We didn't speak on the way back. The silence between us felt heavy, like something unfinished sitting in the air. By the time we reached the villa, my body was already drained, my thoughts slow and messy, and I just wanted rest.
Ashton carried me out of the car without a word and took me straight into the bedroom. He laid me on the bed and told me not to fall asleep yet, that I should wash up first. I barely responded and pulled the blanket over myself, ready to drift off right there. He saw it and lifted me again, pulling me out from under the blanket and carrying me into the bathroom.
"Wash up first," he said softly, but there was that firm edge in his voice that always made it hard to argue. "Or you'll feel worse tomorrow."
I gave up and leaned into him, still half-asleep. When I reached for my toothbrush, he took it from me, squeezed toothpaste on it, then handed it back with a glass of water. He told me to brush properly, like I didn't know how to take care of myself.
