Strings

Chapter 29

I'll have to make peace with what it is and carry on with my life with dignity and courage and move on; and just keep the small glimmer of hope alive that one day, some time, the four of us will be able to keep aside our differences and find our way back to each other; someday, somehow.

I take a deep sigh and find myself passing out on the couch; and I know I would wake up with a sore neck and back pain tomorrow but right now I couldn't be bothered as I welcome sleep as it comes. I am so tired. More exhausted than I've ever been in a long long time.

.

The sensation of being lifted follows me soon after, a comfortable warmth and the most delicious smell of icy pinecone and cigarettes infiltrating my system as I curl myself further into the warmth.

Too drowsy and exhausted beyond belief to register what was happening, I feel my body making contact with my soft pillows and fluffy duvet. Ah, comfort. But as soon as my head hits my pillow, my eyes snap open, and I come face-to-face with Hayden's beautiful face as he covers me with my duvet; he stares passionately into my eyes, his eyes raging with stormy green and eerie blue; he really had the most beautiful, most exquisite pair of eyes I had ever come across.

My sleep withers out as swiftly as it came and I become hyper-aware of his body so close to mine, his arms placed on either side of me and my own hand placed around his neck. I could pull him closer if I wanted to; it would be so so easy.

My breath hitches at the realization, as he leans in, resting his forehead against mine; I could relish in his presence forever; must he leave?

"Hayden" I find myself saying on my own accord.

He takes a deep breath, not responding for a moment, as his lips make contact with the skin on my forehead.

"Ask me to stay." he says quietly.

"huh?"

"Ask me to stay and I will."

"Stay" I whisper, my breath shaky.

"Again. Ask me again."

"Hayden, stay with me" I let out shakily.

He looks straight into my eyes, the intensity in his gaze knocking the air out of my lungs and hits me with the most dazzling eyes, I could stare at him forever, as he strokes the top of my head, playing with my sprawled out locks of hair as he says nothing, just sliding next to me. His arm still around my waist which he uses to pull me closer, wrapping his arms around me, as I hear his heart thumping wildly against his chest. I feel calm instantly and raise my palm to place it on his chest right above his heart as it beats rhythmically under my hand. He kisses my forehead, his lips lingering there for a while before he whispers softly.

"Goodnight Avery."

I feel flutters all over my stomach and I can only find myself responding with a vague drowsily mumbled 'mmhmm' as I snuggle into his chest and let sleep envelop me.

***

Hayden

She sleeps soundly next to me, taking small soft breaths, her head against my chest and her arms around me. Her beautiful locks of hair sprawled behind her, she looks heavenly. How does one look so breathtaking so early in the morning? How does one look so breathtaking while still asleep?

I make an attempt to move, but she just makes a noise of disapproval, snuggling into me further. I don't mind. I can just stay here looking at her all morning. Light peaks in from the windows and the soft rays of sun glide smoothly against her flawless skin, making her look majestic as it illuminates her otherwise earthy brown locks of hair into a beautiful shade of honey brown, that fell lazily across the side of her face. Her eyelids flutter and she opens her gorgeous eyes almost looking confused. She finally registers me next to her and her beautiful eyes widen as her chest heaves up and down. I make no attempt to move or look away. I couldn't even if I wanted to. She took my breath away.

Her erratic breathing calms down on its own and she looks away, her adorable blush coloring the skin on her face and neck; and I can't help the smile that makes its way on my face. Everything I've ever achieved, everything that made me proud; I had to work my ass off. Morning to night, I slogged to get where I am, to have what I have, but as I looked at Avery right now, her cheeks decorated with a delicious blush of red, her eyes like pools of chocolate and her auburn brown illuminated under the rays and her precious precious soul; I knew then I was indeed the luckiest man alive. 

"Good morning beautiful." I say softly watching her react adorably to it.

"M-morning" she mumbles quietly.

I can't help but laugh as I get up with no protest from Avery this time.

"Freshen up and come downstairs; I'll make breakfast."

She sits on her bed, watching me curiously for a second.

"Y-you can cook?"

Having nothing to say to her I throw her quick wink, leaning down to kiss her on the side of the face. Her eyes widen at the contact and she seems to freeze and seems to go even more red than I thought was possible. So fucking adorable. She could kill me and I won't even protest; I'd die happily.

But rest assured, I can and I most definitely kill anything and anyone who'd put her in danger's way again. Even if its her own fucking family. It was hell protecting her from The Fawkes; since before we got married; to keep her safe; to keep an eye out there at all times making sure she is safe and sound and even that wasn't enough. She was still attacked. No more. I'd like to see that bitch Olivia or any other person come even within a mile of Avery. My Avery.

I'll annihilate them. I'll fucking annihilate them all.

HI GUYS!!!

How have you all been? Here is this week's super cute, super sweet update that sees major progress in the romantic storyline of Avery and Hayden and I hoped you loved reading it as much as I loved writing it!!!

I've been getting a few questions from several readers so I'd like to officially announce it here. Yes, you're right, Avery is finally free from the danger of The Fawkes and her attackers (the mob) under who's danger she has been since the very first chapter of this book, might I add but this does not solve the issues she is still very much going to be having from her own family. So the plot is going to proceed from here (with of course, super fluffy and heart warming Avery-Hayden content!) while also showing how Avery navigates her career in the business world after earning and securing such a high and respectable position (as the VP) at the Knight Enterprises.

So all in all, I hope you enjoyed Strings so far because I've a few more things planned to wrap up this novel nicely and in what I hope is the best, most satisfactory ending ever to you all, My readers! Old and new; I love you!

Do keep voting and commenting and spreading the word and keep interacting with me; you already know I like nothing more!

Do comment what you think happens next; and hang around for the next update; this time, next week!

All my love, always

xxxx