Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 2

I don’t even turn towards the voice. I feel like I’m going to turn to stone. I guess I should have expected that, given everything that happened years ago. Of course, he’s married. Did I think he was going to wait for me his whole life?

But I still can’t believe it. I’m still not ready for the pain that envelops me when I hear that he’s moved on, he’s married, and he has a family.

I feel like I’m going to cry.

Asher doesn’t say anything. He just looks at me, and I just stand there. Frozen into place.

All of a sudden, he barks. “get out!” the sound of his voice, the power in it—there seems to be some anger in it, and I can’t help myself but scramble and start running towards the door.

But then he stops me again.

“Not you,” he says.

“Everybody out,” he continues.

Everybody stands up, and the whole room clears out in an instant.

I’m left standing there, looking at him as he looks back, he just stares at me blankly. There is no expression on his face.

I don’t know how to react. I’m nervous as hell. I do not know what to say or do with myself.

It’s been five years. He’s already married. He’s moved on. There’s no reason I would think that he was still mad at me, that he still had grudges about what happened years ago.

Looking at him now, I can see how he has only gotten more captivating, more beautiful, more handsome with age. The boy I once knew is gone.

The Asher I loved had a reckless charm, a raw, untamed fire in his eyes. When I was in love with him, he still had this boyish, young look about him. And now—Now he looks older, wiser, stronger.

Oh so sexy…

It’s in the way he carries himself, the quiet authority in his voice. It’s in the way his tailored suit fits him, the way his jawline has hardened with time.

This is the better version of him. And somehow, that makes it hurt even more.

He aged like fine wine. I always knew that he was going to get even more handsome by the day. I just feel bad that I’m not that woman for him anymore.

Asher is still staring at me, he’s not saying anything, and I can’t read his expression, I decide to take the peaceful, easier way out. Words tumbling out…

“Hey, Asher. It’s been a long time, right? Was that five, or four years? How are you? How have you been doing?”

He’s just staring at me. I find myself continuing, blurting out words.

“You’re Don now. That’s nice. Congratulations. When did that happen?”

He raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I’m not in that world anymore, but I’m so glad that you moved on. Married and everything. That’s so nice. I’m so glad that you’re happy.”

I don’t know why I keep talking.

He’s still staring at me, and I’m starting to sweat. A thought cones to me, Maybe he doesn’t even recognize me. Maybe he just felt bad when his men or his acquaintances were touching me. I don’t think he remembers me.

I laugh awkwardly. ” You probably don’t even remember who I am…But thanks for helping me out there. If you don’t mind, I’ll just get you your order.”

I’m about to turn and leave when he stands. I find myself stuck in place as He stands to his full height.

Tall. Powerful.

His presence fills the room. And for the first time in five years, I feel it—the force of him.

He’s so imposing. So controlled. So hot.

Oh my God. I can practically hear my ovaries dying.

My body betrays me.

Five years. Five years in the desert. No touch. No heat. Nothing but memories of what it was like to have him—his body, his hands, his mouth.

And now, seeing him, watching him walk toward me, knowing exactly what he’s capable of… it’s a struggle to stand here and act unaffected.

He moves with purpose, oozing power, and when he stops in front of me, I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. He’s way too tall.

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