Fallen 25

Fallen 25 Summary

Meadow wakes up restless, haunted by vivid memories of the previous night with Alaric. Struggling with exhaustion and mental turmoil, she heads downstairs in search of coffee but is immediately confronted by the intimidating espresso machine, which she cannot operate. Just as she tries to figure it out, Alaric enters the kitchen, his presence commanding and magnetic, causing Meadow to feel flustered and distracted.

 

Alaric effortlessly takes control of the espresso machine, teasing Meadow about her inability to use it. Their interaction is charged with underlying tension and unspoken emotions, especially when Alaric reminds Meadow of the intimate encounter they shared and the promise she made to sign a contract. Despite her embarrassment and inner conflict, Meadow confirms her commitment, revealing a complicated mix of desire, obligation, and unresolved feelings.

 

The conversation shifts to a darker topic—Meadow’s sister Juniper, who is being held in a mental hospital. Meadow pleads with Alaric to release her sister, convinced that Juniper has learned her lesson. Alaric, however, is unyielding, insisting that Juniper will remain confined until she truly understands her mistakes. This exchange highlights the emotional strain Meadow is under, torn between loyalty to her sister and the harsh realities imposed by Alaric.

 

The chapter ends with Meadow feeling isolated and conflicted, questioning her own judgment and the morality of the situation. Her desire to protect her sister clashes with Alaric’s ruthless determination for revenge, setting the stage for further tension and difficult decisions ahead.

CHAPTER 0025

Meadow’s Perspective:

The first mistake I made that morning was assuming I could operate like any ordinary person. The second? Stepping into that cursed kitchen.

Sleep had eluded me the entire night. Every time I shut my eyes, his image invaded my mind—his head nestled between my thighs, the feel of his mouth, the sound of his voice, the way I crumbled under his touch. That memory wasn’t just in my head; it felt like it was etched beneath my skin, a slow, steady pulse running through every nerve ending.

So, as usual when my mind refused to calm down, I sought out caffeine.

Clad only in shorts and a tank top, I quietly made my way downstairs, the wooden steps creaking softly beneath my feet. My eyelids felt heavy, and though I hadn’t glanced in the mirror yet, I was certain my hair looked like a tangled mess—something a bird might consider a home.

I approached the kitchen counter, and there it stood.

The adversary.

That sleek, intimidating espresso machine—modern, complicated, and far too sophisticated for my current state.

I stared at it, blinking as if sheer willpower could coax it to life. I had no clue how to operate this contraption.

“Alright,” I muttered under my breath, eyes scanning the buttons and dials. “You make coffee. That’s your only job. Please, don’t make me lose my mind today.”

I pressed a button. Nothing. Twisted a dial. Still nothing. Fantastic. I’d already been humiliated by my own body last night, and now this fancy, expensive machine—probably costing as much as the ring on my finger—was about to humble me too.

Just as I was about to try again, I heard it.

The unmistakable sound of the front door opening, then closing. Footsteps followed—slow, deliberate, and, God help me, commanding—approaching the kitchen.

My body froze instantly. I didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was. Who else could it be?

When Alaric Ashford stepped into view, I nearly choked on my own saliva.

He wore a black tank top and matching jogging shorts, and I fought hard not to stare. His dark hair was tousled, skin glistening with sweat from his run. And those tattoos—those damn breathtaking tattoos—covered his entire left arm, each one telling a story I wanted to unravel.

He barely glanced my way as he crossed the kitchen, heading straight for the fridge.

God.

“Good morning,” Alaric greeted, his voice still thick—either from sleep or exertion. I couldn’t tell which, and my foggy brain wasn’t sharp enough to analyze it.

“M-morning,” I squeaked, sounding like a helium-inflated squirrel.

Yep, that high-pitched.

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. I hated that I was watching his every move, but I couldn’t help myself. He unscrewed the cap and downed the entire bottle in seconds.

“You’re not supposed to—” I began, but stopped myself.

Great. Way to sound like a creepy stalker.

“Not supposed to what?” Alaric asked, his brows knitting in curiosity.

I shook my head, stumbling over my words. “N-nothing.”

“Not supposed to what, Meadow?” His voice took on a firmer edge as his gaze swept over me from head to toe.

Suddenly, I regretted not checking my reflection before leaving my room.

“Um,” I stammered, “Drink water that fast… it can lead to hyponatremia and mess with your sodium levels…” I trailed off as he stepped closer. I looked away, clearing my throat awkwardly. “Or, you know, just make you bloat. I’m rambling. Sorry.”

Way to be a complete nerd, Meadow.

Alaric’s mouth twitched in amusement. “I assure you, Meadow, I’m far from bloated or intoxicated by something as ordinary as water.”

As if on cue, my eyes flicked down to his stomach—rock hard, perfectly sculpted abs that made it impossible to look away. He stopped in front of me, tilting his head curiously. When his hand reached out, my breath caught.

But he wasn’t reaching for me.

Instead, he circled around me and pressed a button on the espresso machine.

Suddenly, it roared to life, as if it had been waiting just for him.

Standing this close, I could feel the warmth radiating off his body. He smelled incredible. So intoxicatingly good.

“Next time,” he whispered near my ear, “try turning it on yourself.”

His fingers brushed lightly against my arm as he pulled away, and I couldn’t help but let out a small, involuntary gasp.

A shiver ran down my spine as I spun around, glaring at the blinking lights of the machine like it had personally betrayed me.

Behind me, Alaric chuckled—a low, smug sound that sent a jolt straight to my core.

“What?” he teased, voice dark with amusement. “Lost your words all of a sudden?” He paused, his hand barely grazing my hip. “What happened to the girl who begged me to fuck her last night?”

I choked—literally choked on thin air.

Heat flooded my cheeks and neck as I spun around so quickly I nearly collided with him.

Alaric was dangerously close, his eyes unreadable as they locked onto mine, like he knew exactly the effect he had on me and was daring me to admit it.

I opened my mouth to fire back a witty retort, but nothing came out.

I was completely speechless.

His smirk deepened.

“Thought so.”

Then he stepped back.

“Now,” he said, “I seem to recall you promising to sign whatever I asked you to sign.” He narrowed his eyes, studying me carefully. “I hope you haven’t changed your mind, Meadow. I’d hate to think I gave you the best orgasm of your life for nothing.”

I shot him a glare.

But honestly? I had thought about it. More than once. And even after deciding for myself, the thought kept gnawing at me.

So I answered, “You didn’t. I meant what I said, Alaric. I’ll sign the contract.”

His gaze appraised me thoughtfully. “Good. Does that mean you’re also on board with the revenge I’m planning to carry out for you?” He leaned in closer. “Not that your consent matters much. I’m already furious at Tyler and your sister, and once I set my mind on ruining someone’s life, I don’t back down.”

A wave of guilt washed over me, knowing my sister was probably doped up in some mental hospital while I stood here making coffee.

“About that…” I hesitated. “How long are you going to keep her there?”

Alaric raised an eyebrow. “For as long as it takes for her to realize her mistakes.”

Yeah… that probably meant Juniper would be there forever.

I ran my hand through my tangled hair, frustration bubbling up inside me.

“Meadow—”

“I want you to let her out,” I said firmly.

His eyes narrowed into slits. Silence stretched between us for a full minute before he finally spoke. “What did you just say?”

I swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze. “I’m sure she’s learned her lesson, Alaric, so just—”

“No.” His voice was cold and final, completely devoid of emotion.

“Excuse me?” I stammered.

“You heard me, Meadow.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode out of the kitchen.

Leaving me feeling foolish and borderline insane for even asking.

But I couldn’t blame him. Maybe there was something wrong with me. But I just couldn’t leave my sister locked away like that.