Mia arched her back as Ashley's lips trailed down her neck to her collarbone, gently nipping at her skin. A soft gasp escaped Mia's lips as she tugged on Ashley's hair, pulling her closer. Overcome by the moment, Mia shifted their positions, her breath hitching as she braced her hands on either side of Ashley's face.

Their gazes locked, both catching their breath. Ashley smiled, reaching up to cup Mia's cheek, her thumb brushing softly as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind Mia's ear. Gulping, Mia leaned in to kiss Ashley again, her lips tentative yet insistent. Her fingers hesitated before slipping under Ashley's sweater, carefully avoiding the wound on her side.

Ashley deepened the kiss, her hands cradling Mia's face as she bit her lower lip before sliding her tongue into Mia's mouth. Slowly, she unbuttoned Mia's sleeping robe, her fingers deliberate as she slid it off. Ashley paused, swallowing hard as her skin met Mia's. The warmth between them felt electric, igniting every nerve and pulling them deeper into the moment.

"Mia," Ashley murmured, her voice low and breathy as Mia's hand slid from her chest to her abdomen. Ashley's breath hitched as Mia's lips followed a slow trail along her jawline, down her neck, and across her shoulder. A shiver coursed through Ashley when she felt Mia's teeth graze her skin, leaving faint marks behind.

Ashley chuckled softly, her fingers lacing with Mia's as their lips collided again. A sharp gasp broke from her when Mia bit her lip, the kiss deepening with a sudden urgency. "W-wait—" Ashley's protest was cut short as Mia's tongue slipped into her mouth, stealing her breath and leaving her helplessly moaning. Freeing Ashley's hands, Mia's fingers trailed down to the waistband of her sweatpants, tugging gently.

In one fluid motion, Ashley reversed their positions. She panted, looking down at Mia, who was struggling to steady her breathing. Ashley's throat bobbed as her gaze swept over Mia's body.

"Are you just going to stare all night?" Mia mumbled, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson.

Ashley laughed softly, the sound warm and disarming. "Why do I feel like being with you is a crime?" she teased, bracing herself on one arm beside Mia's head. Gently, she tilted Mia's chin, leaning down to capture her lips with a kiss full of longing and urgency. Mia's gasp melted into the kiss as Ashley nibbled her lower lip, her hand venturing lower to tug at the waistband of Mia's pajama bottoms.

Ashley's kisses trailed down Mia's neck, lingering on her collarbone before moving lower. Her hands explored Mia's body with a reverent touch. Mia arched her back, a soft gasp spilling from her lips as she tangled her fingers in Ashley's hair, drawing her closer. Sitting up between Mia's thighs, Ashley met her gaze—an unspoken intensity passing between them. Her fingertips traced a path along Mia's leg, lifting it to rest on her shoulder.

Positioning herself over Mia, Ashley shifted her hips, their sensitive bodies aligning. She began to move slowly, deliberately. Mia's eyes widened, a fluttering gasp escaping her lips as the heat between them intensified.

Mia's gaze roamed over Ashley's form—the perfectly tanned skin, her toned frame. It felt as if Ashley had been made just for her. Her lips parted as Ashley's hands gripped her waist, her slow grinding motion sending a ripple of pleasure through Mia's body. Ashley tilted her head back, her lips parted as she exhaled shakily, savoring the moment.

"Oh..." Mia whimpered, her hand darting to cover her mouth as she tried to stifle the sounds escaping her. Overcome by the sensations, her trembling fingers brushed against Ashley's abdomen, hesitant yet yearning.

Ashley's movements were measured but deliberate, her touch exuding both passion and tenderness. It gave Mia a sense of affection unlike anything she'd ever known. "Ash..." Mia mumbled, her voice trembling as she reached for Ashley's face.

"Hm?" Ashley exhaled a sigh, her lips brushing Mia's shoulder as she continued to move, her breath hot against Mia's skin. Mia's fingers absently played with Ashley's hair, grounding herself in the overwhelming sensation.

"Gosh," Mia whispered, shutting her eyes tightly as she wrapped her arms around Ashley's shoulders. Each motion seemed to unravel her further, Ashley's rhythm teasing and intoxicating. Mia's back arched as she surrendered to the bliss, every deliberate movement making her crave more.

Sitting up again, Ashley pressed soft kisses along Mia's leg. Her uneven breathing mirrored the rising heat between them as her hips rolled with intent. The friction and the sound of their bodies moving together left Ashley lightheaded. Her head fell back as a quiet groan escaped her throat, her movements becoming fluid yet desperate.

"D-don't stop... please," Mia pleaded, her hands gripping Ashley's arms tightly.

"I won't," Ashley promised, her voice a low rasp as she met Mia's gaze. A sly smile tugged at her lips as her eyes roamed over Mia's flushed face. "You're so beautiful, sugarplum," she murmured, her tone thick with affection as she continued.

Moments later, a trembling shudder coursed through them, their breath hitching. Ashley slowed her movements, leaning over Mia and bracing herself on her arms. Their chests rose and fell in unison as they struggled to catch their breaths.

Mia cupped Ashley's face with trembling hands. "Are you okay? Is your wound hurting?" she asked, concern flickering in her voice despite the haze of exhaustion.

Ashley smiled faintly, her breathing still unsteady. "I'm fine," she assured her, covering Mia's hand with her own. She leaned down, brushing a soft kiss to Mia's lips, a tender reminder of the moment they'd just shared.



Ashley chuckled softly, twirling a strand of Mia's hair around her finger as Mia rested her head on her arm. Turning slightly, Mia gazed at Ashley, her throat tightening as her fingertips traced the contours of Ashley's face.

Ashley caught Mia's hand, pressing her palm gently against her cheek. "You've been quiet since earlier," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mia gulped before suddenly wrapping her arms around Ashley, burying her face against Ashley's bare chest. "What would you do if the public found out about us?" she murmured, pressing herself even closer as though the current proximity wasn't enough.

Ashley blinked but tightened her hold on Mia regardless, pulling her as close as physically possible. "Let them find out. I don't really care," she said, her tone steady. "But... would that be okay with you? You've always said you're straight—and then there's your ex..." Her voice trailed off into a quiet chuckle.

Mia glanced up, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Didn't you once say that publicity, whether good or bad, could still be useful?" she teased, her fingers lightly tracing the line of Ashley's jaw. "I just want to love fully again, without hesitation. I guess I've been in denial because I've never been in a same-sex relationship before."

Ashley's gaze softened, and she tilted her head slightly.

"I want to be all in, Ash," Mia continued, her voice firm yet tender. "I don't care if people find out. Everyone knows I'm single. Why would I waste time staying that way when I could be with someone I truly love? If they ask for confirmation, I wouldn't even hesitate—I'd tell them it's you."

Ashley clicked her tongue, a grin forming on her lips. "I'm not exactly a fan of the media, you know? I mean, I've done interviews for cases and stuff, but I don't really care about them. We can keep things lowkey if it works better for you and your career. I don't mind. As long as you're mine." She laughed lightly.

Mia scoffed. "Like someone's going to steal me from you."

Ashley's smile faded slightly. "What about your parents, Mia? How would they feel about this? A same-sex relationship, and with a significant age gap?"

Mia paused for a moment before letting out a small laugh. "My parents have always supported my friends who are in same-sex relationships. Why wouldn't they support me? I'm old enough to make my own decisions. I don't even need their approval, but it would be nice to have." She shifted, her expression softening. "We could visit my family house someday if you'd like."

Ashley stiffened, her eyes widening slightly before she quickly averted her gaze. "Are you sure about that? I mean... the age gap..."

"I'm sure. And I don't care how old you are," Mia replied, rolling her eyes with a chuckle.

Ashley chuckled softly, the corners of her mouth lifting into a small smile. "It might be nice to meet your parents," she murmured. Her gaze drifted to the ceiling as she sighed. "Do you... want to meet my mother?"

"Your mother?" Mia asked, curiosity sparking in her tone. "Is she here?"

Ashley shook her head. "No, she's in the States," she admitted, her chuckle carrying a tinge of nervousness. "I've kind of been avoiding my family. That's why Alysse keeps pestering me to visit our family house in Zurich."

Mia propped herself up on her elbow, her head resting on her hand. "Why have you been avoiding them?"

Ashley hesitated, her throat working as she swallowed. "Because I don't want to be forced into an arranged marriage." Her voice was quiet, her eyes darting away from Mia. "That's why I've stayed away."

Mia's brows knit together. "Even now?"

Ashley shrugged, a slight grimace on her face. "I'm not sure. In Samoan culture, families of high rank often expect their children to marry someone of similar status. It's not a formal rule, but it's... traditionally expected."

Mia blinked, her curiosity growing. "Wait—you didn't run away from an arranged marriage, did you?" Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Ashley laughed, covering her mouth. "No! The marriage didn't actually happen. We both agreed to call off the engagement. But honestly, I don't know what would happen if I set foot in my family home again."

"You mean you and your ex-fiancée?" Mia asked, tilting her head.

"It was an arranged marriage, Mia. We didn't love each other. It was all about family status." Ashley paused, her expression softening. "I think she's either married now or about to be. I haven't kept track."

Mia lay back down, resting her head on Ashley's arm again. She hugged her tightly. "If you're not comfortable visiting your family, we don't have to. Your peace of mind is more important."

Ashley smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of Mia's head. "Thank you, sugarplum." She sighed, nuzzling into Mia's hair. "I'll ask Alysse if it's safe, but I think I'll tell her about us first."

Mia's chest tightened as Ashley's arms tightened around her.

"I love you," Ashley murmured, her voice barely audible but full of sincerity.

Mia's breath hitched, and she looked up at her. "What did you just say?"

Ashley frowned slightly, puzzled. "I said I love you."

"Say it again," Mia grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ashley laughed, leaning down to cup Mia's cheek as her lips brushed against hers. "I love you."