Sinner

Chapter 15

Ryan's POV:

Ashley's comment made me so happy. She didn't think I heard her, but I did. I feel better knowing that Ashley has completely forgiven me for what I did, but I know I'll never forgive myself. And I deserve that.

Currently, empty containers of food lay on the coffee table in front of us. Ashley has her head resting on my shoulder and the old feeling of a hollowness in my chest is back. As girls would call it, 'butterflies in my stomach'.

When a commercial interrupts "Elf", I glance down at Ashley to see she has fallen asleep on my shoulder. I grin and quickly grab the remote to turn the T.V. off.

I quickly remove my shoulder from supporting her head and replace it with my arm. Then I slide my other arm under her knees and lift her bridal style. She stirs in my arms and I whisper "Shhh everything's gonna be okay. Relax."

She immediately slumps in my arms, very tired. I realize how much has happened today. We had a fight, started liking each other, trained, went to Chipotle, went to Walmart, went to Red Robin, and now we're back. It's been a long day and Ashley deserves rest. I remember how I have to train her as she works out tomorrow. I grin. I know I won't go as hard on her as I originally intended, but I will push her. But mainly I'm happy I get to spend so much time with her.

I get to her bedroom and shift Ashley into one arm and pull back the cover on the bed. She's thin, not unhealthily thin, but thin and needs a little bulking up if she's to go on missions. She has straight brown hair and naturally tan skin. I can't see them now, but she has these gorgeous light brown eyes, almost gold, that are especially fun to look at when they catch the sun.

I lay her on the bed and decide not to undress her, I've already violated her enough.

I stand here staring at her, wondering whether I should leave or if I should stay. I selfishly think she would miss me if she woke up and I wasn't here, so I decide to stay.

I walk over to her dresser and pull out plaid pajama pants, observing the same set of unisex clothing in every apartment here.

I throw my shirt off and pull on the pajama bottoms.

I then crawl into the bed next to Ashley and I throw the covers over us. My arms wrap around her protectively, shielding her from the world. It's lame really. There's no danger in this bedroom, but outside where I can't always protect her makes me really sad. I underestimate what she has gone through. She seems strong, and hopefully she really is, but she can't have been taken from her family at such a young age and mistreated up until now and be fine. I find my arms pulling Ashley closer at these thoughts, disappointed in myself for not being able to capture Dominic Sandoval yet.

I'm pulled out of these thoughts when Ashley turns over to face me. She cracks her eyes open and lazily smiles at me. "I love you Ryan" she says half asleep.

My chest feels like it's on fire.

"I love you too."