God only knows how terrified she was when she saw Arthur getting into that police car. The police station wasn’t unfamiliar to her, but in that moment, she wasn’t thinking about any of that. She had already made up her mind—if Arthur didn’t come back, she would use every connection her family had. No matter what, she wouldn’t let anything happen to him. The second she laid eyes on him, all the tension inside her broke. Tears welled up, filled with worry, relief, and lingering fear. She choked on his name. "Arthur!" She had so much she wanted to say, but right now, she just wanted to hold him and not let go. Arthur ran a hand through her hair and asked gently, "Did it scare you that much?" He had sent her home earlier, never expecting her to be this shaken. Ashley had never been the type to fear anything. She burrowed against his chest like a small kitten—soft, warm, and heartbreakingly sweet. Her voice was light and fragile. "When I saw you get in that car, I got so scared." Arthur rubbed the spot where she had flicked him. She had barely used any force—it was more like a light tickle. With a teasing grin, he said, "I knew it. You can’t stand to actually hit me. That didn’t hurt at all." "You—!" Ashley’s face burned red, caught between frustration and embarrassment. Arthur swallowed hard. She looked so cute when she was flustered. Then, out of nowhere, Ashley’s expression shifted. She suddenly grabbed his arm, her eyes full of concern. "Wait, Zac didn’t hit you back there, did he?" Without waiting for an answer, she started feeling around, running her hands over his arms and chest, checking for injuries. Arthur stiffened. He was already burning up, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Now, with her small hands wandering all over him, it felt like she was igniting a slow fire under his skin. His throat was dry. His body burned hotter. At this moment, all he wanted was something soft and sweet to quench his thirst.Ashley quickly realized something was off. She blinked at him, confused. "What’s wrong? You’re burning up. Do you have a fever?" She reached out, pressing a small hand against his forehead. Her warm breath brushed against his skin. Her lips parted slightly as she spoke, soft and utterly irresistible. Arthur’s self-control shattered in an instant. He couldn’t take it anymore. His hand shot out, grabbing hers. Ashley flinched at the sudden movement, momentarily stunned. "What are you—" She barely got the words out before Arthur dipped down and claimed her lips. "Mm—!" Ashley tried to resist, but Arthur’s arms locked around her, one hand on her waist, the other cradling the back of her head. She was completely pinned, unable to move. Arthur had been holding himself back for two whole years! Back then, they had been too young, and he had refused to push her. But now, they were both adults. And God knows how much he had suffered for it. He had been practically living in cold showers. For two years, he hadn’t gotten the full course, but he had definitely sampled enough appetizers. Arthur wasn’t just a patient man—he was an observant one. He had honed his skills, and by now, his technique was flawless. It didn’t take long before Ashley completely gave in. Her body softened, turning boneless in his arms. She couldn’t even hold herself up anymore, her entire weight leaning into him as he held her steady. Neither of them knew how long it lasted before Arthur finally let go. Their breathing was uneven, ragged. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Ashley, I need you." "Mm?" Ashley’s voice came out softer, sweeter than she realized. That little sound made Arthur’s body burn even hotter.A second later, Ashley did realize what he meant. Her face flamed red.