Page 56 of Into The Darkness

“Yeah?”

I took a deep breath, not even sure how to say what I wanted to say. Deep down, I knew what I wanted to say, but there was no way I could because it was the one thing he had told me not to do.

I turned around, his hands still soapy, as he pinched my nipples, causing me to yelp.

“What is it, Ember?” he asked.

I looked him up and down to see if there was maybe a glimpse that he was feeling the same thing I did. The thing happening between us was so strong, he must have felt it.

But there was nothing in his eyes. In fact, I was sure he was shutting down, so I had to pull the conversation away.

“Thank you,” I said before jumping out of the shower and grabbing a towel.

He pulled the curtain back. “For what?”

“I am just glad you came here tonight,” I confessed without saying too much.

“Me too,” he added. “Can I stay with you?”

I furrowed my brows. “I, uh, yeah, if you want to, but you don’t have to just to appease me,” I said, grabbing the shirt I was wearing before and throwing it back over my head once we got back into the bedroom.

He laughed. “Ember, you know that I don’t do things just to make other people happy.”

“True.” I shrugged and shifted from foot to foot. Somehow, sleeping in his room felt so much more natural than here. I didn’t know who was supposed to climb into bed first, or if I was supposed to cuddle with him right away.

“Get in, mi sol.” He lifted the sheets and hopped in. Grateful that he made the first move, I tucked right next to him so our chests were touching.

“Ash? When you have those parties at the house. Do you . . . participate?”

“Do I fuck other women?” Ash asked.

“Ugh, why do you have to be so crass all the time?”

He shook from laughter. “Yeah, I did. Kinda had to in order to gain the leadership role.” I sighed.

“Oh, okay.” I closed my eyes, willing the mental images away that dared to pass through of Ash with other people.

“Ember, listen to my words again. I did. Past tense. I haven’t touched anyone since I took you to the diner.” His voice lowered. “I don’t want anyone else.”

My heart skipped a beat. This felt all-encompassing. The love that feels like a tornado pulling you up into its path, and I was desperate to be on it. I was literally consumed by Ash.

I curled into his chest. “Maybe I can come to a party?” I asked, trying to be sexy. Ash stiffened next to me.

“No.” His voice shifted, and I knew he was upset.

“What, why?” I propped up on my elbow so I could see him.

“Because those parties aren’t for people like . . . you.”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“I just mean that I can’t protect you there, that’s all.” I rolled over so my back was to his chest.

“Okay.” I conceded, not wanting to argue with him—not after the day I’d had. Plus, I had to agree with him. If he couldn’t promise I wasn’t somehow going to get drugged and tattooed again, then I was okay staying away. My eyes closed as sleepiness washed over me. I was exhausted.

Ash rested next to my head as he tucked me tight into his chest. Shrouded in the darkness of the early morning and comforted in his arms, I was on my way to falling into a deep sleep when I swear I heard Ash whisper, “I don’t know if I can keep my own promise, mi amor.”

Chapter twenty-four

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