Broken Souls by Beth Ashworth Read Free Book Online Page B

her eyes to adjust to the light streaming in through the window. Casting a glance towards the digital alarm clock on the bedside table, she was surprised to find it was almost midday.
    “ I must have needed that sleep.” She lifted her right hand and gingerly rubbed the side of her face as a yawn escaped her lips.
    The pounding on the door resumed as Ashley slipped her feet into her slippers and pulled on a large hooded jumper. She exhaled a large breath. Clearly the person hammering on her door this morning had a death wish. Nobody in their right mind would bother her at this time on a Sunday.
    “ Yeah, I'm coming,” she hollered, thrusting her hands into the pockets of her jumper. She stepped into the hallway, but hesitated as she approached Gabby's closed bedroom door. Instinctively, Ashley reached out and placed her hand against the wood.
    She was truly gone.
    After a brief stop in the hallway, she made her way towards the front door to silence the incessant banging. Reaching for the latch, she stilled her hand. “Who is it?”
    “ You should have a peep hole.”
    She recognised Ben's voice instantly and turned the latch on the door. “How is that relevant?” she said, giving him a weak smile.
    He raised an eyebrow as he side-stepped past her into the living room. “Are you feeling alright?”
    “ No,” she replied quietly, closing the door behind him and locking the latch. “I was asleep. Luckily it managed to evade my nightmares, so it didn’t hit me until I woke-up.”
    “ Ashley...”
    “Hmm?” She acknowledged him and walked into the open plan kitchen. Opening the fridge, she stuck her head inside to inspect what they had. “Can I get you a drink, Ben?” She pulled out a bottle of water and cocked her head to the side waiting for his answer.
    H e shook his head. “Umm, no thanks. Listen, Ashl — ”
    “ Are you hungry?” she interrupted, her stomach rumbling loudly. “I could eat a freaking cow right about now. I'll make bacon or something?” She turned her back on him and began pulling out frying pans and other cooking utensils.
    She was trying to keep busy, delaying the inevitable conversation that she could sense Ben was trying to prompt. She wasn’t ready to talk about it right now.
    Food was going to be her distraction.
    She decided that it would take her mind off of things for a little while. Keeping busy was going to be the key to her survival.
    As she placed the rashers of bacon into the pan, she flicked a glance over her shoulder at Ben. He was leaning against the back of the sofa, a pair of swollen eyes focusing on her every movement. His hardened gaze was unnerving her, but she tried to not let it put her off.
    “ So... I didn’t think you would be here so soon after you left?” She heard the curiosity in her own voice as she turned on the gas hob.
    “ Ashley, is it wrong for me to be concerned about you?” He raised his arms into the air before bringing them down loudly against his thighs. “Is it wrong for me to be feeling extremely shitty about everything that happened when we got back last night? I wanted to be here for you, and to apologise again. I shouldn't have said what I did about you being selfish and not contacting me.”
    She paused.
    “I-I-I...” Stumbling over her words, she placed the spatula on the counter and turned to face him fully. “Please, Ben. I'm not ready to talk about it just yet.” She saw his jaw clench as she continued to speak. “I-I mean about last night that is.”
    His eyes were unreadable as she quivered uncomfortably in front of him. Ashley felt the back of her throat growing increasingly dry as she forcefully gulped down the remaining saliva in her mouth.
    Jerking his head to the side, Ben flared his nostrils wide. “I am so angry with myself, Ashley. If I could take back what I said last night then I would. I don't want you to be upset with me... I was just hurt.” She saw his hand curl against the jeans he wore. “I mean, I'm