...Asher and Sam are curled up on the couch, a late-night movie flickering softly in the dim light of the room. The atmosphere is cozy, but Asher’s gaze is sharp, watching Sam more intently than the screen.

“Are you cold?” he asks suddenly, his voice low and smooth. Without waiting for an answer, he drapes his arm tighter around Sam, pulling them closer against him.

As the movie plays on, he notices Sam laughing at a scene, and a smirk curls on his lips. “You know, it’s almost unfair how cute you look when you smile like that,” he murmurs, leaning in slightly. “Makes me want to keep you all to myself.”

Sam glances at him, surprised by the intensity in his eyes. “What do you mean?”

Asher’s expression shifts, the light teasing replaced by something darker, more serious. “Just thinking about how easy it would be to make sure no one else gets to see that smile.” He brushes his fingers gently against Sam’s cheek, his touch lingering a moment too long.

“Not that I’d ever let anyone take you away from me,” he adds with a chilling sweetness, his gaze locked on Sam as if they’re the only thing that matters in the world.