Chapter 3: Rising Action
The air in the wardrobe room was thick with the scent of sandalwood and jasmine, the perfumes Mehdi had sprayed on his wrists earlier now mingling with the musk of Ash’s sweat. The golden light from the chandelier above cast long, trembling shadows across the plush carpet, the fibers of which were so soft they seemed to swallow the weight of Mehdi’s bare knees as he knelt before his wife—*no, his husband now*. The transformation was still so fresh, so *unreal*, that every time he looked at Ash, his breath caught in his throat.
The man he had married was gone, replaced by this—this *creature* of raw power and unchecked desire. And yet, it was still Ash. The same eyes, the same smile, the same way of tilting his head when he was amused. It was just... *more*.
Mehdi took a deep breath, steeling himself. He let the silk robe slip off his shoulders, the cool air of the room kissing his skin, making his nipples harden. He could feel Ash's gaze on him, heavy and hungry, as he stepped out of the robe, standing naked before him.
*"Fuck, Mehdi,"* Ash breathed, his voice ragged.