Chapter 76

ASHER

After a weekend spent at the pack's family home, the rhythm of our lives quickly returned to its usual beat. Work consumed most of my days, and with the growing responsibilities at the office, I found myself buried under an avalanche of meetings, reports, and endless emails. Each day blurred into the next, and the time I spent with Isabella seemed to slip through my fingers. I hated the feeling that I was neglecting her, especially now, when she needed me more than ever.

It was late in the afternoon when I finally finished yet another grueling meeting. I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to ease the tension that had settled there, and pushed open the door to my office, expecting the usual quiet.

But there she was, sitting on the small sofa by the window, her presence lighting up the room in an instant. Isabella looked up from the book she was reading, a soft smile curving her lips. The sight of her hit me like a wave of relief. All the stress and exhaustion I'd been carrying around seemed to melt away.

I didn't hesitate. I crossed the room in a few quick strides and pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly as if afraid she'd disappear if I let go. Her scent, warm and familiar, surrounded me, grounding me in a way nothing else could.

"I missed you," I murmured against her hair, my voice rough with emotion.

She pulled back slightly, looking up at me with those captivating eyes. "I thought you might need a break," she said softly, her hands resting against my chest.

A break. I needed her, more than I needed anything else in that moment. The connection between us, the unspoken understanding, flared to life with an intensity that left me breathless. I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her, a deep, hungry kiss that spoke of all the hours apart, all the nights I’d fallen asleep wishing she were beside me.

Things escalated quickly from there. The book she’d been reading slipped from her fingers, forgotten, as our kisses grew more urgent. My hands roamed over her body, reacquainting themselves with every curve, every inch of skin. I backed her up against my desk, lifting her effortlessly onto the cool surface.

Isabella's fingers tangled in my hair, pulling me closer as I leaned over her. The world outside my office ceased to exist. There was only her—her warmth, her softness, her love—and the fierce need to remind her how much she meant to me.

We made love there, on my desk, with a fervor that was almost desperate. It wasn’t just about the physical act; it was about reconnecting, about reassuring each other that no matter how busy life got, we were still us. We were still strong. We were still together.

When it was over, we stayed like that for a while, catching our breath, our foreheads pressed together. I could feel her heart beating in time with mine, and for the first time in days, I felt at peace.

"I needed this," I admitted quietly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I needed you."

She smiled up at me, a soft, contented smile that made my heart swell. "I’m always here," she whispered, and I knew she meant it. No matter how crazy life got, we’d always find our way back to each other.

Knox arrived at my office without so much as a courtesy knock, clearly on some mission of his own. He tried the door, only to find it locked. For a moment, there was silence, and then the distinct sound of Isabella’s laughter drifted through the door.

He knocked, louder this time. "Isa, open up! I know you’re in there," he called out, the amusement in his voice unmistakable.

I shot Isabella a look, a mix of exasperation and amusement as I adjusted my shirt. She bit her lip, trying to suppress another laugh as she straightened her dress.

“Hold on, Knox,” I called out, making my way to the door.

I opened it, and there stood Knox, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. He took one step inside, wrinkled his nose dramatically, and then shot me a knowing look. “You know, it kinda smells like sex in here,” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a surge of exasperation mixed with brotherly affection. “Really, Knox? You couldn’t wait two minutes?”

Isabella, still sitting on the desk, was doing her best to keep a straight face, but the corners of her mouth kept twitching.

Knox chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. “I thought I’d drop by and see what was taking you so long, but now I see why.” He leaned against the doorframe, still grinning. “Next time, maybe put a sock on the door or something.”

I shook my head, trying to fight the grin that was tugging at my lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Yeah, but you love me anyway,” Knox shot back, finally stepping fully into the office. “So, you two planning to join the land of the living anytime soon, or should I give you more time to, uh, freshen up?”

Isabella finally let out a laugh, slipping off the desk and walking over to Knox. “You’re lucky you’re charming, Knox,” she said, giving him a playful nudge. “Or I might just be annoyed right now.”

Knox smirked. “Charming? I’ll take that. Now, come on, you two. There’s work to be done, and we don’t need Asher getting any more distracted than he already is.”

As I closed the door behind us, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Knox always had a way of lightening the mood, even when he was being a pain. But that’s what brothers are for, I guess.