigmatic figure, was now a part of my life in more ways than one.

As we finished dinner, my dad pushed his plate away, satisfied. "Thanks, Drina. That was delicious."

I smiled. "Anytime, Dad."

The evening dragged on, but I was lost in my thoughts. As I dragged myself to bed after showering, only one name ran through my mind. ASHER THORNE.