by S J Crabb
Chapter 38
Ash takes me to his house. Now in the daylight I fully appreciate how big this house really is. As we walk inside I notice lots of people working, clearing up the mess from the party. “Do these people work here Ash?” He nods. “Yes, they work for my uncle.” Looking fearfully around me I hope that he isn’t here. Then I remember what Piper said to me about him. Speaking in a whisper I lean towards him. “Ash, did you know that your uncle is seeing Skylar?” Stopping to look at me I notice that he looks amused. “No surprises there. How do you know?” I tell him what I saw and what Piper told me. He looks thoughtful. “Skylar is one of those girls who crave power. As soon as she realised that I wasn’t interested anymore she latched on to him. It won’t do her any good though. Like me he is just using her. He probably promised her something in return. Don’t even worry about them, they won’t affect us.” Despite his words I feel uneasy. “What about Violet though? It’s not fair on her.” Grinning Ash says, “When she finds out there’ll be a scene and then he will squirm his way back in. It’s happened loads of times. Anyway I don’t want to talk about them; I want to carry on where we left off last night.” Pulling me behind him we head off upstairs to his room. My heart beats faster and I almost can’t wait to get there. Quickly all thoughts of Skylar and his uncle leave me as I anticipate what is to come.
Much later I wake up next to Ash. His leg is over mine trapping me to the bed and I watch him as he sleeps. The feelings that he brings out in me shock me as I have never ever felt such intense love for anyone before. Like Cally said he is pure perfection and my eyes devour him as I savour the sight of his perfectly sculptured body and chiselled features. He made love to me over and over again until we both fell into a deep contented sleep. My body feels sore but alive. Then his eyes open and I am drawn into their dark pools as they mesmerise me. “Ready to go again Angel,” he says his hands reaching out and pulling me close to him. My eyes must tell him what he wants to hear because with a groan he crushes me to him whispering, “I can’t leave you alone. I want to keep you locked in this room with me forever.” Shyly I look into those dark velvety eyes. “I’d like nothing more.” Once again we make love and it is feels as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. This is what we were meant to be, together despite all the odds and it feels so right.
Despite wanting to stay here forever we soon decide that we need to eat. Ash pulls me into the shower and I soon realise just how much better it is to share. We almost don’t make it but reluctantly get dressed. “Come on Angel, you need food inside you now, not me.” Ash laughs as he sees me blush. As he pulls on his trainers I look with interest around me at his room. There isn’t much in the way of personal effects but it is tastefully decorated although quite minimal. There are no photographs or posters and it is decorated in a dark grey. Seeing me looking he gestures around him. “This isn’t home to me Grace; it’s just a place to sleep. I haven’t really got a place that I feel comfortable in. It’s better not to have anything around that shows people inside you. That way they can’t work you out and get inside your head.” Shaking my head in amazement I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “That’s sad Ash. Everyone needs their personal space, to be who they want to be. It shouldn’t be like this.” In surprise I see the sadness in his eyes. “I’m not a product of love Grace. All of my life I’ve been controlled and manipulated. That has made me who I am now. It’s no wonder I am like it too. Just look around you. I control everything about my life. If I want it I have it. My friends do everything I say and I do what my uncle wants me to. I am his puppet as they are mine. You are the only thing in my life that I can’t control and it is scaring the hell out of me.” Walking over to him I sit next to him on the bed. Slipping my hand in his I say gently, “I’m kind of hoping I am.” His eyes flash and once again I see the torture in his eyes. “It will take a lot to change who I am Grace. Even you may not be strong enough.” I put my head on his shoulder and squeeze his hand. I am going to do my utmost to help him and I will give it everything I’ve got.
We walk downstairs and I take in the grandeur of the place. This place is huge and everything around me reeks of money, from the marble floor to the paintings on the wall. The furniture looks expensive and there are huge chandeliers and heavy curtains hanging everywhere.
We go into a huge kitchen where I get the shock of my life. Sitting at the table watching us with amusement is his uncle, Mr Knight. I can feel the chill in the room as we see him. Ash tenses up beside me and I watch as his face changes into a scowl. Mr Knight looks at us with an amused expression. Speaking in a slow deep voice he stares at us. “Well, this is surprising. I think that you are the first girl that Ash has ever brought home.” Pushing his chair back he stands up and approaches me holding out his hand. “I’m pleased to meet you my dear, I am Ash’s uncle and you can call me Jake.” Ash pulls me behind him before I can shake his hand and growls. “Get away from her. What are you doing back, I thought you were gone until tomorrow?” Laughing at him he leans back against the table and fixes Ash with a hard glare. “I got a call from the Sherriff’s department wanting to know if I knew anything about a fight on the beach last night. Apparently some kids were badly hurt and they wanted to know your whereabouts.” Shrugging Ash says, “So, what’s it to you. Just deal with it as you usually do.” Mr Knight looks at him angrily. “I don’t want you causing trouble beating up some high school punks for fun. You’re always in enough trouble as it is and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to cover it all up.” Angrily Ash looks at him and the look in his eyes covers me in fear. He moves in front of his uncle and looks at him with a look that could kill a man stone dead on the spot. In a chilling voice he says, “And whose fault is that. If I wasn’t always doing your dirty work then the Sherriff wouldn’t be so busy. You know the score just deal with it. If you can’t then my father can. Just remember the deal. You only have this for one more year then I am free. Who will do your dirty work then huh? Just keep out of my way and I will keep out of yours.” Turning his back on his uncle Ash goes to leave but stops dead as his uncle says, “It was nice to meet you, Grace isn’t it? I know your Aunt Sarah well. Please remember me to her won’t you. Oh and tell Violet I’ll be in later, maybe we can catch up then and get to know each other better.” Like a scene from a movie I watch Ash change before me. He looks like he is possessed and his eyes flash dangerously. His whole body tenses up and as he turns to face his uncle I see him pale and look uneasy. The atmosphere changes in the room and it feels cold and chilling. There is a deep dark power filling the once sunny kitchen. In a slow menacing voice Ash approaches him. “You must never speak to or look at Grace or her family and friends. If you even glance in their direction I won’t be held responsible for what I will do. Just remember who I am and what I can do. For starters what do you think will happen if word gets out about your latest underage dalliance? Don’t use your tricks on me dear uncle and you may just survive the year unscathed. If you don’t like it just remember whose fault it is that I am like who I am. You taught me well over the years, what was it? oh yes, knowledge is power. Well I know a lot about you, enough to bury you. Do we understand each other?” Looking defeated his uncle nods and Ash pulls me after him not stopping until we are on his bike and speeding away as fast as we can go.
As I cling on to him I can feel the rage within him. I close my eyes and picture the scene that we have left behind. I saw the true extent of his pain in that kitchen and what he is capable of. His uncle looked scared to death which I would never have thought possible; if anything I always thought that he was the evil one. Shuddering I realise that Ash is far more powerful than his uncle and it scares me. I don’t think that I am strong enough to save him and my eyes fill with tears as I feel the torture in his soul.
Chapter 39
We don’t go to Violet’s. Instead Ash takes me home. As we stop I look at him in surprise. Looking sadly at me Ash leans towards me his head resting on mine. “I’m sorry about that An
gel. I had to go in heavy with him. He would have used you and your family against me and I won’t have any of you put in danger. He knows now how much you mean to me and that scares me. He is capable of a lot and I don’t want any of you caught up in his evil, vile plans. If he ever found out about you then you wouldn’t be safe and that is my number one priority.” I pull him to me and kiss him, pouring as much love and peace into him as I can to soothe his soul. I feel him relax and drawing back he looks lovingly into my eyes. “I love you Grace. I will do anything for you, even if it means bringing him down once and for all.” “I know you do Ash and I love you too. I am here for you and will do everything I can to help you.” Looking towards the house I say, “Why have you brought me home though?” He grins and almost looks embarrassed. “I wondered if your Aunt Sarah would mind if I hung out here this evening. I want to see what a normal family is like.” Laughing I pull him after me. “You think this is normal, if only.”
My Aunt looks surprised as we walk in. “This is a nice surprise. Have you eaten yet?” Shaking my head I smile at her. “No, not yet. Do you mind if Ash stays for dinner?” Smiling warmly at him she nods towards the front room where we can hear the sounds of the television blaring out. “No I don’t mind at all, it will be a pleasure. Gabe is through there watching the game. Grab some drinks from the fridge and I’ll make you all something to eat.” Grabbing a beer for Ash and a soft drink for me we go and flop down on to the couch next to Gabe. Grinning up at us he shifts along and I sit between them, my legs up on Ash as he puts his arm around me. I snuggle in and listen to them chatting about the Game like normal people do. This all feels so right. It’s good to just hang out with my new family. It will be good for all of us and is exactly what we need.
After a while I leave them and go to help my Aunt prepare the food. As we work away I remember Mr Watson. “Have you had any more thoughts about how we can help Mr Watson?” She shakes her head sadly. “He is beyond help Grace. It’s gone too far now.” I didn’t hear Ash come in until he speaks. “Who’s beyond help?” My Aunt says, “Mr Watson. He has to close the library next week. It has gone too far now and it cannot be saved.” Tears come into my eyes but I notice that Ash just shrugs. “Probably for the best. He’s been going down for years.” I turn on them both angrily. “I can’t believe that nobody has noticed before now. That poor man. He lost the love of his life and now the business that they started together. He will be in debt for the rest of his life probably and I fear for him.” Coming over Ash takes me in his arms and I bury my face in his chest. Stroking my hair he says nothing and I realise that they are both probably right, there is nothing we can do.
Despite this we have a lovely evening. We just hang out around the house and I am glad to see Ash getting on well with Gabe and my Aunt. They all seem relaxed around each other now which I am glad about. As I walk him to his bike he pulls me close and kisses me gently. “Thanks for that Grace. You don’t know what it meant to me. I want that for us you know. A loving family home with a couple of kids, just a nice normal life.” Smiling into his chest his words light up my soul. Pulling away I say softly, “I would like that too Ash, in fact I can’t think of anything that I would like more.” As we kiss I wish with all my heart that it would come true.
Ash picks me up in the morning and we head off to school. I love it when I ride behind him, clinging on to him and feeling the wind in my hair. As we pull in I see Skylar and Teagan getting out of a car. They see us and then pointedly look away, but not before I see the hatred directed at me in their faces. Luckily Ash didn’t see them and I say nothing. I just hope that they keep away from me for all our sakes.
After school finishes I am putting my books away when I feel a hand sliding around my waist, pulling me around to face him. Ash leans down and kisses me pushing me against the locker. My legs almost give way as his kiss is so passionate. I hear his friends laughing and as he pulls away his eyes glitter wickedly. “I’ve waited all day to do that,” he says looking at me triumphantly. Blushing I straighten up and notice that we are the subject of a lot of attention as everyone appears to be watching us. Ash laughs and grabs my hand. “Come on little Tess I thought we might all go bowling tonight. What do you say, girls versus boys?” Grinning at him I see that the others are watching in amusement. “Prepare to lose then.” I say raising my eyes in a challenge. His eyes flash. “Are you challenging me little Tess?” Pushing past him I look back and give him a defiant stare. “You’d better believe it.” Quickly I walk away and laugh as he rushes to catch me up. Flinging his arm around my shoulder he pulls me close to him. “Come on then, I never walk away from a challenge.”
As we get outside I suddenly remember Piper. She is following us out and I know that Gabe has football practice. I whisper to Ash, “Is Lucian bringing anyone?” Shaking his head I point to Piper. He nods and I call out, “Piper do you want to make up the numbers bowling tonight?” Smiling she races over. “That would be great; Gabe has practice though how will I get there?” Ash shouts, “Hey Lucian, give Piper a ride to the alley.” Looking up Lucian smiles and waves her over. We all head off and I am really looking forward to a good evening.
Chapter 40
The bowling alley is on the other side of town. I have only been here once before and had a great time. We all grab some shoes and are soon safely seated behind our lanes. The guys grab some drinks and we can hear lots of laughing and joking from their lane. Paisley laughs as we look at them and leans towards me. “This is all down to you Grace.” Looking at her in surprise she smiles. “This would never had happened when Ash was with Skylar. He never went anywhere with her and we all just met up at parties and lunchtime. Ash used to always seem distant and disconnected from us and seeing him now it is obvious that he didn’t like her very much.” Her words surprise me. “So you didn’t ever go out all together like this?” Paisley raises her eyes up. “We were just there when they needed a girl. The guys spent their spare time at the gym or shooting pool. We were only allowed to see them when a girlfriend was required. Now it is much more how it should be. Killian and I have never been happier. We date as proper couples do and have grown much closer as a result.” Smiling at her I actually can’t believe what I’m hearing. Then in a more serious tone she whispers. “Don’t worry about Skylar and Teagan Grace. We’ve all got your back. There’s no way we want to go back to how it was and if we hear or see anything we’ll let Ash and you know. I just wanted you to know what you have done for us.” I smile at her warmly. “Thanks Paisley, it’s good to hear. I’m glad that I’ve helped you.” Paisley looks at Ash and smiles. “I have never seen him like this before. You wouldn’t recognise him as the same badass guy. Even the guys have noticed how he’s changed. They say that love can do that to a guy, well if that’s the case then he is head over heels in love with you.” As I look over at him he catches my eye. The look he sends me turns my insides hot with desire. Seeing my expression he laughs and winks at me with the promise in his eyes of what is in store later on. As I think about what I have just heard I feel sorry for them all. It must have been a sad and lonely existence. Once again I thank my guardians for letting me stay.
Soon we all begin bowling. The guys are much rowdier than us but we hold our own and soon the scores are tied. It’s all on the final ball and as luck would have it it is down to Ash and I to bowl last. Meeting on the lanes we face each other and I can see the challenge in his eyes. Grinning wickedly he says, “If I win I choose the prize and if you win you do. Ok?” Meeting his eyes with determination I say, “You’re on.” I can feel the others watching intently and the girls shout out encouragement but are shouted over by the guys. I can see the cocky way that Ash is looking at me and it just makes me even more determined. I line up the ball and focus on the pins. Holding the ball in both hands I focus all of my energy on it. This time I am not playing fair, I owe it to the girls. I notice that Ash has taken his first throw and watch as he almost gets a strike. Luckily one pin rights itself and he scores 9.
I know that he won’t miss the one remaining so I need a strike. I can feel him watching me intently waiting for me to throw. Tuning everyone out I concentrate on the ball and the pins. I line up my shot and push all of my energy into the ball, directing it with my gaze. I throw a perfect ball and watch as the energy I have given it propels it towards the pins. Even before it gets there I know it is a strike and turn to face Ash to watch his face as the pins fall. I know that my job is done as I hear the cheers from the girls and the disappointment from the guys. Ash smirks at me and raising my eyes up I face him saying, “So I win.” Looking amused he crosses towards me and pulls my face up to his. Looking deeply into my eyes he says softly, “I let you.” Pushing him away I laugh and join my friends who cheer and taunt the guys. It feels so good to put them in their place and we are certainly not going to let them live this down.
To celebrate our win I choose that they take us for pizza. As we all squash next to each other in our booths I look around at all of the happy faces. Everyone seems relaxed and stress free. They still get a lot of attention from the other customers but seem oblivious. We are all just a group of High school friends having a good time. Snuggling closer to Ash I reach for his hand. He kisses me gently whispering, “As soon as we’ve eaten I’m taking you to the Ridge. I want you to myself.” He laughs as he sees my expression. I can’t get enough of him and can’t wait for everyone to finish eating so that we can be alone again.
Chapter 41
I soon stop worrying about Skylar and Teagan and just enjoy being Ash’s girl. He seems a lot more relaxed and the school seems a happier place. Nobody feels threatened anymore and despite the fact that nobody messes with Ash and his gang there doesn’t appear to be much trouble.