Meadow's POV : If anyone had told me last week that I would be getting in a private jet with my billionaire husband instead of getting married to the man I thought was the love of my life , I would've had them committed . But ... this was real . This was really happening . Maybe later , I would sit myself down and drown in my thoughts and ponder on my stupidity , but right now ? Right now I was in the back of a black SUV that smelled like leather and money , staring out the tinted windows as the driver drove toward the airport . My fingers kept twitching in my lap , and every now and then , they brushed against the ring . His ring . It was hard to ignore it . The ring was beautiful , heavy , definitely not something I could ever forget was there . Especially not with Alaric sitting next to me like the devil's incarnate - ankle crossed over one knee , his clean red bottoms glaring at me like I did something wrong . He hadn't said a word to me since we got in the car . He was oddly quiet , appearing to be deep in thought . I wanted to know what was going on in that beautiful head of his . It took everything in me to stop myself from glancing at him , but that was a battle I never would've won in the first place . His suit jacket was unbuttoned , shirt rolled at the cuffs , giving me a glimpse of that tattooed arm . " You're staring , " his voice sliced through the uncomfortable silence and I nearly jumped out of my skin . Alaric turned to look at me , expression stoic , but I could see the amusement swirling in those beautiful blue eyes . I cleared my throat as I looked away , pretending to observe the ring on my finger . " You mentioned something about the ring being customized , " I said . " What did you mean by that ? " His mouth twitched . " I suppose I was a fool for thinking you'd drop that question when I ignored it the first time . " I felt my cheeks heat up . " Well , unfortunately , that's not the kind of person I am . I hate unanswered questions ." A sharp breath escaped my mouth at the look Alaric was giving me . He wasn't glaring at me or looking at me in any particular way per se , but being in his presence alone was intimidating . It was easier to pretend when we were in the spacious penthouse , but right now , in this car , 1/4 CHAPTER 0010 +15 BONUS his woody , musky scent was overriding my senses . He hummed . " I'll leave you to hate it then . " " Really ? " I rolled my eyes . " You're going to keep secrets from your wife ? " I mentally face - palmed when those words left my mouth . I hadn't planned to say that . Alaric's eyes dropped to my mouth and I realized that I was biting on my lower lip . Hard . I released it . " I take it you've had time to think about my offer then ? " His tone was flat , as if he didn't care whether or not I took the offer . But I knew he cared . A lot . The way his body had responded to my touch back at the penthouse suite let me know that whether or not I accepted his offer , Alaric wasn't going to let me go . But , like I said , I wasn't going to make it easy for him . " Maybe , " I sighed . " Or maybe I was preparing our breakup slash annulment speech . " " Then maybe you aren't ready to be fucked like ... " Alaric paused , his eyes dragging over me , slow and heated . " ... someone who deserves to be worshipped . " A gasp escaped my mouth , my wide eyes darting to the driver whom I was sure had heard him . He'd been practically invisible since , but now that Alaric was ever so blunt , it felt like the driver was judging me through the rearview mirror . " Excuse me ? " I forced a laugh , folding my arms to distract from the way my thighs had automatically pressed together . Alaric didn't flinch . " You heard me . " " I did , " I snapped . " I'm just trying to decide if I'm shocked ... or disgusted . " He uncrossed his legs , turning toward me fully , eyes dark as he smirked . " You're not disgusted . You're turned on . You just don't know what to do with that yet . " I swallowed hard , heat creeping up my throat . " You think very highly of yourself . " " I don't need to ," his voice was low . " I just pay attention . " His eyes dropped to my thighs and I squeezed them tighter , shooting him a glare . Alaric wasn't fazed . " The way you look at me ? Like you want to climb into my skin but hate yourself for it ? " His gaze cut through me , his hand reaching out to tuck my stray haits behind my ear . " I'd bet good money your panties are soaked right now . " " Jesus Christ , " I muttered , turning toward the window , furious that what he just said was the absolute 2/4 CHAPTER 0010 +15 BONUS truth and hating myself for getting so easily aroused . " You're insane . " " I'm honest . " I felt his hand on my chin , turning me to face him . And then he leaned in slightly . Not too close , but close enough that I could feel his minty breath fan my face as he spoke . " And you're mine , Meadow . " His thumb grazed my jaw , inching toward my lower lip . I wanted him to touch it . God , I wanted him to touch me . Everywhere . My heart was practically pounding in my ears because of how close he was . " You said yes once . Say it again . This time sober . " I didn't say anything . I couldn't . Not with my skin buzzing and my mind fogging up the way it was . Alaric smirked . " Now , where's that smart mouth when I need it ? " he muttered , voice going even lower as his eyes stayed glued to my mouth . My mouth parted , but no words came out . " So many things I could do to this pretty mouth . " I sucked in air as I felt something warm pool at the bottom of my stomach . Alaric knew what he was doing . And he was enjoying it . Torturing me , touching me , trying to remind me of what I was going to miss out on if I didn't take his offer . And I could've said no . I could've just walked away and found some other willing guy to take my virginity . But for some fucked up reason , I wanted that person to Alaric Ashford . And it had nothing to do with the fact that he was Tyler's boss . But , like Alaric said , that was only a bonus . " I- " " We're here , sir , " the driver's voice interrupted . We'd pulled up to a black , sleek private jet , the SUV slowing to a stop as the driver approached the tarmac . Alaric sat back like he hadn't just unraveled me with words alone . " We'll finish this conversation on the plane . " My eyes glued shut , shivers running down my spine when he pulled his hand away from my cheek . I needed him to touch me again . Needed him to touch me in places that weren't my face . And I should've closed my legs , looked away , put some steel in my spine and remember who the hell I was before this . But the warmth that had pooled in the bottom of my stomach overrode my senses . " I want something , " I said . 3/4 CHAPTER 0010 Alaric's brow arched . " Say it . " " You said you'll give me whatever I want , right ? " " Yes . " I leaned in , reaching for his hand , grazing his knuckles with my thumb . I swallowed . " Then I want you to make me come ... with your fingers . " +15 BONUS 4/4 Title: Cohabitating Lover by CrushReel In the romantic tale "Cohabitating Lover," Corinne, a runaway bride still donned in her wedding attire, and Andre find themselves mistakenly tangled in a leasing office mix-up. Despite initial reluctance, they become unexpected roommates after a series of arguments lead to an unconventional living arrangement. Exploring themes of love, transformation, and the magnetic pull of opposites, this modern romance unfolds against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and a high-powered office setting. As Corinne and Andre navigate their differences and shared living space, their individual glow-ups and personal growth intertwine in a heartwarming display of vulnerability and resilience. This sweet romance novel stands out for its portrayal of characters grappling with unexpected circumstances while discovering the true meaning of companionship. With a blend of CEO dynamics, modern settings, and the allure of opposites attracting, "Cohabitating Lover" offers readers a refreshing take on love and self-discovery. Escape into this ongoing story available to read at CrushReel for a captivating journey through the complexities of relationships and personal evolution.