⚜Guardian⚜

Chapter Twenty Eight

“Lace, it's me." A familiar voice promised. Lacey slowly unfroze, her eyes moving upward to look at Asher's deep violet gaze. He moved quickly away from her, sitting safely a couple spaces away on the bed. His voice was husky, so she knew he had just awoken. His hair was tousled and messy, yet his eyes burned unusually bright.

"Oh my goodness. I am so sorry! I thought you were...." She trailed off. Asher cleared his throat, changing the subject quickly.

"You were calling out for me in your sleep. Are you okay?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. Just a nightmare." She said, plastering on a fake smile. She hoped to reassure him. He leveled a dark look at her.

"Honestly Lacey, I know you better than that." She looked away from him as tears brimmed in her eyes. He moved to cradle her in his arms, holding her against his chest.

"I‘m so scared. Every time I close my eyes it’s like he’s there,”  she sobbed.

"You’re safe now. Nothing will hurt you, I promise," he declared, kissing the top of her head.

"I am so sorry," Asher apologized.

"Not your fault!" She protested, pulling away to look at him firmly.

"It was only 24 hours," she huffed at him. He sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"I know! I left you with the Devil for 24 hours!" He groaned. His voice was so agonized it physically hurt Lacey to hear him like this.

"Stop it! What can I do to make you feel better?" She growled.

"Nothing!"

"Lucifer didn't hurt me that badly, Asher! He mostly just yelled at me! He only hit me a little!" She hissed.

"I don't want anyone to touch you!" He retorted instantaneously, jumping off the bed. His posture was stick straight.

"Well that sucks! We have to see the Board anyways! We both know each and every one of them are going to touch me!" She yelled back, jumping from the bed herself. Her bruised spots and cut skin ached in protest.

"We don't have to do this," he said in a low, determined voice. He moved to cradle her cheek, his eyes latching onto hers.

"We could run away from all of this. I could hide you- keep you safe. I wouldn't let you out of my sight." She closed her eyes as she listened to him. She wanted nothing more than to take him up on that offer- to run away with him and never look back. But she knew both of them would be reprimanded for it.

"I would die. The Messenger said we needed to go through with the Board meeting," she rebutted softly.

"Asher! Wake up time!" A sickening voice called. The two of them turned to see Ari skipping into the room happily. When she saw Lacey, her face darkened drastically.

"We're back at the Sanctuary?" Lacey gasped. She hadn't realized her surroundings until just now. She was also back in Asher's room for the first time since she ran away. Her emotions tangled violently at this new change. Asher nodded curtly.

"Come help me set up for dinner?" Ari begged, eyeing Lacey warily.

"Ari, Lacey and I need to talk privately right now." Asher leveled.

"No, Ash, it's okay." Lacey promised, squeezing his hand tightly. "I have to go find Leo, anyways." She declared. A flash of hurt echoed in Asher's eyes, but he nodded tightly. When he left the room, she took a shower in his bathroom before realizing her suitcase wasn't in his room. She realized she would have to go looking around the house naked for her suitcase, or put on her bloodied clothes from before. She quickly dismissed that idea. She could also call Asher to come help her, but she didnt want him to worry about anything. She turned towards Asher's dresser, realizing she had another option. She kept her bra and underwear from before but put a pair of Asher's sweatpants and a t-shirt. She had to roll up the pants several times, but otherwise, they were extremely comfortable. They smelled heavenly- they were the exact smell of Asher. She smiled inwardly, hoping Asher wouldn't mind.