Asher’s POV
My eyes flutter open to a hazy ceiling above. It takes a second for my vision to adjust, but once it does, a smile tugs at my lips—slow, content, almost boyish. Last night replays in my mind like a favorite memory on loop. I feel light, giddy even, like some teenage boy who just had his crush smile at him. For once, I don’t want anything to ruin this feeling.
“Bella…” I murmur softly, the name slipping from my lips like a prayer. I don’t turn right away. I want to savor this—a few more seconds before I see her, before reality kicks in.
But when I finally roll over, the bed is empty.
My smile vanishes. My heart lurches.
“No… no, no,” I mutter under my breath, already pushing the covers aside. Panic surges in my chest as I scramble for my shirt and tug it on with shaky hands
