AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I take her hand and lead her to the window, where the stars shine brightly. “Look at these stars,” I tell her. “They’re like diamonds scattered across the sky. And just like these diamonds, you’re my most precious possession.”
She turns to face me, her eyes shining with tears. “Ash, I still don’t?—”
“Ssh, starlight. If you can’t find the words, say nothing.” I grind my teeth. “I already know you’ll feel it someday.” I smile at her and lean closer, pressing my lips against hers. “You’re my everything,” I declare.
She steps closer to me, wrapping her arms around me tightly. Lila has changed me in ways I never thought possible. She’s shown me there’s more to life than violence. She’s given me hope for a future I never dreamed of.
I hold her close, feeling the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. In this moment, everything feels right. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be with the woman I love. Lifting her, I carry her up the stairs and into a bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. And then we lie there for a long time in silence, basking in each other.
Eventually, Lila stirs in my arms. She looks at me, her eyes sparkling with what I could only describe as love.
“I never want this to end,” she whispers.
“Me neither,” I say, pulling her close again. “I want to be with you forever.”
We kiss, a slow, lingering kiss that promises a lifetime of love and happiness. When we finally pull away, we’re both breathless.
I feel truly happy for the first time in my life. I’ve found love, and I’ve found a home.
Lila and I will build a new life in this beautiful place. We’ll grow old together happily, neither thing I believed possible for me until I stumbled upon her on the side of that road.
23
EPILOGUE
LILA
One year later…
Ash sits at the river’s edge with his fishing rod, gazing over the sparkling water as the sun’s rays catch it. He looks almost angelic. Although he’s quite possibly the furthest thing from an angel on this earth.
He's a devil. A beast. A monster.
But I love him despite it all.
We’ve settled naturally into our life here, and I’ve noticed a shift in Ash. His anger seems to ebb away when he’s surrounded by the peace and quiet of Alaska. I’ve even managed to convince him to quit smoking, for the most part. On occasion, I’ve come home from town to find him with one between his lips. He says it’s because it’s the only way for him to feel sane when I’m so far from him.
Despite the remoteness of our Alaskan haven, I’ve managed to carve out a digital corner with my blog, which has flourished. The only hitch is the inconsistent internet connectivity in our chalet, compelling me to drive thirty minutes to the nearest town whenever I need to upload new content. But the drive, often accompanied by the crisp air and scenic tapestry of wilderness,has become a ritual I’ve come to enjoy, a small price to pay for the tranquility that feeds my writing.
Not to mention, I’ve made a few friends my age in town. Ash likes to stay away from people, though. He rarely accompanies me. He fears that mingling with the rest of society could risk everything he’s running from. He believes his impulse control isn’t fixed and that one argument with someone could make him snap and murder again. I’m not so sure.
I know that he’s unhinged and borderline psychotic, and I’ve questioned how I can love a man like him. A man so savage and violent, but it just works. He fits me like a glove, and I wouldn’t change him for the world, no matter how unconventional our meeting.
My parents were supportive of the move and apparently Brian lost his shit when he heard. My dad went to pick up all my stuff from our apartment and he almost had a fight with him. I don’t care though. I’m glad I’ve escaped him finally.
They’re going to visit at some point, but I know they’re busy.
“Ash!” I call his name, and he turns, glancing at me and smiling.
“Hey, starlight! How was town?”
I move closer to him, clutching the box of donuts I bought from the town bakery.
I hand him a donut, and he groans in appreciation. “Fuck, baby. You know how to spoil me, don’t you?”
“It’s only a donut.”
He bites into it and moans. “Almost as sweat as you,” he murmurs, eyes dancing with that dark allure. I know what he’s thinking already, and then I notice the way his grey jogging pants cling to his huge erection. My stomach clenches, and an ache immediately ignites between my thighs.
