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.

my way over to

of thunder, filled the room. Petrified, I

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

my knee and I crumpled

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

bed. I turned it on, but the dim light only succeeded in casting ghoulish shadows against the wall.

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

rain and thunder. I was utterly vulnerable at

panic. My imagination was running wild and I began to tremble from terror. Valiantly, I tried multiple times to stand up with the support of surrounding furniture but only succeeded in

fell to the floor and shattered. Its wan light instantly went out, leaving the room smothered in

felt a wave of horror wash over me. Shrinking into a corner, I thought I could hear the sound of an infant wailing above the noise of

suppressed for so long noticed that I let my guard down and saw its chance.

more, dazed, at the window, the faint light streaming into the room took

every last bit

cried from beyond

you, go away!” I

into a ball, my head stuck resolutely between my knees. I was

voice said gently beside me. It pierced through the tumult of the nightmare. My heart clung wildly to that voice. At that moment, the

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

be afraid,”

deep breath. Squinting slightly, I peered at the