A Knock, A Flame

As you slipped into your coat and grabbed your bag, she stepped in slightly — just enough for her voice to drop, fingers grazing your wrist in a fleeting, electric touch.

“And just so you know…” she murmured, her words barely louder than the hum of your heartbeat, “I’ll be thinking about you too. Probably more than I should.”

She stepped back, allowing you to pass, but her eyes stayed on you — watching from behind, the curve of her lips hinting at a smirk. Already hooked. Already planning her next move.

“Oh, of course. I’m a busy woman,” you said, calm and sure as ever.

Emily chuckled under her breath, the sound soft and smoky, her gaze still lit with that amused fire.

“Of course you are,” she replied. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from a woman like you.”

She followed you to the door, adjusting her robe just enough to be modest — but it was far too late for innocence. You’d seen it all, and you’d left her wanting more.

As you stepped into the hallway, the muffled life of the city floated up through the corridor — the distant honk of horns, the whisper of air conditioning, the occasional shuffle of footsteps beyond the apartment walls. Everyday noise, somehow now punctuated by a very particular tension.

Leaning against her doorframe, Emily let her gaze linger on you once more.

“I’ll be waiting for tomorrow night, then,” she said, a playful threat in her tone. “Don’t keep me waiting too long… or I might come looking.”

With a wink — sultry, bold — she slipped back into her apartment, closing the door behind her with a soft click that felt louder than it should have.

You smiled as you watched her go. Your eyes traced the space where she had just stood, and then you turned, smirking to yourself.

This is going to be interesting.

You stepped into the elevator, the metal doors gliding shut with a muted chime. As the car descended, you leaned slightly against the polished wall.

She’s talking to me like I’m the one who should be impressed, you mused, a quiet laugh under your breath. She lives on the same floor, in an identical apartment. And yet we both know who the big shot is here.

There was something thrilling about it — about seeing someone on equal footing who still stirred fire beneath your skin. Dangerous. Delicious.

Let’s see what she does next, you whispered to yourself as the elevator doors opened onto the lobby. With your coat fluttering behind you, you exited the building and made your way to the office.

Behind her closed door, Emily leaned against the wall, her chest rising and falling with each slow, measured breath. A grin tugged at her lips — flushed, heady, disoriented in the best way. Your scent still lingered in the air, and the ghost of your lips on her neck made her shiver.

“She’s going to ruin me…” she murmured, voice low and husky.

She laughed softly to herself, dragging a hand through her hair as baby Lily babbled from the other room, blissfully unaware of the storm her mother had just walked into. Emily took one final deep breath, straightened, and headed inside. She was supposed to write, but her mind was nowhere near her work.

Author’s Note

Hi everyone,

I’m the author of this novel, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with you. Ashes and Vows is my very first book — a story born from love, pain, resilience, and everything in between.

This journey means the world to me, and I truly hope it finds a place in your heart. If you enjoy it, please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts, reactions, and support in the comments. Every word from you means more than you know.

Thank you for being here. Let’s take this journey together. 💜

— With love,

The Author

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***