Page 64 of Broken Beauty

“Ash-“

Ash pulls me away from the bike and we walk inside the tall building. “What is this place?”

“You'll see, now shut up.”

My lips stay closed as I take in the lobby. Ash pulls me with him until we are in front of the elevator.

It dings before opening. There is a small group of business-looking men, all wearing navy blue suits with a tie. I blush and look at Ash.

He wraps a possessive arm around my waist and walks inside the elevator, going in the back.

“You are insane.”

“Watch your mouth.” He leans closer to me and his lips touch my ear making me shudder. “You're getting on my nerves and if you keep acting like a fucking brat like you did at that party, I swear I'll make you get on your knees in front of these guys in the elevator. After they watch me face fuck you, I'll fucking punch all of them until they go blind. Understand?”

I swear I make that gulp sound that people do on TV. My hands fist by my side and I feel heat run up my neck.

My thighs press together and I try not to focus on the uncomfortable ache between my legs.

One by one, the floors climb and I feel stuck in this elevator with Ash and all of these men.

One of them looks at me and I smile but Ash tightens his hold on me and glares at the guy. “Keep looking at her and I'll rip your eyes out.” The guy immediately turns his head while all of his buddies snicker and look at Ash.

Finally, we stop and I look at the floor we're on.

Five floors below the top floor.

The elevator opens and one of the guys turns their head and looks at me. “Good luck tonight, lass. You'll need it with this one.”

“Hurry up and get out, Richard, before I threaten you.”

“Wouldn't want to catch a lawsuit with you, boy.” Richard and his buddies walk out.

Ash and I follow them out, but he turns a corner and walks all the way down to the only door in this hallway.

Oh God.

Ash unlocks the door and he pushes it open before walking in, holding the door open for me to walk in.

I walk in slowly and my eyes trail over the windows that overlook the city with the beach in the background.

“Is this your apartment?” I ask as Ash closes the door behind me.

The view he has outside his window is so appealing. You can see all of the city lights and then the dark sea. The city looks alive in the dark. I've never been to a view this high before to look over the city.

“Yes.” Ash takes his phone out of his pocket and he tosses it on the couch near us as well as his keys. Ash turns around and faces me. “Do you know why I'm mad?”

Fear and excitement creep up my neck and I take a step back. “Because I danced with another guy.”

“Because you let another guy put his fucking hands on you, Ariella.” Ash takes a step towards me. “I've been trying so hard to leave you alone and let you be but you keep pushing my limits.” Ash takes another step closer which makes me take another step back. It's like a little game between him and I. Who will win between the two of us? “I've had enough and I've given you so many changes. I'm done.”

“What are you going to do?” I ask, trying to stay calm.

He won't hurt me.

But at the same time, that's what Ash likes doing. He likes to hurt people.

He likes that feeling of distress. He gets off on it.