Chapter 325

‘It’s me.’ Ashton’s voice reached me first. A second later, he appeared on the staircase landing. Yvaine was close behind him, sounding flustered. ‘I told you you can’t just barge in!’ I looked up at his familiar face. ‘What are you doing here?’ ‘I’m here to take my wife home.’ He scooped me up into his arms. I was already in my pyjamas. Embarrassed, I pushed against his chest. ‘Let me go! My friend’s right here. What do you think you’re doing?’ Ashton turned his head. Yvaine was standing a few paces away, arms crossed. She looked at me. ‘Just say the word, Mira. I’ve got pepper spray.’ ‘You’re going to let her spray me?’ Ashton asked. ‘I…’ I shook my head. ‘No.’ ‘Then let’s go home.’ ‘I don’t want to go home. Put me down.’ ‘I’m not putting you down unless you agree to come home with me.’ Without waiting for a reply, Ashton simply carried me downstairs. As we passed Yvaine, she caught my eye. I shook my head faintly. She shook hers in return. ‘You’re hopeless.’ Then she called after As