Broken

• Chapter 51 •

I wince as Ashton pulls away from me, my bruises feel raw and painful. His eyebrows slam down abruptly.

"You okay?"

I wipe my face and nod, I'm a fucking mess. By the time I blink back to reality, Ashton's not looking at my face. He's staring at my (his) hoodie. I glance down and realize that he actually isn't. It's hiked up to my lower bra line, exposing my waist completely.

Exposing the bruise completely.

I feel the blood rush to my face, I tug the hoodie down and quickly get up, only to stagger backward.

"... How hard did he fucking grab you?" he whispers more to himself than anything.

His eyes snap up to meet mine and it takes less than a second to realize he's full-on fuming.

"I should've killed that fucking bastard," he hisses and clenches his jaw, pacing back and forth a couple of times before deciding to take his anger out on my poor door, slamming it shut on his own hand.

"Ashton! What the fuck?" my voice screeches.

I run up to him, he clenches his fist in pain and swears under his breath.

"Ugh, you idiot. What the hell?" I scold him with furrowed eyebrows.

I grab his hand and my face relaxes in surprise. Not only is this hand now fucking bleeding, his other hand is busted up and bruised as well. How had I not noticed that, before? How hard did he beat up that asshole? I suddenly grow quiet.

"We have to wrap your hand. You're bleeding," I say feebly. Then scrunch up my eyebrows, bringing a hand to my throat. I can speak. Although my voice is still raspy, painful and low, I can speak. He seems to realize it then, too, as his expression softens.

That doesn't last. "I'm perfectly fucking fine. What the hell did he do to you?" he hisses.

"I—"

His eyes roam my body for any other noticeable bruises, but I'm fully covered for a goddamn reason.

"Show me your back."

I frown, "Excuse me?" I fold my arms across my chest. There's no way I'm getting undressed for him to see my bruised back.

He rolls his eyes at me, "Clementine. Show me."

I grit my teeth, "I'm. Fine."

"What the fuck? What if you broke something? Stop being so damn stubborn. Show me what the fuck he did. How much pain are you in right now?" his eyes are intense and furious.

I don't want anyone to see me like this. He has already seen too much, and he's a STRANGER. He probably thinks I'm weak and pathetic and fragile.

"Clementine..." his voice is gentle, as though he's reading my mind.

He searches my eyes, genuine concern seeps through his features. I swallow the lump in my throat. I don't like this display of affection. I can take care of myself, I don't need his or anyone's help.

"I'm fine, Ashton. I can take care of myself," my voice wavers towards the end, making me doubt myself. Can I? If he hadn't been there, I could be dead.

He steps towards me and tucks a hair strand from my face behind my ear, eyes still locked on mine. A shiver runs down my spine at his touch, I'm completely captivated.

He nods and caresses the side of my face. I subconsciously nuzzle my face into the palm of his hand, his touch spreads a surprising warmth across my entire body. "I know you can..." he says softly, "You just don't have to."