Asher’s POV

I escorted Ivy to her room. I wasn’t joking about the contract clause that said we’d share a room, but I wanted to take things slow. As much as I longed for something different between us, I didn’t want to force her.

“So here we are,” I said, pausing dramatically before pushing open the double doors.

“A room befitting for my wife,” I said and bowed.

I didn’t need to turn to know that she was in awe because I had taken great care to ensure this room would evoke such a reaction from any woman.

She had an excited look in her eyes that I wanted to...