When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Ashton was looking rather intently at the scalded area. I mumbled in reply, “It’s much better! I’m fine!”

Ashton furrowed his brow. Without even asking, he took my bag and fumbled through it for the ointment. He then proceeded to apply it.

Ashton looked at me throughout the entire process. His gaze was unfathomable. “Is Armond better at this than I am?” he questioned.

Uncomfortable, I shifted my weight from foot to foot, then stammered, “It’s late, you…”

“Are you chasing me away?” Ashton demanded, his face growing murderous.

I took a deep breath, then nodded defiantly. “Yep. Or would you rather stay here?” I asked sarcastically.

“Can’t I?” Ashton challenged. His dark eyes bore into my soul.

Dumbfounded, I shrugged. “It’s up to you.”

Ashton thus remained in the villa. I did my best to ignore him and headed up to my own bedroom.

When Armond was back from sending Nora home, he’d naturally deal with Ashton.

After my shower, I’d completely put aside all thoughts of Ashton. It was almost ten at night, so I blow-dried my hair, read a little, and eventually drifted off to sleep.

The rain came without warning. It was a chilly autumn night, and droplets pattered rhythmically onto the ground. A frosty wind blew into the bedroom, and I woke up with a shiver.

to the window to shut

burst of lightning, followed by the deafening clap of thunder, filled the room.

ran right into the

knee and I

I cradled it for a long while. The open window was still waiting, and I tried to get up to no avail. I finally sat on the floor,

succeeded in casting ghoulish shadows against the wall. The

droplets of water across the room. At that moment, in the middle of the storm, the villa seemed to

my baby, I’d always felt a sense of dread in the presence of rain and thunder. I was utterly vulnerable at the moment, incapacitated as I was with the elements blowing right at

and I began to tremble from terror. Valiantly, I tried multiple times to stand up with the support of surrounding furniture but only

the lamp fell to the floor and shattered. Its wan light instantly went

Shrinking into a corner, I thought I could

long noticed that I let my guard down and saw its

the window, the faint light streaming into the room

last bit of strength left

cried from beyond

away! All of you, go away!” I shrieked

I’d curled up into a ball, my head stuck resolutely between my

nightmare. My heart clung wildly to

been switched on and the curtains neatly fastened. The window was now tightly

me. Don’t be afraid,” Ashton said again,

took a deep breath. Squinting slightly, I peered at the person before me. It was indeed