Chapter 79

Ashton watched her bolt into the house, all flailing limbs and flushed cheeks. He let out a short, low laugh. Then he turned to Gino still hovering by the car door. ‘Next time, don’t drive so bloody fast.’ The driver nodded. ‘Yes, boss.’ He didn’t argue the obvious—that Ashton was usually the one barking at him to step on it. He valued his job, and his kneecaps. Ashton walked into the house, loosening his tie as he went. The living room was quiet. Mirabelle was already upstairs. Probably in her bedroom. Probably thinking about the kiss. He was. Ashton took the stairs two at a time. Would her door be locked? Would she open it if he knocked? His mind was already undressing her again—he hadn’t even taken off her shoes earlier, and the thought was driving him insane. He quickened his pace, rounded the corner— His phone buzzed. Ashton froze mid-step, jaw tightening. He yanked the phone out of his pocket, saw the name flash on the screen, then glanced back at her door. Then down at the ragin