Loving Ash [a.i.] {Original Version}

Chapter Thirty-Three: Never

Song: When I Look at You by Miley Cyrus

Chapter Thirty-Three: Never

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[Ashley]

"Ashley?" The knock was soft on the door, the voice behind it even softer. My eyes fluttered open and I slowly sat up. The blanket fell around my hips and a cool breeze hit my bare arms. I ran a hand through my hair, shifting the curls around. The door swung open silently revealing a tall figure standing in the doorway.

"Ash?" I asked in confusion. What was he doing? The room fell into darkness again as the door was closed. Soft footsteps came towards me before the mattress dipped next to me. "What are you doing in here? If Michael catches you--"

"I know, love," he whispered, his fingers wrapping around mine. "I just...I missed you."

I felt my cheeks heat up, a smile stretching across my face. Ashton's fingers trailed up my arm as he leaned closer. I felt his breath fan across my face seconds before his lips claimed mine. I melted into the kiss, my eyes falling shut. His mouth slanted across mine, deepening the kiss.

I kissed him back, my arms slipping around his neck and my fingers tangling in his hair. It felt perfect. He leaned forward, pushing me onto my bed and hovering over me. His hands skimmed down my sides, slipping under my tank top. His lips left mine, trailing down my jaw to my neck. I gasped in surprise as he bit down on my neck, sparks shooting straight to my heart.

"A-Ashton," I breathed out, my skin burning. His hands trailed farther up my sides, tracing shapes into my skin as he pulled away from my neck. With him this close, even in the dim lighting, I could see his eyes. They glowed with happiness as he stared down at me.

"I love you, Ashley," he whispered, brushing his nose against mine. I froze, biting my bottom lip. I still hadn't said it back. I still wasn't sure if I was in love with him. I liked him. A lot. More than I had ever liked anyone else. Ashton kissed my lips softly, bringing my eyes back to his. "It's okay, baby. You don't need to say it back."

"Ash, I--"

"No," he shook his head. "Don't say it if you're not sure."

I nodded, feeling awful that I couldn't say it back. The feeling of his fingers on my skin made me giddy, my breath heavy. His lips traced down my throat, past my collarbone leaving light kisses on every inch of exposed skin.

He looked up at me, his eyes hooded. A shiver shot up my spine at the look in his eyes. He placed a kiss in the hollow of my throat before kissing my lips softly.

"You're so beautiful, Ashley," he whispered against my lips. My cheeks flamed under his steady gaze. He made me feel so many different things. "Can I stay here tonight?"

"Yes," I mumbled, pulling him closer and kissing him hard. I felt his smile against my lips before I pulled away. "Please don't leave me."

"Never," he mumbled back, kissing me lightly before rolling off of me. He slipped under the covers, pulling me into his chest. His arms snaked around me, his face burying in my hair. "I'll never leave you."

I sighed, relaxing in his arms. My eyes fluttered shut as I snuggled deeper into Ashton. This felt right.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but whisper, "never."