She looked fragile in his arms, almost weightless, like the storm outside could have broken her if he wasn't holding her steady. Ashton didn't hesitate. He lifted me fully, his grip firm but careful, and turned toward the villa.
Mrs. Eriksen rushed out the moment she heard the noise, worry written all over her face. Ashton didn't slow down. "Call a cab for Ms. Larson," he said flatly.
Mrs. Eriksen nodded quickly and moved without question.
Rebecca stood there, still shaken, her face pale and damp from the earlier chaos. Her eyes locked on Ashton like she was holding on to the last thread of him. "Ash…" she called softly, almost breaking.
"Go home," Ashton said without stopping.
His voice left no space for argument.
He carried me inside, past the heavy doors of the villa, while behind us I heard Mrs. Eriksen guiding Rebecca toward the cab waiting outside. The sound of rain followed us in, steady and unkind.
