Chapter 18: In Which He Bribes Her

Ashton opened the glove compartment of his truck and slid the USB device inside it before securing it close. This USB device was his bargaining chip and it wasn't easy to obtain from the Takaheshi database, he had to surpass many security checks but in the end he was successful in finding the information he needed regarding the next weapons consignment and it was all in there.
He heaved out a long sigh as the time now read a little past twelve noon.
He pulled out of the Takaheshi estate drive way and headed home where he had previously left Sora who he really hoped hadn't taken an Uber back to her home.
He wanted to see her beautiful face before dropping her home himself.
He wanted to ask her to move in with him but he was afraid that it was too soon, plus, Sora had her grandmother who she might not agree to leave.
So he kept quiet about it. Even though the thought of waking up to her angelic face made an unfamiliar warmth spread in his chest which only happened when he was with her. She had that effect on him and he could only hope that she felt the same around him.
Ashton took long strides inside his house as he got out of his truck. The anticipation to see his girlfriend was almost baffling to him but he didn't care.
There she was inside, sitting in the lounge on the black leather couch, wrapped up in a burrito blanket that she had brought along with her on her first sleepover at his place and since then it had been staying at his place.
He wasn't very proud to admit that he would sometimes wear it at night himself as it smelt fruity like her.
He'd die before ever letting anyone in on that secret.
She was watching a Korean drama on his Netflix again. He'd found out she loved those, even though he didn't much see the appeal and found reading the subtitles while watching the show as too much work, he didn't complain, he watched it with her because it made her happy. Also, now all his Netflix recommendations were of Korean dramas which made him smile as it always reminded him of her.
He went behind her and crouched down to her ear.
"I see you just got up, I really wore you out last night" he said right beside her ear making her whip her head up at him.
She had bed hair and a mug of strawberry flavored green tea that Ashton had started to keep in the house on account of her really liking it.
"Yes... I didn't realize the time and when I got up it was already 11:30 I am just glad that it was Sunday. When did you leave?" She asked, her face flushed when he mentioned the events of the night before, placing a hand on his stubbly cheek that he took a hold of and gently kissed before making his way to the front and taking a seat on the couch.
"I left really early, around 7, don't worry about it, I am just glad you didn't leave in my absence" he pulled her against him, wrapping an arm around her and she snuggled into him more along with the blanket.
"Well... about that, I called my grandmother to let her know that I'll be a bit late since I woke up late and now she insists on meeting you. I did tell her that I have I boyfriend now and she was very happy for me but now she wants to meet you, she asked me to bring you over for lunch... what do you think?" Sora asked nervously.
Ashton had never thought of a scenario where a girl would introduce him to her family. He sweeped blood and guts and bagged bodies for a living for crying out loud but here this girl was asking him if he would meet her grandmother.
"Do you want me to meet her?" Ashton asked.
"Of course silly, but only if you're comfortable. I do wanna show off my boyfriend you know" she said with a toothy grin which made him smile.
How did he land such a precious girl?
"Then I will go with you to meet her" he agreed.
"That's great! But let's just not tell her about your whole work thing, I do t wanna give my poor grandma a stroke. Let's just tell her you work in IT, is that okay?" She asked.
"That's probably a good idea" Ashton agreed, the last thing he wanted was to introduce himself as an accomplice to all sorts of murders to her grandmother.
"I really should shower and get ready but I have nothing to wear but last night's clothes and I can't really go over to my house in your clothes in front of my grandmother" she made a face at wearing last night's clothes again.
Maybe she should start keeping an outfit or two here for future. The thought sounded pleasing.
"Don't worry about it. I got something for you a while ago. Sit tight, I'll be right back" Ashton got up leaving the couch and making her miss his comforting body heat and back rest.
She seemed to always want to be near him. She didn't want to be a clingy girlfriend but she couldn't help it when her boyfriend was this cling worthy.
She got all shy at her own thoughts.
Moments later Ashton returned with a Two Gucci shopping bags in hand and placed them next to her on the couch.
Sora looked at him wide eyed and then at the bags and then at him again.
"Well... open it, see if you like it, I have never really shopped for girls but this seemed to be something I thought you would like and it was on the mannequin" Ashton scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Sora opened the first bag and took out the dress inside.
She was in awe.
It was a lavender colored candy dress with Peter Pan collar and a very shiny golden Gucci belt on the bodice.
She loved it.
"So?" Ashton asked nervously.
"Ashton this is lovely, it's one of the best things I am ever gonna own" she said.
Ashton looked up at her and let out a sigh of relief, he was so very glad that she liked it.
"Well, open the other one" he told her and she did so.
She pulled out an adorable Gucci marmont purse in hot pink colour and the signature Gucci letters on the front in golden.
"You really didn't have to Ashy, but these are amazing, thank you so so much, I love you" Sora said jumping on him with a hug and he successfully caught her, pulling her into his arms as she locked lips with him in a chaste kiss.
"I am glad you liked them because there will be more to come" Ashton said with a small smile.
"You trying to bribe me Ashy?" She asked playfully.
"Well, depends, is it working?" He asked with a brow raised deciding to play along.
"Why yes sir it is" she said with a giggle as he attacked her neck with open mouth kisses which were sure to leave marks later on.