CHAPTER 0006 Meadow's POV : " Oh my God , " I moaned , my back arching as Alaric drove into me , deep and nonstop . His hands gripped my thighs , spreading me wide as he fucked me into the mattress like he owned me . Like he always had . I couldn't breathe . Couldn't fucking think . I could only feel his thick length stretching me , his name falling from my lips like a desperate prayer , the sound of his skin slapping mine and the way I clenched around him like I wanted more . Because I did . " Alaric , " I whimpered , chasing something that I'd never felt before . Was this what it felt like ? What it meant to be taken and owned and ruined ? But then , his eyes met mine , and that's when everything shifted . Because I expected to see heat in his eyes . Lust . Something . Anything . But all I saw was complete emptiness as he thrust into me . His voice was flat . " This is what you wanted , isn't it ? " My breath caught . " Wait- " But his thrusts didn't slow . They only got harder . " This is what you begged for . " " No , " I whispered , panic gripping my chest . Then - there was a flash of pain . A gasp escaped my mouth and my eyes flew open . Reality slammed into me like a bucket of cold water . I was in a room I didn't recognize , laying on sheets that felt soft and expensive . And I was alone . A dream . It was only a freaking dream . But the wetness I felt between my legs and the way my core pulsed with need made it feel dangerously real . I sat up too fast , regretting it instantly . I slapped my left hand onto my forehead as pain exploded in my skull- 1/4 CHAPTER 0006 +15 BONUS And I froze . My eyes dropped to the hand covering my face . To the finger . To the diamond ring sitting on my ring finger like it belonged there . I blinked once . Twice . No. No , no , no . " What the fuck ... " I whispered , trailing off as I yanked my hand back to stare at it . It sparkled under the morning light , glaring at me . Confirming that it was real . Not some hallucination or side effect from the hangover . And it was . But not only that - this ring had to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars . My heart pounded hard against my ribcage as I scrambled out of bed , looking around the room with wide , frantic eyes. The room was modern , sleek with floor to ceiling windows on one side , the curtains slightly open , allowing the morning light to filter through . But there was nothing personal about this space . It was a suite . Had to be . I let out a groan as I tried to remember what the hell had happened last night . Alaric ... He'd brought me to his penthouse suite when I was drunk and delirious with heartbreak and need . I'd asked him to- Oh God . I'd asked him to take my virginity . And that dream ... It was so vivid . Had he- I let out a shocked gasp , my stomach dropping as the door to what I was certain was the bathroom creaked open . And out he came . Alaric Ashford . A towel hung low on his hips , his dark hair fairly wet , dripping water down the carved lines of his chest . His tan chest . And down the tattoos ... 2/4 CHAPTER 0006 +15 BONUS He looked like he belonged in a freaking magazine . Or maybe a goddamn nightmare . He paused for a second when he saw me , not looking particularly surprised that I was awake . His gaze skimmed over my form once , and they lingered on my upper body , a slow smirk curling at the corner of his mouth . Feeling overly conscious , I looked down at my body , realizing for the first time what I was actually wearing . A bra . And panties . My face flashed hot as I scrambled for the heavy duvet , holding it in front of me to cover myself . I didn't know what made me more flustered . The fact that I hadn't realized that I was practically half naked - or the fact that I'd dreamt of Alaric thrusting into me . If that really was a dream . " Sleep okay ? " he asked , his rough , deep voice sending shivers down my spine as he reached for a black t- shirt that was hanging on the dresser . He tossed it to me and I caught it , dropping the duvet aside and quickly throwing on the shirt . It smelled exactly like I remembered when he'd covered me with his suit jacket last night , and it took everything in me not to inhale . " I - I ... " I stuttered . " D - did we- " Alaric arched a brow , walking toward the bed as he ran a towel over his hair with his beautifully tattooed hand , his muscles rippling at the motion . God , this man was a work of art . A god . " No. " His voice was flat as he spoke . " You were drunk . " I swallowed . " I- " " Your brain must be fuzzy , " Alaric stated as he pulled on another black t - shirt over his body , his broad chest stretching the fabric . "Room service should be here any second . You'll eat something , take some aspirin , and only then will we discuss the next step we're going to take . " His hand reached for the towel around his waist , and he arched his brow at me , silently letting me know that he was about to take it off and he didn't care whether I was watching . I looked away just as he ripped it away from his waist , and he let out a dark chuckle . 3/4 CHAPTER 0006 +15 BONUS " Next ... what do you mean next step ? " " I don't know if you've noticed the ring , but we're married , Meadow . " My heart froze in my chest and my body went still . And by the time I turned to look at him again , he had on a pair of grey pants that did nothing to conceal how endowed he was . My breath was knocked out of my lungs as the ring on my finger finally made a bit of sense to me . Alaric took a few steps toward me and I gasped , taking a few steps of my own backward . His lips twitched , like he was amused at my fear and confusion . " Stay away from me , " I breathed as my panic rose , gripping my chest . Alaric's jaw ticked as he regarded me . " I'm afraid I can't , Meadow , " he said , coming closer . " You're my wife now . " 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.