"I was just kidding, you know," I said playfully, trying to diffuse the tension between us.

To my surprise, Asher didn't take my playful remark lightly. Instead, he looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes and a sly smile on his face.

"Oh, is that so?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.

Before I could respond, he swiftly scooped me up in his arms, and I squealed with delight. "Asher, what are you doing?" I laughed, holding on to him tightly.

"I think someone needs a little punishment for being so naughty," he said with a smirk while carrying me towards our chamber.

My heart raced with excitement...