Chapter 19
“Ashley’s POV
For a while, it seemed like time had slowed down and I was completely left alone to deal with my thoughts. I blinked rapidly, pulling myself out of Nolan’s pit.
I pulled out a dress from the wardrobe, the fabric cool against 1 skin as I slipped it on. I brushed through my damp hair with my fingers, feeling the small drops of water as they fell on my neck
I picked the door open and stepped into the hallway, my shadow following me from behind. I walked past Xavier’s door. I knew without checking, that he wasn’t in it. I continued walking until I got to the balcony and then I stopped.
I walked closer to it and pushed the door open, stepping into the open space, the gentle breeze greeted me again like a friend, blowing through my hair. I walked further into the open pace and then I noticed Xavier, leaning against the balcony’s ledge, and staring into the woods.
His tall frame was slightly bent and I could see what he was deep in thought. I walked closer to where he stood and even though he didn’t turn to ook, he probably knew that it was me.
“I knew you’d be here.” I said softly, closing The distance between us.
He smiled but didn’t turn to look at me. He was still staring deeply into the woods and the magnificent view in front of us. But then, he stood upright and took a deep breath.
You know me too well.” He said quietly, turning to look at me.
“I thought you were going straight to bed,” I asked, leaning against the ledge just as he did. “You looked like you are going to pass out from exhaustion back in the living room. I was beginning to get worried.” I teased.
He chuckled sofily and turned fully to face me, “I was tired, Ashley. But not anymore.”
I nodded slowly and looked away, but not before I noticed the look in his eyes. He was worried and I knew it. With everything that had happened that night, I would expect him to be worried or at least have some afterthought.
He released his grip from the ledge and walked back. “Want a drink?”
I nodded and watched as he poured a glass for me and for himself. He handed the one with a lesser content to me, the cool glass brushing against my fingers.
“Thank you.” I muttered softly, before turning around to face the woods.
“Why aren’t you asleep?” His voice echoed, his question was the same as mine just a moment ago, but his sounded different.
“You already know the answer to that,” I replied, taking a sip from the glass. It wasn’t often that anyone would get to see their ex after so many years, especially after he tried to kill them, and then have the kind of experience that we had with him.
He shrugged lightly and leaned against the railing. We stood in silence for a while, watching as the trees went where the wind sent them. It blew in our direction, blowing strands of my hair across my face, but didn’t really care.
After what seemed like a long time, I turned my face to him, my voice hushed. “I know things didn’t really go as planned tonight, especially the part where you had to hit Nolan.”
Xavier turned to me and chucked as if he found what I said amusing. “First of all, Ashley.” He began. “It’s not because of how things went. Honestly, I don’t think it could have gotten any better. You made the entrance that was required, and about me hitting Nolan, believe me, I’ve been wanting to do that for a while.”
“Then, why?” I asked curiously, wanting to know why he looked disappointed.
MON
Chapter 19
He took a deep breath md sipped from his glass the boy, Ahley Brian. He looks so much like Nolan than I had realized. I havent seen that prick in years and I didn’t think much of it, but after seeing him tonight, I just couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said quietly.
I knew this for a fact, that he was going to be upset. Everything he said about Brian’s resemblance to Nolan was the truth There was no denying it, his hair, the shape of his nose, almost everything Brian did reminded me of Nolan and now Xavier could see it too.
*There’s really nothing we can do about that,” I whispered, staring into my glass. “Brian is my son, and as far as I’m concerned, he has no father.”
Xavier nodded slowly, even though he still has the worry in his eyes. “It’s just hard to accept, knowing that he reminds us of the man who hurt you so much.”
I didn’t want that to bother me anymore and I wanted the same for Xavier. I reached out and placed my hand on his arm gently. “Brian looks like Nolan, no doubt. But he’s completely different from all of what Nolan is. It shouldn’t worry you.” “Everything is going according to plan” He said suddenly, changing the topic. He was sounding more serious now and had that look in his eyes.
“You’ve definitely weakened Nolan by revealing your presence, we can strike again before he has the time to recover.”
“Or maybe we should give it a few days, or even weeks. I want a fair fight, I don’t want him to think that I’m weak. Let’s give him all the time he wants, he still won’t win.”
“Wherever you say,” Xavier replied. He has the habit of never questioning me and even though I was wrong, he somehow had a way of making everything right when I wasn’t looking, so wasn’t even scared for a bit
“One more thing, I whispered, downing the whiskey in the glass
“I’d like to move to Sacred Moon, at least for a few months,” I said to him, he didn’t respond immediately, instead he had his eyes on me for a while, probably checking if I was serious.
“That’s a month early in our plans and even though I wouldn’t stop you, I’d like to know why.” He said finally
“I have a surprise for my sister.” I replied with a mysterious smile on my face. Xavier smiled back, matching my energy.
“Cheers.” He said, extending his glass to me.
