Damaged ♡ Lashton ✔

Chapter 17

"I love you, Ashton." His eyes widen in shock as he stares back at me, mouth falling open slightly. I watch him carefully, heart racing as I wait for him to say something – anything really. I'd settle for a 'thanks' at this point, I just want him to speak. "Ash...?" I whisper nervously, my heart starting to race faster and my palms getting sweaty.

Oh god, why did I have to open my mouth? Obviously he doesn't feel the same way. I mean, why would he? I'm a fucking basket case. I just spent the last hour sobbing in his arms over dropping a stupid dish. I'm too damaged to be loved by someone as pure and amazing as Ashton Irwin – I'm like a dark cloud that's just going to snuff out his light over time.

I close my eyes briefly as I accept his silence and move to climb out of his lap, only to have his arms tighten around me. I glance up in time to watch a tear fall from his bright, glassy eyes. I frown, but before I have a chance to say anything, he crashes his lips to mine. I let out a small squeak in surprise, taken aback by the abrupt movement and the intensity of his kiss. My eyes slip closed as I return the kiss, hesitantly wrapping my arms around his neck as he pulls me impossibly closer. He pulls away shortly after and nuzzles his face in my neck, panting gently from the effects of our kiss.

"I love you, Luke," he whispers and my eyes immediately fill with tears, thankfully of the happy variety this time. I clutch him even closer to me and close my eyes as he kisses my neck. "I love you so much. You've become such an important part of my life, and I honestly can't imagine living without you now. I have no idea how I ever managed before I met you, quite frankly. You mean the world to me, Princess, and I am so beyond grateful that I get to call you mine." My cheeks heat up with a blush and a few pesky tears slip free as my lips stretch in a grin so wide that it actually kind of hurts. He must feel my tears drop onto his skin because he pulls away slowly and brushes them away with his thumb. "God I hope these are happy tears," he mumbles, looking into my eyes. I giggle and nod, sniffling quietly and wiping my cheeks.

"They are. I was kinda preparing myself for a rejection to be completely honest. Thank you for being so patient with me and giving me a chance, even though I'm sure I don't make it easy some days." He frowns and immediately starts shaking his head as he presses a finger to my lips to make me stop talking.

"I would never reject you, Princess. I know you've been hurt in the past, more than I can ever even begin to fathom, but I need you to trust me and believe that I would never do that to you. The thought of you in pain kills me, and I swear I will do everything in my power to help you heal." I blink away a few more tears as I nod, pressing my lips to his once again.

"I love you," I whisper against his lips and he chuckles quietly, giving me a gentle squeeze.

"Hearing you say that will never get old, darling."

"Good, because it feels so good to finally say it," I reply with a giggle as I rub my nose against his.

We stay curled up on the floor together for a little while longer until my legs start to fall asleep, so I reluctantly climb out of his lap and hold a hand out for him. He gratefully takes it and pulls himself up, immediately pulling me into his arms once he's upright.

"Are you feeling better now, love?" he asks softly as he rubs my back soothingly, almost as though he's expecting me to break again. I kiss his shoulder softly and nod before looking up at him with a soft smile.

"Yes. Thank you." He returns my smile and kisses me softly.

"When would you like to head over to Cory's place?" I glance at a clock hanging on the wall and notice it's already almost three in the afternoon.

"We can leave whenever you'd like, I'm fine with going whenever." He kisses my cheek and takes my hand in his, leading me over to the door.

"Let's head over now."