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.

way over to the

the deafening clap of thunder, filled the

the

through my knee and I crumpled

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

on, but the dim light only succeeded in casting ghoulish shadows against the wall. The wind continued howling through the open window. A chill ran

were flying, spraying droplets of water across the room. At that moment, in the middle of the

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

was running wild and I began to tremble from terror. Valiantly, I tried multiple

lamp fell to the floor and shattered. Its wan light

felt a wave of horror wash over me. Shrinking into a corner, I thought I could hear the sound

so long noticed that I let my guard down and saw its chance. Physically and emotionally debilitated, I nearly

more, dazed, at the window, the faint light streaming into the room took on the appearance of blood

every last bit of

someone cried from beyond

of you, go away!” I shrieked in

into a ball, my head stuck resolutely between my

My heart clung wildly to that voice. At that moment, the rest of the world seemed to

my head slowly. The light in the room had been switched on and the curtains neatly fastened. The window

afraid,”

slightly, I peered at the person before me. It