Ash’s pov ;
I couldn’t bring myself to turn around and face him. The pain in his voice, desperate and laced with concern, tore through my thoughts like a sharp blade.
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly as if he already knew I was leaving. My heart raced in my chest, betraying my emotions.
With a shaky breath, I took a step forward, but suddenly felt his hands slip around my waist. His touch, so familiar and tender, only made the ache inside grow stronger. His lips found the nape of my neck, kissing it gently with soft, warm kisses.
"Where are you going, leaving ?" Elijah whispered again, his voice low and filled with longing. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to push down the pain that was nibbling on my heart slowly.
My words stumbled out in a stutter as I forced them past the lump in my throat. "You...you’ll lock up if I stay," I could feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as I spoke the words.
His grip tightened ever so slightly, his fingers pressing into my skin with a firmness that betrayed my resolve. But his voice remained gentle, a warm blanket of comfort wrapping around . "I won’t-"
Unable to bear the weight of his words, I turned away from him, shoving him in frustration. "You will!" I yelled loudly in his face. "I know you will!"
But Elijah’s eyes never wavered from mine, tired but soft as they gazed at . A small, weary smile played on his lips as he approached calmly and deliberately. He took my hand in his tenderly.
With his free hand, he wiped away my tears, his fingertips brushing lightly against my skin. "Calm down," he murmured, his voice was like a calming balm to my frayed nerves. "Why would I do sothing like locking you up? You are free and have your own will."
He leaned his forward and kissed my eyes one by one, his lips lingering on each closed lid as if trying to erase the pain within them. "I just want to help you," he whispered against my skin, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. "I want to be there for you."
His lips grazed over my wet cheeks, a gentle touch that felt like a feather grazing my hot skin, making shiver uncontrollably. His kisses trailed down to my nose and then finally landed on my lips. Where he pecked my lips again and again until my breaths cald down.
"What should I do to make you believe that you’re safe with ? No person or hospital can take you away without your will from ," Elijah whispered between kisses, his warm breath caressing my lips. "I won’t let anything happen to you."
My body began to lt under his tender ministrations, the tension slowly fading away. His gentle touches and soothing words lulled into a state of calmness and tranquility.
"I don’t want you to be scared or hurt anymore."
As he pulled back slightly, our eyes t in a silent exchange. "How about we go on a vacation?" he suggested softly, his gaze never leaving mine. "Just the two of us. We can escape from everything for a little while. Would you like that?"
My brows furrowed as I looked back at him in confusion. His small smile and loving touch tugged at my heartstrings, filling with both pain and longing. With a hesitant nod, I gave him my answer, still unsure but holding onto a glimr of hope.
Elijah’s smile widened at my response, and he placed a sweet kiss on my forehead. "We’ll go sowhere beautiful," he promised, his tone full of determination. "Sowhere you can loosen up and feel safe. Sowhere far and away from everything and everyone. Where you can forget about everything and just relax."
He continued to speak softly. "I know things have been hard for you, and I can’t imagine the pain you’ve been through. But I want to be here for you now, every step of the way. I want to understand your fears, your anxieties. I want to help you through them. It’s the first ti I have felt for soone so I don’t know how to handle these feelings just yet." He took a deep breath, his hands gently caressing my back. "So, what do you say?"
The idea was tempting. The thought of escaping the reality of life, of spending ti with Elijah, of just being together, was more than I could bear. My heart was yelling at to say yes, to accept his offer and start anew.
My lower lip throbbed as I fought to keep my emotions in check. My thoughts were a jumbled ss, tossing and turning inside like a stormy sea. Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes and tried to find so semblance of calm.
When I opened my eyes again, his gaze was fixed upon , brimming with concern and affection. His hand continued its gentle caress on my back, sending warmth coursing through my body.
"I don’t want you to run away," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "Not from . I feel like I’ll die if you’re not with ."
There was a slight quiver in his tone, a raw vulnerability that he was bravely revealing to . My heart swelled with agony and without even thinking, I found myself nodding in agreent.
"Okay," I managed to whisper against my better judgent. But then his lips found mine once more and I couldn’t resist the overwhelming desire he evoked within . I moved my lips against his tough ones. He pulled closer, arms encircling in a comforting embrace.
The sound of his breath tickled my ear as he whispered, "Thank you. You won’t regret believing in , I promise."
And though it was perfectly audible, I couldn’t fully believe his words. I don’t know what would happen after this journey– whether we would still be the sa people or if our ti apart would change us.
Maybe taking this trip was a last chance for both of us to evolve. It could potentially be the final ti I see him, so I wanted to make the most of every mont spent together.
I have no idea what lies ahead for us. But deep down, I hold onto hope for a brighter future.
____________
Two days later ;
"Have you decided where you are going?" Noah asked as we stood at the airport.
"Not yet. Elijah said it’s a surprise," I replied, glancing at Elijah who was busy buying sothing from a shop.
"I’m surprised you agreed," Noah sighed, a concerned look in his eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this? You’re still sick, you need rest, and-"
"Noah," I cut him off with a small smile. "I’m sure. You worry too much."
He sighed. I was surprised when Elijah invited him to et before we take off. When I asked him, Elijah simply said if I feel relieved after talking to Noah then I should et him.
"I’m sorry, it’s all happening because of . If I just kept my mouth shut then things would have been fine."
"No, it’s not your fault," I assured him. "If anything I’m glad that you inford about Elijah. It’s just..."
"I understand. No need to repeat yourself," Noah patted my shoulder with an assuring smile. "Just make sure to take care of yourself. Don’t forget to take your dicine. If there is anything, call , okay? I’ll co as soon as possible no matter in which corner of the world you are."
I laughed lightly, feeling a bit embarrassed by his sudden affection. "I know, I know. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. Besides, Elijah is with ."
"Right." He let out sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "He’s a very responsible guy."
"Ash, my dear?!" Both of our heads turned in unison at the source of the voice. Without hesitation, Ryder pulled into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around protectively as the fools cried like a child. "Why did nobody tell that you were hospitalised? Are you sure you’re okay?" he inquired with genuine concern evident in his eyes.
I laughed, trying to ease his worries and push him off . He’s heavy as hell. "I’m fine, Ryder. Really," I reassured him with a smile.
He leaned back and gave a once-over, but then his eyes sparked mischievously. "Of course you are, especially after seeing my beautiful face."
Noah rolled his eyes from where he stood next to us, his arms crossed over his chest. "Aren’t you so full of yourself?"
Ryder turned his attention to Noah, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Oh, didn’t know you’re here too."
Ryder smirked as his devilish smirk scanned Noah up and down. Noah shot him a disgusting scowl. "Why are you pretending you don’t like charm?"
Noah huffed and shook his head, clearly not amused by his words. "Yes, Mr. Shaless, I live for your constant flirting," he said sarcastically.
Ryder pouted and fluttered his eyelashes dramatically. "You know, you should really give in to my charms. Life would be so much more fun," he teased Noah without any sha.
What’s happening? When did they beco so close to talk like friends? And why did Noah tell about it? Or am misunderstanding their relationship because Noah clearly doesn’t seem amused by Ryder.
Noah’s face twisted into a snarl as he shot daggers at Ryder. "Keep dreaming," he spat out.
But Ryder ignored his warning and continued his relentless pursuit of Noah. "Why are you being so shy now? Don’t you rember that night?" he asked, smirking.
A deep shade of red spread across Noah’s cheeks as he nervously glanced at and glared back at Ryder. "Shut up," he muttered under his breath, his eyes darting between Ryder and .
Confused by their exchange, I couldn’t help but ask, "What night?"
Ryder’s smirk widened as he leaned in closer. "Oh, it’s the night when you got drunk and Elijah took you away. After you left, sothing interesting happened between and your friend."
"Shut up you asshole!" But before Ryder could reveal any more, Noah lunged forward and clamped a hand over his mouth, panic evident in his wide eyes. "Don’t you dare, Ryder!" he growled.
Despite Noah’s efforts, Ryder’s muffled laughter could still be heard as he wiggled out of his grip. "I guess we’ll save that story for another ti," he said with a wink in my direction.
Just then, Elijah returned and wrapped his arm around my shoulder protectively. He shot a stern look at Noah and Ryder before scolding them gently, "You two are making too much noise."
My cheeks flushed with heat as I felt the piercing gaze of Elijah on my face. Ryder seizing the opportunity, grinned mischievously at . "Oh, co on, Elijah. We’re just seeing you off. Besides, you two are going on a vacation. So, make sure you have lots of fun, and you know, lots of sex and all."
Elijah’s face turned furious as he snapped back, trying to maintain his composure in front of and Noah’s disapproving gaze. "Ryder!" he barked.
Noah rolled his eyes at Ryder’s vulgarity. "Can you not be so crude for once?"
But Ryder only laughed, unaffected by our disapproval. "What? It’s a vacation. You’re supposed to relax and enjoy yourselves."
As my embarrassnt continued to deepen, Elijah squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. "Ryder, enough. This is neither the ti nor the place."
"Seriously though, have fun. Lots of fun and sex. And don’t forget about—"
"Ryder! Shut your mouth before I punch you!" Elijah cut him off again, this ti with a mix of amusent and annoyance in his voice.
Noah shook his head in disappointnt. Despite my mortification, I couldn’t help but chuckle at their playful banter. But thankfully Ryder threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, I’ll stop. But seriously, have a great ti."
We exchanged hugs and Elijah guided towards the boarding gate, his arm still draped protectively around my shoulders as we made our way through the bustling airport terminal.
We boarded the plane, finding our seats. Elijah took my hand, his touch grounding as we prepared for takeoff.
I wondered what surprises this trip would bring to .
Reviews
All reviews (0)