Broken

• Chapter 99 •

The Christmas dinner went by normally, Ashton and I decided to ignore what had almost happened. It's been a week, today's New Year's Eve. I've also decided I need to get more fit and learn self-defense.

So I've asked Ashton to train me.

My stomach tightens as the nerves wrack my body, I glance around the almost-empty gym. There's only one elderly woman at the other end walking on the treadmill. Ashton should be here any minute. I decide to stretch and try some yoga. Not a good idea. I fall over as I try to get into the tree position.

I hear a roar of laughter behind me. I snap my head back to Ashton who's pinching the bridge of his nose, "Oh my God that was pathetic to watch."

I roll my eyes at him and stand, dusting myself off, "Shut up. I'm working on it."

He shakes his head as he approaches me, he's wearing a white tank top and dark shorts. I try to avoid staring. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

My eyebrows furrow, "Well, yeah. Obviously. That's why I'm not at home admiring Damon Salvatore's beauty and am in gym clothes at the gym instead. I have to learn how to defend myself," I shake my head, "I don't want to have to rely on you to save me every time shit happens."

He purses his lips and studies me for a while, "Fine. But if we're going to do this, I have to warn you. It won't be pretty. I don't exactly have... Mercy, when it comes to shit like this. I will work you until you feel like you're going to throw up everything you've ever eaten."

Goosebumps rise on my arms as I see another side of Ashton. A determined, ruthless side. This is the Ashton that will make me strong. He raises his eyebrows expectedly, "So, are you sure? No go-backs."

I bite my lip nervously, "I'm sure."

He nods once, "Okay. We'll start off with a warm-up."

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I've been running on the treadmill for thirty fucking minutes straight. Ashton checks his watch and stands from his seat on the floor, "Okay. You're good, cool off."

"Oh thank God," I jump off the treadmill and gulp down a considerable amount of water.

I wasn't aware of how unfit I am until this moment. No lie, it took a whole lot of will-power not to stop or slow the speed down in the middle of it. I'm struggling to catch my breath, panting and sweating profusely, and it's just the goddamn warm up. This is going to need some time to adjust to...

The thought of Hassan and Derek, and how easily they've managed to hurt me keeps me motivated to not give up. I hate having to rely on Ashton to save the day. I hate how easily they can hurt me. I'm never letting it happen again.

Ashton sighs, "Okay. Break time's over, back to work."

I groan internally and set my water bottle down. He looks over me and points to my hair, "You should probably tie your hair up."

My heart sinks into my stomach, "No."

"Why not? It's getting in your way."

"I said no, Ashton. Let it go," I hiss.

He gives me a weird look and puts his hands up in surrender. I must look so stupid and strange, but I never put my hair up. There's no way I'm exposing myself like that.

"Um, fine... Come at me with all your strength."

My eyebrows furrow, "Y-you want me to hit you? Now?"

He nods. "I don't want to hurt you," I tell him. He chuckles in amusement, "That's cute."

I narrow my eyes to slits and decide to charge for him, but it's like running into a brick wall. I frown and try again, and again, but he won't budge. "What the hell? Why won't you move?" I keep shoving and punching him, trying to get anything out of him, but nothing happens.