Ash's Place

Chapter 20

Xander's POV

"How...how are you here? Why are you here?" I ask, disbelief still lacing my tone as I look at the green-eyed woman standing at the end of the hallway.

Her voice is soft and kind and gentle when she says, "Because I missed you, Lex."

Lex. She is the only one who has ever called me Lex. I forgot how much I loved the sound of my name falling from her lips. She smiles and my heart flutters in my chest. She takes a few tentative steps toward me and even though I should, I don't stop my feet from walking toward her.

Her arms reach out for me and once I am close enough, I swiftly pick her up and spin her around. She laughs and I had forgotten how much I liked that sound too. I set her down and she wraps her arms around me, pulling me into a desperate hug, which I quickly return. But calling this just a hug doesn't quite do the gesture any justice.

This is way more than a hug; it's wrapped promise, a forgotten memory, an anticipated future.

This hug is home.

"Lex," she whispers, "How much longer?"

I sigh, "Not much longer. How is..."

"We're fine," her arms tighten around me and her voice shakes when she speaks next, "I've missed you so much."

My own voice breaks a little, "I know, my love. I know."

She raises her head and when her emotion-filled eyes meet mine, my walls break and my self-restraint falters. I know I shouldn't but I can't help myself. I slowly bend my head down to hers, her eyes flicking between mine and my lips. I pause for a second, guilt flooding my gut but as soon as her lips touch mine, the guilt is immediately replaced by a burning love. I kiss her and she eagerly kisses me back; each movement of our lips becoming a reminder of everything we both have sacrificed for this.

Her hands move to the nape of my neck and I groan as she plays with the now shortened strands. She pushes herself even closer to me, every inch of our bodies touching and I want...

------------------------

Aiden's POV

If I was unsure if what Rasmus told me was true, I am not now.

Alexander Canmore has a dirty little secret.

And I know what...well rather, who she is. I intend to use this newfound knowledge to get what I want. So, as much fun as it is to watch Canmore's dreams, I have seen all that I need to see. Now, he is going to have a very entertaining wake-up call. Well, entertaining for me at least.

------------------------

Xander's POV

"Wakey, wakey..." someone coos, their voice sounding dangerously close to my ear.

My head is pounding and my heart is racing but I am not sure if that is from that kiss or whatever is happening right now. I slowly open my eyes, only to be met with the harshness of light. My head pounds harder as my eyes blearily adjust to the room as my hands search for her on the bed.

And...there she is. I roll over to face her only to be met with...

------------------------

Aiden's POV

"Morning, sunshine," I smirk as he startles, jerking his hands away from my body with such force that he flails backwards, out of the bed and tumbles onto the hard floor.

I move to the edge of the bed, casually crossing my ankles while I stare down at a confused Canmore. He barely manages to keep the sheets from exposing himself to me and I smirk again as his whole face turns red before he's clutching his head in pain.