Page 58 of Fractured Mind

More tears fall, and she tries to wipe them away. “You were incredible,” she says, her voice breaking at the end.

I dash over to her. We wrap our arms around one another hold each other close.

“Ashton, I can’t thank you enough,” Nana says, her voice still cracking.

The accident left me feeling as though I had lost it all, even though I hadn’t. I glance over at Ashton. He’s the reason for this change. He has always stood by me, offering unwavering support, helping me confront my inner demons, and restoring the confidence I needed to move forward with my life.

“Now I have to call Ruby.”

When we reach my room, I call her. The phone rings only once before she answers.

“Tell me it worked!” she screeches.

I stomp my feet in a happy dance. “It did!”

Ashton sits on my bed and leans back on his arms.

“I’m so happy for you!” she screams. “I think I’m going to cry.”

“Nana and I already did,” I say through a laugh.

“Who knew Ashton was so sentimental?”

“I know.”

When our eyes lock, I mouth “I love you” to him. His lips open and his eyes swallow mine with a look of devotion before a devastating smile appears.

“I’ve got to go,” I tell Ruby.

I hang up and jump on the bed, making Ashton bounce from the motion. I bend down. “I love you.” I press a quick kiss to his lips. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

He laughs. “I love you too.”

To hear him say it lights up my soul and every fiber of my being. His gaze is warm, adding to the fire that consumes me.

Before I know what’s happening, he flips me over onto my back and hovers over me, with the top half of his body pressed against mine. My heart rate spikes as his lips crash into mine, his mouth catching my gasp. I open for him, giving him access as he steals my breath, mind, and heart.

His kiss is demanding and dominant, his tongue caressing mine in desperation. My skin is heating, my core is aching, and my hunger is increasing. I thread my fingers into his hair, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss but also showing him how much he means to me. The kiss slows, becoming more tender and intimate. A soft whimper of protest falls from my lips as he lifts his head from mine.

My tongue peeks out and I lick my bottom lip, tasting the last traces of him. His eyes follow the movement, with only a dark-brown ring left in his eyes, the black now taking over. He leansdown again, his lips ghosting against mine. His body stiffens, and he briefly closes his eyes and then rolls over. A loud, deep exhale comes from him.

A twinge of frustration hits me, but I move over and snuggle into his side. My eyes scan the side of his face as he looks up at the ceiling like it has all the answers.

“You stopped.”

“I did.”

“But why?” I ask in a soft voice, even though I’m not sure whether I want to know the answer.

He turns his head, and when our eyes meet, there’s uncertainty and worry in his gaze. “I can’t fuck this up between us. I’m torn between wanting you and not wanting to scare you off.”

My fingers brush his cheek. “You could never.” A chill runs through my body, knowing how true that statement is. My feelings for him crossed the line of caring about him long ago. He has my beating heart in his hands, and at any time he can crush, cut, or bruise it. I found the courage to love him and trust him. Now I can only pray he doesn’t make me bleed.

CHAPTER

NINETEEN

MIA