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

of lightning, followed by the deafening clap of thunder, filled the room. Petrified, I bolted towards the

alarm, however, I ran right into the arms of the chaise lounge

sharp pain shot through my knee and I crumpled

window was still waiting, and I tried to get up to no avail. I finally sat on

was the small lamp beside my bed. I turned it 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 down

moment, in the middle of the

of dread in the presence of rain and thunder. I was utterly vulnerable at the moment, incapacitated as I

was running wild and I began to tremble from terror. Valiantly, I tried multiple times to stand up with the support of surrounding

lamp fell to the floor and shattered. Its

into a corner, I thought I could hear the sound of an infant wailing above the noise of the

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

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

bit of

from beyond

go

ball, my head stuck resolutely between my knees. I was shaking

the tumult of the nightmare. My heart clung wildly

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

be afraid,” Ashton

peered at