Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 307

ARIELLA

I shifted, turning in his arms so I could face him properly. His gaze dropped to my lips, then back to my eyes, like he was reminding himself to stay present. To stay good.

“Thank you,” I said.

“For what?”

“For coming back. For staying. For… trying.”

He studied my face for a long moment, then leaned in and pressed his forehead to mine. “I’m not very good at doing this the easy way,” he said. “But I’m not going anywhere.”

I believed him.

Not because everything was suddenly fine, but because he was here. Holding me. Choosing us, one morning at a time.

“Daddy!” Leon shouted from somewhere down the hall. “ Breakfast is getting cold!”

Asher groaned. “I’m being summoned.”

I smiled and slid out of his arms, holding out my hand to him. “Then you better hurry.”

He took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine, and for just a moment, before the world rushed back in it felt like this could be our normal. And I held onto that feeling as tightly as I could.

Leon was very demanding that morning, and we didn’t even make it to the shower. No changing. No fixing ourselves up. We were halfway down the stairs before I even realised we were still exactly as we’d woken up.

Asher was in relaxed grey pants and a plain white T-shirt—something I rarely ever saw him in here. The looks he got were immediate. Maids stuttered and stared twice, eyes widening as if they’d spotted something they weren’t supposed to see.

They had never seen Asher like this. Unarmored. Casual. Human. And God.....he looked good.

On the island, he’d dressed all the time comfortably, like the world had loosened its grip on him. But here, in this house, I know they were used to seeing him in suits. Controlled. Powerful. Dangerous in the way only he could be. Suits turned him into something sharp and untouchable.

But this version of him? Just as devastating.

I guess what I’m trying to say is; I love him in all his versions. Whatever he wears, whatever he puts on is sexy and irresistible, the only words that ever come to mind.

We sat down for breakfast, Leon bouncing between his chair and Asher’s side like he couldn’t decide where he wanted to be more. Most of his attention stayed firmly on his dad, and I didn’t mind. I understood it. For six years, I had been the only constant. The only parent. This hunger he had for Asher, for his presence, his voice, his attention, it didn’t hurt me.

I loved watching them together. I loved watching Asher soften without realising it, answering every one of Leon’s questions like they were the most important thing in the world.

I didn’t hesitate. I rose on my toes and kissed him back, harder, deeper, pouring everything I’d been holding in into that one moment.

When we first got here, I felt like I was losing him. But now..... Now it felt like he was finding his way back to me.

I pressed my mouth against his, and he took the lead as he always did. My eyes fluttered shut as warmth settled in my core from the skilful way his lips and tongue worked me. I ran my hands over his chest then down his abs until my fingertips grazed his waistband. Then I quickly backed up. I explored his muscled chest as I ran my fingernails lightly over his chest, scraping across his nipples, and he exhaled deeply.

I moaned softly into his mouth before he pulled back. I peered up at him questioningly. He smiled wickedly at me before scooping me up in his arms and setting me down on the bed. And as I sat there staring at him, he removed his long-sleeved t-shirt and pants.

I scooted lower and lay back. Asher knelt beside my legs, giving me a perfect view up his strong body. He

reached for my left foot and began massaging my sole with just the right amount of pressure. Then he moved on to my ankle. His touch switched between featherlight and more pressure as he worked his fingers up my calf. My core throbbed, and I could feel myself growing wetter under his touch.

He unbuttoned the skirt I was wearing slowly and pulled it down my legs, his fingers grazing my skin. My heart felt ready to burst out of my ribcage. Asher raised my foot up onto his thighs and stroked my knee then applied gentle pressure on the skin just above it. I released a soft breath.

Watching my face, he grabbed my ankle again and raised it as he bent forward. He pressed a kiss to the inside of my ankle before his tongue tasted the same spot, hot and wet and inexplicably perfect. I shivered and could feel myself grow even more aroused. He shifted my leg again and pressed a light kiss to my calf. Finally, his eyes lowered from my face and darted lower.

He growled as he saw my panties that clung to my throbbing, drenched centre.