In Love, Never Say Never

“I’ll apply the ointment for you,” he replied sternly.

“No need. I’m fine,” I croaked out in a raspy voice.

His gaze darkened. “Either I help you apply the ointment, or you do it yourself. Decide.”

I burst out furiously. “Ashton, will you please stop?” I was drained out, but he kept getting on my nerves.

He nodded. “So, I’ll do it?”

His insistence annoyed the hell out of me.

I sat up and gave him a forceful shove. He was caught unaware and toppled to the ground. “Ashton, can you stop annoying me? I’ve told you again and again to leave me alone. Are you deaf?”

As soon as I yelled that out, I flopped down and buried myself under the covers.

I hadn’t acted that way for some time.

Deep down, I knew it was wrong to lash out at him. But I couldn’t help myself.

I thought he would leave, but he wrapped his arms around me gently. “I shouldn’t have done that last night. I’m sorry.”

He lowered his voice and cajoled, “Don’t be mad at me. You can beat me up later after you feel better. Eat something, will you?”

Mrs. Eriksen arrived with dinner. “Dinner’s ready!”

nodded and ordered, “Leave us

he picked me up

in his lap. I wasn’t wearing shoes, so he told me to step

a child. “Look at the delicious spread.

Offering a forkful of

eyes and avoided him.

me feed you.” He pushed the pasta into my mouth. Utterly vexed, I insisted, “I can eat

sat on the sofa, picked up a fork, and started

I wasn’t hungry at all. After

me. “Finish

few bites. “I’m done. I want to

bell so Mrs. Eriksen would

at him in frustration. “Ashton,

you,” he insisted and

want to sleep alone!” I shoved him away and

sucked in my breath as I had jostled my

of exasperation showed on Ashton’s face. He wrapped his arms around me firmly. “Be good. I won’t touch you or

away!” I gave

annoyance. “If it

He was about to

and was about to head downstairs. “Ashton! No one goes to the hospital because of this! What shall I tell the doctor? That you forced yourself on

help you apply the ointment. Then, we shall

I couldn’t be bothered to continue