His Kiss, Her Grace

His Kiss, Her Grace
Ashton’s POV

Morning crept in slowly, no different from the mornings before. The air was faintly warm, and sunlight slipped gently through the cracks of the window, catching the dust suspended in stillness. I hoped today would bring new traces—anything that could finally put David Taylor behind bars.

Lily was already dressed, wearing a blouse paired with a blazer and a long skirt that made her look even more graceful. She grew more beautiful by the day. I had to admit, my feelings for her were growing stronger. And sometimes, the fear of losing her tightened around my chest like a knot. But I believed in her. I trusted her heart was safe with me. It meant the world to me that I was the first man in her life, the first to kiss her, to touch every part of her. And I knew… I was the only one she loved this deeply.

Today was her first day of college. I’d asked Dave to take her and look after her well. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to her.

“Ashton, how do I look? Do I seem decent? Do I look like the other college girls?” Lily looked at me with those bright, honest eyes that always sparkled.

I stepped closer. Her perfume sent a ripple through me, a kind of vibration that touched the quietest corners of my heart. I brushed her hair softly. There was always love in her eyes, steadfast and warm. A love that never dimmed. Sometimes that glow made me feel guilty. She deserved more than what I could give.

“You’re perfect, Lily.” I smiled, unable to look away from her. I never got tired of looking at her. Her sincerity made her shine.

“You keep staring at me. Is there something wrong with how I look? Or is the lipstick too bright?” she asked, brushing her fingers against her lips.

I gently took her hand. “Your lipstick suits you, Lily. But… your lips haven’t been kissed yet this morning.”

Lily laughed softly, her eyes lighting up even more. “Then kiss me, Mr. Ashton Reagan Williams. You have every right to kiss my lips. Mmm, not just my lips,” she tiptoed closer, leaning in to whisper, “but every inch of my body too.”

A shiver ran through me. Her voice—soft and teasing—lit something beneath my skin. She didn’t have to do much to wake the desire already stirring inside me. Damn…

I pulled her closer, letting my breath melt into hers. The seconds before our lips met stretched into a small eternity—each of us waiting, daring, testing just how deep this desire had grown.

Then my lips found hers.

It began gently, like a greeting soaked in longing and silent confession. But Lily responded with the slightest pressure, and in that moment, everything exploded in stillness. Our kiss turned into something hungry, a search that felt desperate—as if time itself might snatch this moment away.

My hand slid along her back, drawing her small frame into my arms as if I could shield her from every fear in the world.

She let out a soft moan when my hand gripped her waist. Her fingers clutched the collar of my shirt, pulling me closer, deeper. Her breath caught, but she didn’t pull away. She gave herself entirely to the kiss. It felt like drowning in something I couldn’t name—hot, deep, and shaking me from the inside out.

When we finally pulled away for air, her forehead rested against my chest. Her eyes were closed. Her lips—wet, red, and slightly parted—still trembled.

"Ashton," she whispered, barely audible, "if you keep kissing me like that… I don’t think I’ll make it to campus today."

I kissed her again—slowly, deliberately—letting her feel the heat of our wildest kiss, the kind that would leave a mark on her lips and linger in her thoughts.

We shared one last kiss before heading downstairs for breakfast together.



“Ashton, can we go back to the mansion tomorrow?” my mother asked, slipping a piece of meat into her mouth. It was clear she and Kelly were eager to leave. I still worried about their safety.

Ever since we lost Dad and my brother, I’d grown more afraid of losing anyone else. I couldn’t bear that kind of pain again.

“If you really want to go home, that’s fine. I’ve tightened the security system. Everything should be safer now.” I didn’t want to keep them here if they didn’t want to stay.

“There’s someone here making us uncomfortable.” Kelly’s glance at Lily was sharp. Her words were always cutting, always finding their mark.

Meals—whether breakfast or dinner—had become silent battlegrounds, places for veiled jabs and cold stares. Warmth left with the deaths of my father and brother. My mother often felt overwhelmed and stressed. And Kelly… she lost her way. She’d go out late, crash at a friend’s house, sometimes come back drunk. The grief had changed everything. Nothing felt the same anymore.

Lily stayed quiet. She’d learned to adjust to the way my mother and sister treated her, often cornering her without reason. She didn’t want to cause a scene, especially not with Max around.

“Daddy, I finished my breakfast. Can I go now?” Max looked up at me with his usual innocent smile.

“Yes, Max. And remember, study well and stand up to anyone who tries to bully you.” I smiled and ruffled his hair.

“Okay, Daddy.”

“Max, don’t forget the lunch I packed for you,” Lily reminded him gently.

“Got it, Lily. Thank you!”

Max stood up, his bodyguard picking up his backpack and lunchbox.

“I’ll ask Charles to take Mom and Kelly home later. I’m taking Lily to campus today,” I said. I wanted to be the one to take her on her first day.

“Oh, so Lily’s starting college? Let’s just hope you’re not too much trouble for Ashton,” my mother said, eyeing Lily with that usual cold tone.

“I don’t mean to be a burden. Ashton just wanted to support me today. He’s a sweet husband. He always makes sure I’m okay.” Lily smiled gently. She handled my family better than I expected. Her response was soft but firm. She knew how to hold her ground without being harsh.

“You’re lucky to be married to my brother, Lily,” Kelly said, smirking.

“Yes, I am. Ashton’s a caring husband. He always protects me.” Lily answered with another poised smile.

“Are you ready, Lily?”

She nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.”