Page 27 of Inevitable

“I remember,” her voice is soft and hoarse. “I’m surprised you do.”

“I remember everything,” I whisper my voice thick with emotion.

She smiles weakly and takes the tray out of my hands and digs in. I stand and scratch the back of my neck not sure what to do now.

“Uh, so I’ll let you eat. Let me or Marisol know if you need anything.”

I turn around when I hear her sweet voice. “Wait.”

I look back to her and she flips the covers over beside her and pats the bed. I try to contain my smile at her invitation but fail miserably. I kick off my shoes and slide in next to her while she finishes eating. After she is finished, we turn on a movie and at some point, she leaned over towards me and passed out onto my chest. I tangle my hand through her long golden hair just like I always did before. It feels just as silky, weaving around my calloused fingers.

I can’t help but wish that I could have this every day, every moment. All I have ever wanted was her. I wish I could go back in time 7 years ago and tell her father to go to hell. I would sneak over in the middle of the night and take her from him. We would run away and never look back.

But that isn’t how history played out. I can’t be that man for her anymore, no matter how badly I want to. Needing space, I gently slide out from under her and tuck the covers under her chin. I kiss her forehead once more before leaving her room.

When I close the door, I lean up against it and rest my head on the heavy wood blowing out a breath. She is wearing me down. I feel like my resolve is ready to snap and I don’t think that there is any stopping it.

Chapter Eleven

Ashlynn

I wake up in a pile of drool and a tissue stuck to my face. Gross. I look around and see that the other side of the bed is empty. What did I expect? Him to sit in this cesspool all night? He has told me over and over again that we can never be what we use to. He won’t allow it, but then he made me Grilled Cheese.

Every time I was sick or sad, he would make it for me. He swore it had healing powers because I would instantly perk up and feel better. He didn’t realize it was because he made it for me.

I rarely get out of bed all day, just taking medicine and resting. No one comes to my room, except Marisol to check in a couple of times. I bury the disappointment and fall back asleep.

When I get up the next morning, I feel a million times better. I jump in the shower and wash up. Once I am dressed, I finally feel human again. I make my way out of my bedroom and down to the kitchen when I find Luca at the breakfast bar drinking coffee and reading something on his phone while Luis is cooking.

“Buongiorno Luis. Come stai?” I greet.

Luca’s gaze darts up to mine and his eyes widen in surprise.

“Meraviglioso mio caro. Grazie.” Luis replies.

Luca cuts in. “You speak Italian now?”

“No,” I laugh. “I haven’t tried since you attempted to teach me. But I have been bugging Luis so much in the kitchen he insists I learn. We are taking baby steps right Luis?” I say smiling at him.

Luis nods his head. “Si, she tries very hard.”

Luca laughs at that and nods with a far off look across his face. It is like he is remembering how much he struggled to teach me. Most of our lessons ended in Luca giving up and us fooling around, I definitely miss that part.

I roll my eyes in mock offence as Luis places an omelet in front of me. I smile in appreciation and quickly start eating every bite.

“Are you feeling better?” Luca asks.

I nod my head, my mouth still full.

“Well do you want to get out of the house a little today?” He asks nonchalantly, not lifting his gaze from his phone.

I practically jump out of my chair in excitement. “Of course! Can I?”

He chuckles and nods his head softly. “Well, I have some errands to run and wanted to know if you wanted to come with?”

I am already nodding as I launch myself into his arms giving him a huge hug before I kiss his cheek.

“Yes, thank you, thank you!”

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