Unedited.

Do tell me what you think of the story so far. ❤️

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My eyes wandered in the crowd, every passing second my heart thudded a bit more loudly. I wanted to scream and cry but I was suddenly incapable of that. I saw a few people looking at me and I realised I was creating a scene in the middle of the street. I walked to the side of the road and sat on the empty bench by the Gelato shop. My hands reached for my phone. I groaned the moment my fingers brushed across my waist where the sling bag should have rested. It hit me that I kept the bag on top of Asher's. My head started to hurt and my eyes teared up even more. Tremors ran up my hands and down my spine as sadness spread through my bones.

Don't cry, he's going to find you.

I was afraid he wouldn't find me but then again he wasn't that cruel. I looked around, my face was red and my eyes puffy, I tapped my foot impatiently as fear curled around my gut and squeezed it. I tried to think of good things but there was nothing but darkness behind my eyes. A series of faces started to flash in the dark and my body tensed. Thomas, Alina, Charlie, Lily, Victoria. My eyes snapped open. I shook my head trying to get them out of my thoughts.

My eyes moved left and right, looking for him. I bit my lower lip as fresh tears formed in my eyes threatening to roll down my face. A slight ache ran down my body. I sighed and dumped my face in the palm of my hands. The cold metal on the finger of left hand touched my cheek making me shiver.

I knew the worst thing I could have done was to look around. So , I stayed where I last saw him.

I licked my chapped lips and looked down at my palms, the platinum band glistened. I missed him.

I turned my hands to look at the heavy stone and tears rolled down my face. My jaw clenched as I tried to hold back a sob.

I entwined my hand, help me, please. Pleas-

"Fucking idiot-" I paled under the weight of his voice. My insides turned into a mush.

"You fucking idiot," my head snapped up and before I could even blink I was pulled into a tight embrace. A painful sob left my mouth and my body shook in the grip of his strong arms as I cried wrapping my arms around him. There was something so intense in his voice, it scared me. He was on the edge, he sounded angry and worried. His smell enveloped me and ease spread through my veins.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" His lips pressed to my neck and I cried even harder as he buried his face in my neck, holding me even tighter as if he was afraid I'd dissapear in thin air.

If there was a place made for me, it was with him, it was him. He was my place. No matter he reciprocated or not, my tiny little heart would live on the memories of moments like these. Where he held me so close, where I could feel his heart beating for me, where he cared and I'd love him for it.

"I'm sorry- I lost you." I couldn't look at him, not like this.

"No, you didn't. I'm here." His words were so gentle, I hugged him even tighter, I didn't realise until now that my feet were in the air as he held me to his chest.

Taller, wiser, older, better, mine. Those words jumped around in my head the same instance he let go, dropping me to my feet and taking a step back. I looked down. I didn't want him to see my blotchy face.

"Breathe. You're shaking."

I nodded

"I thought-"

"Stop." I zipped up my mouth immediately. I swallowed the lump in my throat and finally looked up at him. I offered him a soft smile.

"I'm sorry, I panicked."

"You need to be a little more attentive, you don't want to get lost in a strange place. Not again. " The look on his face said he wanted to punch something to ease the tension I had built. His fist clenched as spoke trying not to lash out.

"Not again." I whispered.

"Come on, let's go."

"Where's your bag?" I asked looking around.

"I called the hotel and asked them to pick it up for me."

He looked around and his eyes spotted my bag, he grabbed the handle and started walking.

"Wait!" As soon as he stopped, my heart quickened.

"What now?" He ruffled his hair and ran a hand down his face. He looked tired and I felt guilty for making him walk all the way back to find me.

Crimson creeped up my neck and my ears warmed up. I moved my gaze to the Gelato shop and then back at him. "I want that."

Asher followed my gaze and frowned. "Are you serious?" He shook his head like he have had enough of me for today.

"Yes, I haven't had anything since Last night."

His eyes moved back and forth between the shop and I, he dropped his head and smiled at the ground. "Let's get you some gelato then."

I smiled so wide at him. My heart leaped in my chest. "You aswell."

He gave me a look which said I was being incredibly ridiculous. I didn't care, I was happy, I was safe and he was getting Gelato for us.

"You're so boring." I whined looking at the cup of gelato in his hand.

Who eats Gelato in a damn cup?
Of course Asher.

I licked the generous mount of Gelato on the tiny cone I was holding which was going to break anytime now. Maybe eating in a cup wasn't a bad idea afterall but I'd rather enjoy my gelato on a cone than a cup. I could taste fresh berries in every bite, it reminded me of long summer holidays and my favourite mango icicle. Though, the artificially flavoured icicle was nothing compared to the rich creamy gelato I was having right now.

"Why do you say that?" Asher asked, his Gelato was still untouched.

"Eating in a cup." I looked at his cup and frowned. Maybe, I was being a bit over dramatic but I wanted him to be a little reckless. I knew he didn't like eating in front of people.

"Try yours, you'd love it."

His jaw ticked.

"What? Don't tell me eating Gelato would make you look less masculine." I gaped at him in surprise, my eyes widen as I tried to not laugh. He passed a scornful look my way before looking away.

When Asher didn't answer I burst out into fits of laughter. I tried to shift the focus away from his anxiety. "God...you really think that.."

"You're fucking with-"

"No, you are. " I shot back and shook my head.

"I should have not come back to find you." If Asher could shoot me right now he would without a second thought and knowing I was successfully getting on his nerves gave me peace.

"You missed an opportunity of getting rid of me, better luck next time." I flashed him a wide smile and he shook his head. I knew he was pissed at me but a little voice in my head said he was enjoying it.

I took the bag from him and started dragging it, we walked side by side, looking around. I avoided looking at Asher, I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. I was hoping he'd eat knowing I wasn't looking at him and he did exactly that. I smiled looking up at the sky. Everything was suddenly perfect. The soft sun, the melted gelato dripping on my hand, him walking by my side, enjoying a sweet paradise in a cup.

We were staying in a boutique hotel, again. I don't think I'd ever enjoy living in a typical suite after this. I felt spoilt and I kind of liked it.  It was situated at a high point of Capri and looked over to the deep sea. There was no one out there. Just the sea and the tall mountains surrounding it. The room felt more personal than the one we stayed in Sorrento which had a view of a beautiful public beach.

I placed the bag against the wall as I entered the room and immediately rushed to the glass door and slid it open, stepping out into the balcony, a soft breeze ran through my hair as I gazed at the setting sun. Beautiful, simply beautiful. I wished I had a camera or a better phone. The sight was worth capturing forever. My heart warmed up and my eyes stung with tears I never knew existed. I never thought a view would ever make me cry. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. Suddenly, I felt eyes on me, his eyes, glaring holes in my skull.

I turned around and my face dropped. He was sitting on a recliner, facing the view. I stepped inside the room and closed the glass door behind me.

"Close the blinds, Sophie." I couldn't put a finger on what changed but the energy in the room was very different from what it was outside. Maybe, it was him and his habits. That damn cigarette between his lips. He sat on the chair staring at me like I was a piece of meat. His large frame was too big for the room, I was suffocating in his presence. It was the thought of what would happen next that was gut wrenching.

"It's too dark." I told him as I closed the blinds. There was still some light seeping through the curtains but not enough.

"It's better." He said and I bit my inner cheek feeling trapped in the four walls.

He leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees as he took another long puff. I dragged my bag to the middle of the room and unzipped it, trying to ignore his presence. "Can you stop, it's hard to breathe?" I scowled at him.

"Sure." He smiled at me and took another long puff. I sighed picking up a pair of white shorts and a white top to change into.

People don't change Sophie. People don't fucking change.

"I'm tired." I turned to him and tried to look unaffected by his voice. The unease in his voice screamed for comfort.

"Yeah?" We walked a lot today." I said nonchalantly and gripped the clothes in my hand tighter.

He let out a bitter laugh.

"I don't like the view. "

I inhaled. "Is that why you're suddenly off?"

A nod, that was all he gave away. He did it often, reaching so close and pulling away like I was stranger. I hated when he did that.

"I hope, someday you would tell me what goes on in that mind of yours." I exhaled. I needed a nap.

I threw the clothes I was holding on the bed and sat on the floor facing him. His eyes dropped to me and he did a double take. I frowned, confused by the initial surprise in his eyes by my actions that faded immediately.

"Why do you wanna know, Callister?"

"Because I'm going insane, trying to come up with a reason that would somehow make sense, nothing does."

"Quit it. There's no use of trying. " He narrowed his eyes slightly.

"If you can't let go, why should I?"
He stared at me a little longer, making me uneasy.

"Come here."

Those words were enough to turn my insides. I got to my feet and walked up to him. My chest constricted and my spine ached. My breath came out in light quick puffs. I was afraid of the unknown.

"A little more."

I took two steps forward and found myself standing in between his lean muscular legs. Asher leaned back and stared up at me , a small smile playing on his face. His eyes were dark, he looked high but he wasn't. He tapped off the cigarette bud on the table beside him.

"Are you afraid, Callister?"

Yes.

I shook my head.

"What are you afraid of?"

Fuck.

I shook my head looking down at him. His fingers curled around my wrist as he pulled me forward, I landed on him with a gasp. My body tensed in his embrace. Asher and the butterflies in my stomach both went hand in hand.

"Asher-"

"Relax." He touched the back of my neck and a shiver ran through my body.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head on his shoulder curling my legs to my chest. I ignored my heart which grew louder every minute, at one point I was afraid he could hear it loud and clear.

His heart was fast, aswell. Faster than mine. His fingers drew circles on my back and his mouth was pressed on my head.

"I hate this place." He whispered.

"I know. " I fisted his shirt. "If you had a choice where would you go? "

"I'm not needed anymore."

"What does that mean?" Concern grew adamantly within me.

"Bury me, Sophie. Might feel better after that."

I inhaled deeply, "don't say shit you don't mean." I spoke putting emphasis on every word as anger and fear rose. I didn't know how he did it, how he made me feel completely and whole and the next moment he left me hollow with an aching soul.

"Does that scare you...losing me?" He ran a hand down my hair, caressing them and I fell deeper in the trap he dug.

"I swear on my life, I will hit you if you don't shut up." I gritted.

"That's an impressive threat." He let out a soft laugh. His laugh was the saddest thing I've heard in a while.

I went quiet, a lone tear ran down my face and onto his shirt. I watched the tear seep into his shirt and felt his body stiffening under me.

"Does crying help?" Asher asked his hand stopped running through my hair as he waited for an answer.

I thought about it. I wasn't feeling any better rather pathetic as silent tears rolled down my face onto him. The thought of losing him racked my body. I couldn't, I just couldn't. I loved him.

I shook my head.

"Then don't cry."

My hands moved down his chest and then slipped under his shirt, Asher froze and sucked in a deep breath. "I'd never hurt you." I whispered kissing his neck, I felt his pulse against my lips. my heart went wild, my head felt too heavy. I wrapped my fingers around his wrist and brought his hand up to my chest.

One moment I was in his embrace the next moment I landed on the soft mattress with Asher on top of me, pinning me down as his tongue explored my mouth.

"Sophie," he leaned back and gazed down at me.

His hands moved up my chest and then his fingers curled around my neck , my breath accelerated from the mere action. My lips parted as his thumb caressed my jaw and he pressed his hips to mine letting me know he wanted me. His thumb slipped in my mouth and I swirled my tongue around it, his eyes darkened. He pulled his thumb out and slipped two fingers between my lips , I grabbed his wrist as I sucked on his fingers, flicking my tongue.

"Fuck." He cursed and it rang through my body.

His mouth came down on mine before he started making his way downwards, tracing a path with his lips. I pulled my shirt over my head, panting.

"Someone's in a hurry." He hummed against my skin and I shivered violently.

The air was suddenly electric, everything was buzzing. My gut felt hollow like I was on a rollercoaster which was going down an endless pit.

I wanted him to fuck me into another dimension. I didn't know what was happening, I didn't want to know. I only knew his hands and I knew him in that moment.

Warning : mature content. If you don't want to read the mature content scroll untill you see ✅✅✅

"Be still."

I stopped breathing as he pressed a kiss to my belly. He unbuttoned my shorts and pulled them down to my ankles leaving my cotton panties behind. I blushed red. He stood up and stared down at my disheveled self. I stared at him breathing heavily. His eyes moved hungrily over my body. My stomach hollowed with anxiety and my eyes widen, the more he stared the more I wanted to cover up.

"Close your eyes and tell me what you feel." He squeezed the side of my thigh reassuringly lighting yet another fire within me.

I closed my eyes and frowned at his words Tell me what you fe-all of a sudden my complaints turned into a surprised gasp. As Asher moved my panties to one side and his fingers dived in the most intimate part of my body. It felt like someone dumped a bucket of ice on me. My back arched and my mouth gaped opening.

My eyes shot open to find Asher looking at me, a hard expression set on his face as he slide his fingers back and forth, his thumb rubbing my clit, my hands reached forward to grasp his arm , my nails dug in his skin. It was all too much, the pain, the warm tingles shooting down to my core and the want for more.

"Ash...God-"

"—I told you to keep your eyes closed." He spoke sternly and I almost cried begging for more. His voice was deeper, filled with want. I could tell he was resisting.

His touch left me completely and I wanted to scream. Just when I thought he was going to leave me he gripped my hips and flipped me over on my stomach then pulled my hips up in the air, so that I was on my knees with my face pressing into the mattress. I blinked at the wall to my side and gripped the sheets.

My heart was beating everywhere now.

"Are you eyes closed?"

"Yes." I immediately squeezed my eyes shut.

"Liar."

He grabbed my butt cheek and squeezed. "You know what I want to do to you right now?"

"N-no." I was shaking, it was all too much.

"I want to be deep inside of you Sophie." A part of me died from the weight of his words, I wanted him so bad. He pressed his hips against me letting me know how much he wanted me, I froze.

"I want to leave permanent scars not on your body, on your mind." He leaned over me and pressed a kiss on my shoulder, moving my hair to over side, caressing my face. I didn't dare to open my eyes.

"I want you to remember me and only me." his fingers slid into me again.

"Let me..let me touch you." My voice shook as he began to rub in circles around the most sensitive part of mine.

"No." Before I could protest I felt his mouth on my core and I moaned then bit on my lower lip trying to bit down the moans.

My whole body thrashed against the mattress and my knees shook, my hand came up and I squeezed my breast moaning. He was eating me out. I wanted to see him. I could only imagine him being on his knees invading me, ruining me for the better.

He gripped my thigh and pulled my body backwards then flipped me over again not a second later he was between my legs again. Tears ran down my face and I bucked my hips. I lifted myself then grabbed the hair on the back of his head and pulled his head up, my mouth collided with his in a frenzy and I tasted myself on his lips my hands moved down and grabbed him through his jeans, he groaned and pressed forward into my hand. I squeezed him again and then started rubbing him. He grabbed my hand and tipped my head up so I could look him in the eyes. That green quiet distant place in his eyes screamed and burned with so much passion. I could keep drowning in them and then a little more.

"Fuck, Callister." His mouth moved down to my breast as he rubbed me faster.

"What do you want sophie?" He gritted out.

"I want to—"

His pace increased and a sob escaped my mouth, tears ran down my face, my whole body was blushing, I was vulnerable , completely exposed in front of the man I loved. I gripped his shirt and gazed at him, something indescribable passed his features and his lips tipped up into a devilish smile.

✅✅✅

The last things I remembered were my eyes rolling back, my tense body going limp and his arms around my waist as he pulled me to him and I buried my face in his chest.

When I woke up I noticed two things, the blinds were open, I could hear the water crashing softly against the rocks. The sun softly grazed every corner of the room. Second, Asher wasn't in bed, my heart dropped a little, I rolled over and my eyes zeroed on the man sitting on the chair staring at me.

"Good morning," I whispered. My voice rough and sleep filled. "You watching me sleep, again?" I grinned at him.

"I was waiting for you to wake up." He seemed agitated like he was caught doing something wrong.

I rubbed my eyes and my toes curled in as my body stretched, all the while he studied me like I was the most interesting thing in Capri.

"Get ready, we're going out." With that he left the room and I heaved a sigh staring at his back until it disappeared.

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"Where to?" I asked looking up at the bright sky. Today was going to be a good day. I just knew it. I was wearing a loose white button up shirt, a pair of blue shorts and of course, my trustworthy sneakers.

"First, breakfast." My gaze returned to him, he wore a black shirt and a pair of denims, he wasn't dressed for a vacation as if he forgot he was in Capri. Still, I couldn't help but steal glances. It didn't matter what he wore he always managed to look striking.

"Yes, please. I'm starving. Do you know, the biggest constellation is Hydra?"I grabbed his hand and he tensed but entwined our hands together as we walked. Asher side-eyed me and frowned. "And then there's Virgo, Ursa Major—"

"What is wrong with you?" He asked, looking nothing but amused.

"Oh, is this your way of saying thanks, Sophie, I'm gonna keep that in mind?" I rolled my eyes at him.

He murmured incoherents under his breath and I smiled looking down.

The sun was bright, the birds chirped loudly, I had him on my skin. Just the thought made me shiver and I tried not to blush. This morning everything went smooth like nothing had happened between us. Asher told me to get ready and disappeared , since then I've been thinking if I had done something wrong. Asher and his mood swings they showed up at the worst time. We walked for a few minutes before Asher stopped infront of a place called Bar Faro. I only hoped he wasn't mad at me.

"Pancakes?" He asked, settling in his chair.

My mind screamed yes and he saw it in my eyes.

"Pancakes it is." he told himself.

Asher order a few drinks aswell. I looked around as we waited for our food. The place was cozy, decorated with a variety of flowers just like the whole of Capri and had a great ambience. It was perfect.

"You wanna talk about it?" I asked as soon as we settled down. He sat infront of me which made me a little anxious. Our seating felt way too confrontational.

"About you being ridiculous? Yes. "

"No," I cleared my throat and played with my fingers. "Last night." Suddenly I had his full attention and I wanted to run.

"What about it?" He tapped his finger against the table staring straight at me making my heart thud loudly. A lady with a red apron walked to our tables with the food and my stomach grumbled. I blushed hoping no one heard it.

"Nothing." I murmured.

"Hmm."

We ate our food in silence, the place was not bustling with people, the silence and the calm that came along with it made me want to stay longer and just appreciate the smell of coffee, delicious food and my husband's larger than life presence.

My husband. I liked how that sounded in my head. I was whipped. I couldn't stop thinking of his hands on me. God, his touch. I needed to stop thinking about it.

"Can we get gelato after this?" I looked at him without blinking.

He raised an eyebrow at me as he shoved some pancake in his mouth. "Sure."

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"Let's go there." I said as I ate my Gelato. It was a lemon Gelato, a bit too strong for my liking but I was going to eat it anyways.

He turned to where I pointed my finger, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

"It's a Church." he squinted his eyes under the bright sun.

"Yes, I know." I resisted rolling my eyes.

He stared at it for a couple of seconds before nodding, from the look on his face I could tell he was contemplating his choice.  I finished my gelato as I gazed up at the tall white Church. Asher stared at me as I ate.

"What?' I asked, raising an eyebrow. Clearly teasing him and he caught on that.

"Nothing." He cleared his throat and finally looked at the building for more than five seconds.

"Okay." I got on my tip toes and pressed a kiss to his jaw, it ticked and I smiled.

The church didn't seem like a tourist spot, there were a couple of people more apart from Asher and I. My eyes took in every little thing, from the patterns on the floor, to the dome ceiling, the twisted pillars and the beautiful stained glass.

I closed my eyes, bowed my head and entwined my fingers as we reached the front. The moment my eyes closed Asher was suddenly everywhere, my heart was faster, all I could think about was him. I didn't want to. His scarred hands, the heavy look in his eyes, the tears that never fell, the words he never spoke, the pain he never shared, the heaviness he carried along. Take them all from him. I gulped the lump in my throat and squeezed my eyes trying to get rid of the tears building up. When I opened my eyes he wasn't there. I frowned as my heart skipped a beat. I turned around swiftly and sighed the moment I saw him sitting in one the benches, looking at me...more like, frowning at me.

I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear and cleared my throat feeling embarrassed as I walked up to him. 

"You didn't pray?" I asked as I sat down beside him.

"Do I look like a man who prays?" He let out a bitter laugh.

"You don't believe—"

"I don't have a reason to." He ran a hand down his face and let out a tired sigh.

"You don't need a reason." I stated.

"Is your life any better than mine?" He asked, seething all of a sudden. He almost looked as if he was challenging me to deny his claim.

"Yes it is. I have hope and you're awfully hopeless."

"I have a reason to be hopeless." He gritted out. I knew I was pushing the wrong buttons, Asher was a potential bomb and I was not handling the situation well, he was seconds away from exploding.

"What is it?" I asked gathering up some courage.

He paused as he stared ahead for quiet sometime. "What happens when people die?" He asked, I frowned at him.

"They turn into stars?" I joked, trying to ease the tension. 

"You bury them." The bitter edge in his voice told me none of it was funny for him. "My hope is buried sophie."

I didn't know what to say. I stared ahead, blinking at nothing, "Try."

"What?" He questioned.

"Ask for anything , Asher."

"What I want does not exist." He stated and my heart sank.

"Then ask for something that d—."

Before I could say anything more, Asher leaned into me and presses his lips to mine.

"Shut up." He whispered against my lips before kissing me like his life depended on it. I fisited his shirt and sighed in his mouth.

He pulled away and stood up, pulling me with him. He took one last look at the statue of Christ like he was bidding him a goodbye before wrapping his fingers around my wrist and pulling me out of the church. I saw a few old ladies looking at us with disgust marred in their featured. They probably saw us kissing inside the holy building. I smiled and nodded at them.

Asher was difficult. Pushing and pulling me. He liked to play around. I knew one thing, that I wasn't giving up on him.

I squeezed his hand, he squeezed mine twice and the tension disappeared.

Author's note.

Next chapter will be up soon!
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. They're making a lot of progress.

What do you think of the story so far?

I hope everyone is safe and doing well.

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I'll see you guys!!

Byee.

Garima ❤️❤️