Ashleigh and Elijah sat in the back of the taxi, their minds filled with a mix of emotions. They had just left the hospital where Elijah’s uncle Alistair had just undergone an operation that had saved his life. Ashleigh had found the evening somewhat of a rollercoaster, with the events that had taken place. First of all the confrontation between Alistair and Elijah’s father, Jasper. This had been over the fact that Jasper and Bridget, didn’t agree or support Elijah for who he truly was. This then led to Alistair having a heart attack and being rushed to hospital and needing emergency, life-saving treatment.

Then there was Vivian’s confession to her family, as they had sat waiting on any news regarding Alistair. Ashleigh had been intrigued since earlier that evening, when Vivian, in conversation regarding Wesley, had mentioned making a mistake. Little did Ashleigh know that Wesley was not in fact, Alistair’s son and yet James, who everyone had thought was no more than an employee, was actually Alistair’s illegitimate son.

Then there was Ashleigh’s own admission, she had finally accepted the fact that she was in love with Elijah. Coming to her own conclusion that she was willing to sacrifice her old life as Aaron, in order to be with him. Elijah too had admitted that he was in love with Ashleigh and that he had been since the moment he had met her.

As the taxi drove through the city streets, heading towards Ashleigh’s apartment, the two of them sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Ashleigh stared out of the window, watching as the street lamps passed them by. The streets were so empty and quiet, it was almost surreal, a stark contrast to the bustling activity inside Ashleigh’s mind. She glanced over at Elijah, who, just like her, was gazing out of the window, taking in the view of the city lights, lost in his own thoughts. She wondered what was going through his mind, but she didn’t want to interrupt his thoughts. Instead, she gently placed her hand on top of his, a simple gesture to let him know that she was there for him.

This small action seemed to snap Elijah from his deep thoughts. He turned to look at Ashleigh, a small smile forming on his lips. It was a smile that Ashleigh had always found endearing, and it instantly made her heart flutter whilst also causing a slight knot in her stomach. She smiled back, feeling a sense of warmth and connection between them.

It wasn’t long before the taxi pulled up outside Ashleigh’s apartment building. Elijah quickly jumped out of the taxi, rushing around to open the door for Ashleigh. As she stepped out, he took her hand and helped her out. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness and care from Elijah. She looked up at the apartment building, one she had lived in for so long, yet she knew that she would soon be saying farewell to the place, if she were to move, with Elijah, into Pippa’s old house, or rather, their home.

Ashleigh shivered slightly in the cool evening breeze. Yet without her saying a single word, Elijah had already slipped off his suit jacket and placed it lovingly around her shoulders. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about their relationship. Elijah was always there, ready to take care of her and make her feel safe. It was something she had never experienced before, and it was something she cherished.

As they walked towards the building, Ashleigh couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Elijah. He had a small smile on his lips as he rushed forward to hold open the door for Ashleigh to enter. As they entered the building, Elijah's arm was around Ashleigh's waist, pulling her closer to him. She leaned into his warmth, feeling safe and content.

They made their way to the elevator, and as they waited for it to arrive, Ashleigh couldn't help but think about how much Elijah had changed her life. She was a different person now, all thanks to him. As the elevator doors opened, they stepped inside, and Elijah pressed the button for their floor. As they rode up, Ashleigh couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. She had lived in this apartment for years, and it had been her safe haven. But now, she was ready to leave it behind and begin a new chapter with Elijah.

As the pair stepped out of the elevator in silence and made their way to Ashleigh’s apartment, Ashleigh couldn’t help but feel the knot in her stomach becoming more intense with every step. It was as though the butterflies she had experienced so many times before had all returned at once, fluttering around in her stomach and making her feel both nervous and excited at the same time. As they walked down the hallway, Ashleigh looked up at Elijah who walked beside her, her hand in his. She couldn’t help but feel a yearning for him that she had never felt before. There was an undeniable chemistry and a deep connection that Ashleigh couldn’t ignore. Her mind drifted back to the moment they had shared just a few hours ago in the hospital corridor. It had been a simple kiss, but it had left a lasting impression on Ashleigh. She could still feel his lips on hers, the warmth of his body pressed against hers, and the electricity that had passed between them. It was at that moment, she realised, she longed for more.

As they reached her door, Ashleigh fumbled with her keys, her hands shaking with nerves, but at the same time, she couldn’t deny the excitement and anticipation that was building up inside her. Finally, she managed to unlock the door and stepped inside, motioning for Elijah to follow her. She could feel his eyes on her as she closed the door behind them. The silence between them was deafening, and Ashleigh was struggling to find the right words to break it. Turning to face him, Ashleigh's heart raced as she looked into Elijah's deep brown eyes. She could see the desire and anticipation in them, and it only added to her own. Without a word, he took a step closer to her, and Ashleigh felt her heart skip a beat. She could feel the electricity between them, and she knew that this was the moment she had been waiting for. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, Ashleigh closed her eyes, savouring the touch of his hand against her skin. She could feel the heat radiating off of him, and she knew that she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. At that moment, all of her nervousness and doubts melted away, replaced by a deep desire for this man standing in front of her.

“You are so beautiful,” Elijah whispered, breaking the silence.

Ashleigh felt her heart swell with happiness. She opened her eyes and looked at him, her own words caught in her throat. But she didn't need to say anything, her eyes spoke volumes, and Elijah understood. Without another word, he leaned in and gently pressed his lips against hers. In that moment, everything else faded away, and Ashleigh knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

As they pulled away, Ashleigh smiled, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. She looked up into his deep brown eyes, Ashleigh felt the butterflies in her stomach explode into a frenzy, telling her that she wanted or rather needed more. Without a second thought, Ashleigh dropped her handbag to the ground as she threw her arms around Elijah, placing her lips on his once more. As their kiss deepened, she felt the jacket he had draped across her shoulders slip off down her body to the ground. At that moment, she felt completely free and uninhibited.

Ashleigh found herself pulling at Elijah’s shirt, popping open the buttons one by one, as his hands quickly unzipped the back of her dress, with that too finding its way to the floor beneath the pair. At that moment, nothing else mattered except for the intense desire they had for each other. As their bodies pressed against one another, Ashleigh felt her heart racing and her mind going blank. The only thing she could focus on was the overwhelming feeling of love and passion that consumed her. It was as if the world had stopped and it was just the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of bliss.

Their kiss finally came to an end, and they stood there, forehead to forehead, both trying to catch their breath. Ashleigh couldn't believe how amazing it felt to be in Elijah's arms, to be lost in his kiss. She knew that this was just the beginning of something special. She was feeling a way that she had never felt with anyone before. As she remained in his embrace, now wearing nothing more than the black, lace underwear she had daringly opted to wear, Ashleigh couldn't help but think about how much she wanted him.

Elijah smiled as Ashleigh felt his hands begin to caress her lace-clad butt and she couldn't help but let out a small moan of pleasure. Before she knew it, Elijah had lifted her up off her feet. Ashleigh instinctively wrapped her legs tightly around his waist as he carried her towards the bedroom. With each step he took, she felt his hot breath on her neck, sending shivers down her spine, before he gently laid her down on her bed.

“I’ve always wanted to do that,” he joked as he began to unbuckle his trousers.

Ashleigh couldn’t help but giggle at Elijah’s remark. She watched as he quickly dispatched his trousers, followed by his boxer shorts. There he was, now standing at the foot of her bed, entirely naked with his cock completely erect.

Elijah glanced down before a smile appeared on his face,

“This is…something I’m slowly becoming used to,” he joked.

Ashleigh burst into a fit of giggles. She couldn’t help but find his humour endearing, and it was one of the many things she loved about him.

“Well…it definitely…definitely looks good to me,” said Ashleigh, a playful smile forming on her lips as she began beckoning him with her finger.

He slowly removed her underwear before positioning himself over her, their bodies now barely an inch apart. Ashleigh’s heart fluttered at the feeling of his warm skin against hers, and she couldn’t help but let out a content sigh.

Elijah leaned down to kiss her, his lips soft and gentle against hers. Ashleigh melted into the kiss, her hands roaming over his body, tracing every curve and muscle. She savoured the feeling of his body against hers, the way he made her feel so alive and desired.

“I can’t lie…Ashleigh…I want this…yet…I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” whispered Elijah.

Ashleigh could hear the vulnerability in his voice, and it only made her love him more. She knew that this was a big step for him, and she wanted to make sure he was comfortable.

“It’s okay,” Ashleigh replied softly, “If you’re too nervous…I understand.”

She ran her fingers through his hair, trying to soothe him.

Elijah shook his head,

“No…I really…truly…want this,” he whispered in response, “I want you.”          

His words sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn’t wait any longer.

As they moved together, their bodies entwined in a dance of passion, Ashleigh couldn’t help but feel completely consumed by the moment. each touch sending sparks of electricity through their bodies. Their eyes locked, and they could see the passion and desire reflected in each other's gaze. It was a moment of pure intimacy. But it wasn’t just the physical connection that had her in a trance, it was the words he spoke.

His whispers in her ear, his declarations of desire, his words of love – they all had a power over her that she couldn’t resist. They were like a drug, and she was addicted. And as their bodies moved in perfect harmony, she couldn’t help but think that this was what true connection felt like.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. Their pasts, their worries, their insecurities – all of it faded away in the presence of each other. They were lost in a world of their own, where their minds and bodies were completely consumed by the pleasure they were giving each other, a moment that neither of them wanted to come to an end.

As they reached the peak of their passion, Ashleigh's body shook with pleasure. But it wasn't just the physical release that overwhelmed her, it was the emotional release as well. She felt a sense of complete and utter surrender to him, trusting him with her body and her heart. At that moment, she knew that this was what true love felt like.

And as they lay there, basking in the afterglow, their bodies still entwined, Ashleigh couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment. She had never felt such a strong connection with anyone before. It was a feeling that she never wanted to let go of.