Page 25 of Forbidden Hunger

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Talkingto the police takes a little while, but once Ashton explains everything – the restraining order, the divorce, the history of domestic violence – they slap cuffs on a belligerent, cursing Hopper and take him away.

After the whole ordeal, I need a shower. And then, feeling a little like I’m heading for my own execution, I go to Eden’s room.

Ashton comes out just as I raise my hand to knock. “Any luck?” I whisper.

He shakes his head, looking as shaken and tired as I feel. “She’s in no mood to listen. Not to me, anyway. Maybe you’ll have better luck.”

Steeling myself, I go in. Eden’s sitting on the bed, hugging a pillow. She doesn’t look at me.

“Eden–”

“I trusted you.” The hurt in her voice carves a ragged hole in my chest. “I thought of you like a sister, and you were messing around with my father behind my back. Did you make up that whole story about being evicted so you could use me to get close to him?”

“Eden!”

“Well? Did you?”

“No. I’ve never lied to you, Eden.” She lets out a disgusted snort. “Except by omission, when I started to care for Ashton.”

“So he’s Ashton to you now. How long did it take you to worm your way into his affections?”

Pain slashes through me. I knew Eden wasn’t likely to take my relationship with Ash well, but I never expected this. “We didn’t plan this, Eden. Either of us. It just … happened.”

“You both betrayed me!” she cries. “I never want to see you again – either of you.”

I gather what shreds of composure I have left. “Do you want me to leave?”

“Do what you like. Both of you. I don’t care.”

She doesn’t look at me when I quietly make my exit. Ashton’s in the living room, nursing a drink. I tell him, “I think I need to go to a hotel for a few days.”

“Tori–”

“She’s devastated, Ash. In her mind, we’ve both betrayed her. The best thing we can do is give her time.”

“Fuck.” He scrubs his hands over his face. “All right, I’ll arrange a room for you.”

“Thank you.” I sigh. “I’d better go and pack.”

Ashton drives me to the hotel himself, and escorts me up to my room. When we get there, I lay a hand on his cheek. “I think it’s best if we don’t see each other for a few days, until Eden calms down.”

His face is a picture of frustration, but he nods in reluctant agreement. “For a few days.” Lifting my hand, he kisses it. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Soon,” I echo, and pray that it isn’t a lie.

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