Chapter 75

Ashton’s jaw clenched so hard I thought he might chip a molar. One of his hands twitched, like he was dying to grab me, but playing it cool. I stared at him. He stared back. Neither of us blinked. It was a Mexican standoff, except no one had a gun. The lights had dimmed—had they always been that low? His stupid smart home probably detected horniness and adjusted the mood lighting. I could feel my own heartbeat pounding in my ears, chest pressed to his. He wasn’t saying a word. Neither was I. Both were waiting for the other to make a move first. Pride’s a bitch like that. Then—fine. I cracked first. I shut my eyes, leaned in, lips inches from his, breath ghosting across his skin— His phone rang. I jerked back. Sat up ramrod straight. ‘Um, your phone.’ He exhaled like he wanted to strangle someone. ‘Ignore it.’ It rang again. And again. He stabbed the screen to hang up, but whoever it was had octopus fingers. The call came back instantly. I glimpsed the name—Cassian Langford. ‘Might wann