Chapter 21

ISABELLA

Confidence: The feeling of trusting someone or something completely.

That's exactly how I feel about Asher. Don't get me wrong, I trust his brothers too, strange as it may sound. I don't really know them, yet in my heart of hearts I know they'd never hurt me on purpose. I'm nervous around them, but I'm not afraid. I trust them more than I trust myself. That is, if it makes sense.

All three of them are very different, with strong, distinct personalities. Knox is the most laid-back of the three, he doesn't seem to care what anyone thinks of him, but he's very considerate of others. Jax is very personable and protective, but seems to me to be rather impulsive. And finally Asher, he exudes so much confidence and control, but there are moments when I perceive gentleness in his eyes. He's the one I know least of the three and he's a real enigma.

I didn't expect to talk to him about my drawings or my desire to illustrate children's books, but what surprised me most was that he was interested and wanted to see them. He took me by surprise and I agreed. I can't deny that I'm attracted to these three men, and I'm not just talking about a physical attraction.

Alone in the elevator, I can't take my eyes off the man next to me. If he feels my gaze on him, he doesn't look up. The doors open and he lets me out in front of him.

The last time we met in front of my apartment door, I had the shame of my life. A chuckle escapes me when I think back on it.

"Can I know what's going on with you?" He asks as I open the door.

"I'm thinking about the last time we were here together." I tell him, no longer seeming to have a filter between my head and my mouth.

"You mean the time you literally threw yourself at my feet?" He answers me confidently, hands in his pockets as he enters my house.

"I didn't throw myself at your feet." I totally threw myself at his feet, but there's no way I'm admitting that out loud.

"Don't worry, I have that effect on a lot of people."

I cross my arms and look at him, raising an eyebrow. Little Miss Jealousy is showing her face.

"Jealous?" He asks as he slowly approaches me like a panther.

"Not at all." I persist.

"You know I can hear your heart rate from here, see your nostrils flaring slightly and your eyebrows furrowing?" I shake my head to regain my naturalness and he smiles. "I like it. Very much." He moves even closer, stopping just inches from me. My breath catches slightly in my throat. "If you want me to step back, I will. I want you to tell me if I'm doing anything you don't like. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

I open my mouth to answer him but no sound comes out and my eyes drop down to his mouth. His full lips are perfect and I want to kiss him. At that very moment, I can't think of anything else, only of his lips coming closer to mine. Or are they mine, coming closer to his?

I don't have time to think about it too long before contact is established. His lips are soft and smooth. His hand moves to the back of my neck and I'm pressed against his firm body. His tongue demands access to my mouth and I grant it without a moment's hesitation. When our lips part, he presses his forehead to mine and for a moment we are both silent.

My heart races, I shiver all over my body and I don't know what's happened. I haven't kissed a lot of people, but I've never felt what I've just felt... for anyone.

"It was..."

"Intense." Asher finishes for me. "That's the bond." He steps back enough to look me in the eye. "You were made for me and I was made for you."

"I can feel it." I confess and a smile takes place on his face. He bends down and kisses me again, but this time, to my great disappointment, he just gives me a peck on the lips.

He pulls away from me and looks at my apprtemement as I move further into the living room.

"This place looks just like you. Even if we don't know you, we can guess what kind of person you are."

"Why do I get the feeling this is wrong?"

"It's not." He tells me before sitting down on the couch. "Then these drawings?"

Ah yes the drawings, the real reason we're here.

"I'll get them." I head into my room and pull them out of the dresser. I hope he won't laugh at me.

I hand him the folder and he quickly opens it. He looks at each sheet carefully, without a word and with an expression that gives absolutely nothing away. I feel so nervous standing next to him, waiting for his opinion.

I know the reason I'm so nervous is because I know Ash is going to tell me the truth. Jax and Knox would be more likely to lie to me to preserve my feelings.

ASHER

I look at each drawing carefully and they are truly brilliant. She has an undeniable talent.

I look at each drawing and I can't help but imagine her sketching for our children and telling them stories. We haven't known each other long, but I feel like I know her soul and I know she has love to give. We'd be the three luckiest men in the universe if she decided to become part of our lives, our queen and the mother of our children.

"They're perfect. You've got to get over the hump and have people see this."

The most beautiful smile lights up her face and her eyes become moist.

"Did I say something..."

"No." She cuts me off. "Thank you."

I look at her, frowning, and she starts to laugh. I don't understand what exactly is going on, but knowing that I'm somehow responsible for this is enough for me.