The Forgotten Queen

Chapter 4

Laurie P.O.V

Bianca and I started talking about what happened to me. She tells me how she's so glad she was with her brother this time. "Usually, on a Friday, I drive home alone because Aston goes to a game with his team, and one of them drive him home." Bianca explains. I listen to Bianca intently. I've never had a friend like her before. After what Olivia and Duke did to me growing up, I was too scared to make any other friends. I only have Jessie usually, and that stemmed from her helping me in the pharmacy when one of the beatings I got from school was too much. Jessie became the sister I never had then. I shake away my thoughts and start concentrating on Bianca again. Just as she starts telling me about where she lives and her life, Aston walks back through the door.

I turn to see Aston holding all my worldly possessions and feel like I'm about to throw up. "They actually let you bring me my things?" I ask, shocked. "They had no choice," he replys. "Once the doctor discharges you, you're coming home with us." I look over to Bianca, who's smiling like a Cheshire cat and back to Aston. I can't help but feel guilty and relieved all at the same time. "Are you sure you want that?" I question. " You barely even know me. Are you sure you want me in your home? I don't want to be a burden." Before I can say anything else, Aston snorts,"you could never and would never be a burden on us, Laurie. Right Bianca?" "Right" she agrees with him. "Well, if you sure, I guess I should be thanking you." I reply. A small smile makes its way across mine and Astons face as our eyes meet and lock onto each other. I can't help but feel a strange sensation coming over me whilst I'm starting into his eyes. The room fills with s****l tension. I can't believe that such an attractive man would be willing to help me and take me in like this.

Bianca clears her throat as we've gotten lost in each others eyes. We both snap out of it just as she announces "Well I'm going to go home and get a room set up for you Laurie, you two can spend some time getting to know each other then." I look over to Bianca, who is already approaching the door with a wicked grin on her face. When she sees me looking at her blushing, she gives me a little wink and walks out, closing the door behind her. Anyone would think we've been friends for years the way Bianca makes me feel so comfortable and interacts with me. I turn back round and face where Aston is now seated next to my bed. "So...." he starts, looking nervous again. "So...." I whisper, trying to find my voice. Aston is so handsome and perfect it's like just being alone and this close to him my brain has turned to mush, I can no longer form sentences or think about anything other than how attractive he is.

Aston looks up in my eyes again, and this time gives me a cheeky grin as if he can read all the dirty thoughts going through my mind. I advert my gaze feeling embarrassed and overwhelmed. I can't keep crushing on the man who just rescued me and has offered to take me into his home. Can I?

" You look so cute when you get flustered." Aston then announces, I look back over to him, and he's smiling lovingly at me again, i return his smile with a shy one of my own. I can't seem to fathome any words. I'm drawn to look at his lips, thinking about how they would fall and taste. My heart starts beating faster, I'm sure he can tell what effect he is having on me as his smile has faltered since we've been alone. He reaches up onto my lap and takes my hand into his. "Laurie, I'm so sorry for everything that the Dawsons have ever done to you. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes on. I hope that living with myself and Bianca will only let your beauty shine and grow."

I can't believe that such words are coming out of his mouth. I sit flabbergasted, unsure of how to respond. I just want to wrap myself around him and never let go. This is the first time I feel like I can finally trust a man. Hearing those words from him and how he's defended me without knowing me makes me feel safe. I peel my eyes away from where our hands are intertwined and lock eyes with the incredible male specimen sitting beside me. I have no words to thank Aston for what he has done. Instead, I focus on them tempting lips and slowly lean myself towards him. Aston leans into me as well, and just as our lips are about to touch is gentle loving kiss the door swings open again and Duke walks in.

"What do you think you're doing here?" Aston growls at Duke. Duke stands in the doorway with a stupid smug grin on his face. "I'm here to see how my girl is doing since you informed us she was here after having an accident." Duke retorts. "She's not you, girl Duke. I told you and your family to stay away from her." Aston spits through gritted teeth. Slowly, Aston stands and makes his way over to the doorway where Duke is still leaning, letting go of my hand after giving it a gentle squeeze after seeing the horror in my face. "You can continue to say she's not my girl Aston, but I believe it's my bed she's been crawling out of over the last 2 years." Duke snorts. "You know that's not what happened, Duke! Why are you saying that!" I spit out. Aston turns to look at me fuming. "Just leave Duke. You're not welcome." I'm no longer anything to you or your family." I continue. "You heard her. Leave." Aston demands. Duke sends me an evil grin, which sends shivers down my spine just before he turns to leave. Aston closes the door behind him, and I finally release a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

Aston makes his way back to the side of my bed. His face filled with worry. I close my eyes and take a deep breath as he grabs my hand once more. "I guess you need me to explain all that, don't you?" I sign defeated.