Chapter 26: Straddle me
Ash’s pov ;
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My mind raced, torn between anger and desperation. I hated how he could make me feel so powerless, how he could twist the situation to his advantage. Yet, the thought of reclaiming my career kept me standing there, despite the shame.
My throat felt tight and I struggled to find my voice. "Elijah, this isn’t..."
His expression softened for a brief moment before the cold mask slipped back into place. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto mine. "Come on, what are you waiting for?"
My heart pounded in my ears. Every instinct screamed at me to turn and walk away, to keep my dignity. But I couldn’t. Not if there was a chance, even a small one, to get my life back on track.
With a deep breath, I took a tentative step forward, then another, until I was standing right in front of him. Elijah’s gaze never wavered, and I felt his eyes burning into me, assessing my every move.
Finally, with trembling legs, I lowered myself onto his lap, feeling his hands come up to rest on my hips, holding me in place.
"There, that wasn’t so hard, was it?" he murmured, his breath was hot and it tingled against my cheek. I shivered incessantly, hating how my body wasn’t listening to me and shamelessly reaching to him.
"Now, ask me again," he let out, his voice a dangerous whisper.
I took another deep breath, forcing myself to focus. "Please, Elijah...can I have a chance to audition for the new drama?"
His grip tightened slightly, his eyes boring into mine and we stared at each other. For a long moment, he said nothing, just watching me squirm. Then, slowly, a smile curved his lips.