Ava's POV
As my voice echoed in the room, he made a slow turn and faced me blankly.Until now, I hadn't spoken those words out loud, and the gravity that followed those words seemed to crash all over me like waves on a beach.I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry so much until there were no tears left to shed.Tears streamed down my face, and the grief seemed to claw its way up my throat, choking me as more rolled down my face.My chest burned aggressively as the pain sliced through me like a knife. It had been hours since the incident—hours.An elongated amount of time of which I hadn't had the chance to process any of this yet. Fernando and my Aunt had died, and I hadn't had a grieving moment yet. Everything was overwhelming and so hard to believe.I still couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it, and yet here I was, "Fernando was killed at our wedding," I added in a croaked voice, and the words didn't even seem to faze him as he glared at me blankly."I know he was shot, Ava, but I wouldn't go as far as to declare him dead yet until I see some proof."His expression was blank, and yet there was a glint in his eyes at the thought of his death.I cocked my head, "Proof? You want proof of his death?" I asked, and then it suddenly hit me slowly."Wait. You didn't…You weren't the one that sent—"He grinned, "Pray that he comes for you, Ava," he said, cutting me off briskly, "It would be a tragedy if he doesn't."He walked down to me, and I clutched the torn pieces of my dress tightly like it could cover anything he hadn't already seen."Why? Why did you…." The question wouldn't leave my lips, and I doubted he would answer anyway.It felt like a nightmare, and looking into this man's eyes was dreadful.His eyes were a darker shade of brown, plain, and full of darkness. It was like looking down a dark tunnel. It was troubling, and yet, for some reason, it had an allure. One that tugged at my chest.He leaned forward, "It's such a shame what I'd have to do to you if Nando doesn't come to save you... Let us hope he loves you enough."I frowned.I couldn't believe this Nando guy was Fernando. The Fernando I knew wasn't the guy anyone would want to kill, and yet—It didn't make any sense. There was no way Fernando could have known these people —this man.There was no way in hell, and yet this man didn't look like someone who came for me by accident.What did he have against Fernando?? What—Does it even matter? Even if Fernando and Nando were the same person. It didn't matter because he was dead, and therefore, he couldn't possibly come to save me.Neither could my aunt.They were both dead, and I was alone in this world and in the hands of this man who had killed them both.For what? Why? I still didn't know what was going on.A cold chill went down my spine. What would become of me? What would he do to me?Terrible thoughts crossed my mind, chilling me to my very bone. I clenched my fist tightly, strengthening my resolve.I couldn't give up hope now. I had to be brave. It was the only way I could ever get out of this place."You can't keep me here," I declared, meeting his gaze.A wry smile crossed his lips, "Really? And why is that?" he questioned, looking amused. He really seemed to be enjoying this, and it irked me."Because they will find you," I spat confidently and prayed I sounded as believable as I hoped. It was the only chance I had."Who? Nando?" he quizzed. "Of course I want him to find me—""My friends. I can bet they have already told the police that they cannot find me, and very soon they will find you!" I enunciated.Miguel responded with an outburst of laughter, mocking me."Friends?" he repeated with a smirk, taking a step toward me, and I stepped back instinctively, swallowing hard.He took another step and another until I was backed against the wall. He leaned forward, and I turned my face away to avoid him trying to kiss me again. I tightened my grip on my clothes, holding onto them like my life depended on it. "Do you have friends, Ava?" he asked, pressing his mouth to my ear and grazing my skin with his warm breath.His breath caused my stomach to churn and I shut my eyes. My heart was pounding erratically and my lungs suddenly felt drier than ever."Will the police really look for you?" he quizzed, turning my face to him so he could see the fear in my eyes."The thing is," he leaned closer so that our lips were only an inch away from touching.He touched my cheeks subtly with the tip of his finger as he spoke, "I don't think anyone would look for you or even know you're missing. Nando is your only chance for survival. If he doesn't show then you're as good as dead," he grinned.I was trembling before him. My eyes prickled with tears but I didn't dare cry. Instead, I summoned the courage to respond.I smirked, "You'll be arrested for killing my fiance and my dear Aunt. I'll make sure you go to jail. You monster!" I exclaimed and spat on his face.He stepped back instantly, touching the spit on his face before glancing at me. His eyes were bloodshot and the sight of them made me shiver.It was a bad idea. I realized that now as I watched him storm toward me with a wrath like none I had ever seen. I tried to make a run for it, but it was too late.Miguel grabbed me and tossed me to the bed with force. I fell on the hard foam, and before I could pick myself up from the bed, he flipped me over to him.I shut my eyes instantly as he stretched his hand to me, and I feared the impact of his punch.Instead of a punch, though, Miguel reached for my clothes and ripped off the rest of the dress from my body or whatever was left of it.I was left completely bare to his eyes.He tossed the material to the floor and dug his hand in his pocket, pulling out his phone.My eyes widened in shock at the realization of what was to come hit me. I quickly wrapped my arms around myself, trying to shield my body.Miguel opened his coat, exposing the pistol he carried, "Cover up, and I'll shoot you in the leg," he threatened with a cold glare that burned through me.I froze at the sight of it, and he used my state to yank my hands off, opening me up. I was helpless as I lay there on the bed, tears streaming down my face quietly while he stood before me. This time, he didn't stop at the sight of my tears.I saw the flash of his camera as he took multiple photos of me, and my heart broke into pieces.When he was done, he held the phone in his hand, holding it up and moving it back and forth, "I'm gonna put this picture on the black market. Hopefully, Nando will see it," he smirked. "I think if he loves you enough, this should have him running to me," he grinned, lowering the cell and slipping it into his pocket.I lay on the bed helplessly, crying my eyes out. "You're the devil."He rolled his eyes, "I know, which is why you shouldn't anger me by doing something as stupid as spitting on me. Otherwise, it will be the last thing you do."Miguel's eyes fixed on me keenly, and I noticed how his gaze continued to wander over my naked figure. I saw the hunger in his eyes, and the intensity of his gaze made me melt.I felt disgusted.I yanked at the sheets, pulling them over me before something else happened.It would kill me if this devil laid a hand on me, but somehow, deep down, I doubted that it would."You'll be arrested for this," I whimpered as I covered my body."Give up on the idea that the police will save you," he mumbled. "Nobody can save you from me, Ava. Nobody," He emphasized."Anyways, you've had a long day. I think it's time we call it a night. Get some rest," he smiled, walking to the door and turning one last time, "Tomorrow is a new day," he said before he finally left the room.Ava's POV I heard the lock click as the door slammed shut behind him but I didn't look. I felt glued to the bed, pinned by grief and my overall situation. The sound of his receding footstep grew fainter by the second, and after a few minutes had casually swung by, there was nothing to hear but dreadful silence.It was deafening, and for a while, I just laid on the bed, staring at the white ceiling and feeling the crumbled pieces of my life collapse upon me. It was heavy. The truth of my situation was heavy as everything that had happened over the last few hours slowly dawned on me.Hot tears trickled down the sides of my face. It was warm and a bit soothing. I didn't blink. I didn't move. I just laid there, crying quietly —grieving. I replayed the shoot-out at the wedding in my head. The memory of Fernando's body taking a hit and falling to the ground flashed before my eyes.The horror of the moment seeped into me gradually —the oscillation from happiness to despair was one I wa
Miguel's POVAfter I left Ava's room, I swung by the study to see if Perez was still there with Niko. I doubted they'd still be there, considering how bad Niko's condition was when I left. He probably needed more than a doctor. Perez should have taken him to the hospital to treat his wounds by now, but who knew? Sometimes, that guy took my orders a little too seriously. I grinned, squeezing the doorknob and walking into the study.Perez was seated before my desk when I walked in, "You're back," he declared.I looked at the couch —it was still stained with blood, but Niko was gone. "The doctor said he needed a blood transfusion and admitted him to the hospital," he explained, following my gaze on the couch."That's good," I nodded and made my way to the bar, helping myself to some brandy, "Want a glass?" I quizzed, veering my head to Perez.He nodded briskly and then asked, "So, how did it go with the girl? Did you find her?"I poured him a glass and took it to him, taking my seat b
Ava's POVI ran around the garden with as much speed as I could gather. I did everything in my power to lose the guards that were chasing me, but it didn't work. They were faster, and I was no match for them. I didn't give up, though.Even when I realized that it was going to be impossible to get away, I knew for certain that I was going to get caught, and still, I kept running like there was an actual chance to escape them. I just didn't want to give up.The number of guards chasing me increased as other men on patrol noticed us and joined in. In a matter of minutes, I was swamped by their numbers. The chances of escaping, which was nearly impossible, hit the ground. It didn't take any time before one of the guards grabbed me by the arm, forcing me to a stop, and I fell, letting out a groan.One of the guards pulled me back up, "I've got you," he said, holding onto me."Leave me alone!" I shouted, trying to wriggle my arm from his grasp. His grip was too tight, and it stung my fle
Miguel's POVI was up as early as 6 a.m. for my routine jog around the compound and my exercises. After that, I hit the shower to get ready for another busy day. I adjusted my collar before the mirror, picked up my coat, and threw it on. I slipped, Killer inside my coat, along with a new pack of cigarettes and a lighter. I buttoned up, straightening my coat, and then headed out of the room."Good morning, Mr. Castello," the guards chorused as I stepped out of the room."Morning," I mumbled, walking briskly as I went straight to the room on the lower floor where I had taken Ava last night after she slept. After she attempted to escape, which was luckily hindered by the guards, I realized that keeping her might take extra effort, so I decided to move her to another room with no chance for escape.A room with no windows or a large air vent. I'd like to see her try to escape this place. Last night, I had been careless, but that wasn't going to happen again. I wasn't going to let her s
Ava's POVMy mind emptied as the gunshot echoed through the room. His body dropped just like Fernando's, and the wedding incident flashed before my eyes as I watched this stranger fall to the floor.My eyes darted to Miguel, and he slipped the pistol back in his coat like nothing happened. He shot him. Nobody screamed. There wasn't even a squeak.The event replayed in my head repeatedly, filling me with horrors. Miguel had made good on his threat last night. He killed the man who had tried to rape me. It really wasn't a bluff. My body shuddered. A lump grew in my throat, and I felt sick to my stomach.Miguel caught my gaze as he turned to me blankly. His eyes were vacant —no emotion, no remorse, just empty as though he hadn't just taken a life. I lowered my gaze instantly, unable to look at him. He was a killer.I hated the man who tried to force his way with me, but still… I never wanted him to be murdered like this. But he brought it up on himself. It was his fault and this d
Miguel's POVMy hunger for Ava had continued to grow like wildfire over the past few days since I brought her here. Having her so close seemed to be eating away at me in more ways than one. Her allure was strong and irresistible, and every night in my bed, I dreamt of her— of screwing her brains out, exploring her body, eating her out, and reveling in her sweet moans.It was all I could think about daily. She was my biggest fantasy. I had never craved a woman’s body so much in my life as much as I wanted her. It just couldn't be helped. Every moment I was in the room with Ava, I fantasized about all the ways I wanted to have her, and all it did was fuel my hunger for her—which was, at this point, insatiable.I woke up to those pairs of green eyes glaring at me from the cage as usual. It was our routine now and I loved it.If those eyes could kill, I would be dead by now. The thoughts alone intrigued me, fueling my lust further.I sat up, pulled the sheets aside, got out of bed, and
Ava's POVThe door slammed shut as Miguel left, and the room was swamped in silence.A cruel company that I have had to keep each time he left for work or wherever it was that he went to every morning. I had no idea.It was really none of my business, and I had to assume that whatever he was up to couldn't be good for anyone.But like I thought earlier, it was really not any of my business.The only thing I cared about right now was getting out of this goddamn place and having him arrested for all his crimes—murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, among many other things. I was pretty sure I'd find more crimes if I looked. Yet the more I thought about it I heaved a sigh, looking around the cage.There was really no escape from this place.It had been days since Miguel had me locked in here like a prisoner, and with each day that went by, my hope for freedom waned. My spirit was down. All I could do was wait —I didn't exactly know what I was waiting for or how I was ever going to get o
AVA'S POVHer eyes flared as she shook the cage, barking at me, “And what do you think is funny, huh!” she yelled.I giggled softly and shrugged. She was hilarious, and it was maybe her only good quality. Perhaps Miguel kept her around for the laugh.My giggles only seemed to provoke her even more, “What?” she grimaced, “You think you're better than me because you're prettier. That kind of thing won't work on Don—”“Then why the warning?” I cut in, cocking a brow, as I got to my feet and drew closer to the iron bar that separated us.“Why are you so worked up about it if you are sure you're all he wants, and there's nothing about me that could attract him?” I cocked my head to the side, daring her to respond.She fell silent at first before she spoke again, “Because I know your type. You're the kind of girl who thinks she can get anything she wants just because she's pretty, and I'm sure you're targeting Don Miguel, but you'll never have him. I won't allow it!” she exclaimed.I scoffe
Ava's POVIt had been a week since the Jet incident, and Mason's death.The cops had done their part with the investigation and had managed to connect the hospital explosion, and the van explosion together linking it to Lino.They had also traced some of his illegal businesses to Naples among other crimes and shut it down but since there was no one to punish that was all they could do.Angela, on the other hand, was arrested, and sentenced to ten years in prison for impersonation, fraud, and for being Fernando's accomplice which was a lot less than she deserved.Miguel and I had stuck around for the investigation, and I was pretty glad when it was finally over and done with. There was nothing more that I wanted in my life than to put the hellish past behind us and focus on the promise of the future.Whatever was in store for Miguel and me was something I was dying to see.The days after the incident at the Jet
Ava's POV Miguel was there, sleeping peacefully with Mary Grace cuddled into his side.My heart felt hurt and I wished for just one second I could turn back the hands of time —just to make myself worthy again.But all of those were just wishes.I couldn't risk another moment around them for fear of causing them more problems. It was clear that I was the secret ingredient for trouble. And for the people I loved to be safe, I had to be far from them.I scooped Mary Grace from her bed quietly not wanting to wake Miguel. I kissed her forehead, tears gathering in my eyes as I whispered. “I love you, sweetie, and I'll always be here. I'll always be watching you like a hawk but for now, mama has to go,” I pressed my lips to her head again, and again.“I'm going to miss you, darling, but don't worry you're in safe hands. Your dad will take good care of you,” I squeezed her in my arms and then finally laid her in the crib, not wanting to risk waking Miguel up by dropping her by his side as s
Ava's POV A gun rolled to the entrance of the cockpit and I only hesitated for a second before handing Mary Grace to Gracie. I knew what I had to do.I walked over to the door and picked it up as Lino stretched out his gun to Miguel. I stood behind them but none of them noticed my appearance in the room.The weapon was heavy but that didn't matter much. It was now or never, and I had to make a quick choice —a scary one but I didn't have much of a choice. I had never fired a gun in my life until this moment. But I had to do it, our lives depended on it.I focused my vision on him and the gun went off in my trembling hands.Lino's body dropped to the ground with a loud thud.If I had been just a second late he would have killed Miguel. I saved him. I saved the man I loved. Something about that numbed the guilt that came with taking a life.The gun slipped out of my hands to the ground as tears rolled down my face. Miguel's eyes met mine.I saw the worry etched on his features as I rush
Miguel's POVI raked a hand through my hair, listening to Perez fill me in about what happened at the hospital, and the men he had lost in the van explosion on their way here.Bastardo! My blood stirred.“Those were good men,” I mumbled, reeling in the loss as I ground my teeth and clenched my fist, “Lino. That scumbag,” I cursed, fuming inside.“I have everyone looking for him, and Mason. Perhaps he could lead us to him—”The sudden sound of the engine roaring to life echoed from behind us, and my head swirled to the Jet which was getting ready to take off.What the hell? I thought. Stunned.I creased a brow at the unbelievable sight before me. I could hardly believe it. I had no clue what was going on but that Jet was definitely not supposed to take off without an order from me.I couldn't understand it but Ava and my kids were in there, and that was all that mattered.Instantly, I sprinted towards the Jet, and Perez joined me as we raced to the aircraft. I grabbed the entry door be
Ava's POV“It's you. You're the traitor,” I mumbled as the realization hit me. This was why Perez couldn't tell me. It was Mason.How could this be? Even I couldn't believe it.It suddenly felt like my brain was processing in slow motion.My eyes darted to the injection in his hand, then to my daughter, and my eyes widened in shock.Panic washed over me and my hands began to tremble.“What were you trying to do to her?” I flared, clenching my fist tightly, “Were you going to hurt her—”“No, Ava—” he tried to cut me off but I didn't want to hear anything right now.“Get away from her!” I raised my voice. “Mi—” I opened my mouth to scream for Miguel but before I could make a sound Mason grabbed me quickly, pressing his palm to my lips tightly as he pushed me against the wall behind me.He sandwiched me to the wall, “Quiet,” he said, “Don’t scream, please,” he whispered against my ear, “Please,” he repeated, staring me in the eyes for over a minute.I tried to shove him off me but I fail
Ava's POVI bolted upright, my heart pounding against my chest as though it was trying to rip itself out of my body. I was anxious. No. More than that I felt unsettled and for no reason too. I just had this bad feeling in my gut that I couldn't quite shake. Something felt very wrong but I didn't know what it was.I sat up in bed, staring into the darkness with the only source of light being the moonlight spilling in through the window. The air in the room felt heavy, suffocating, as if laden with an ominous foreboding that I couldn't quite place, and the uneasiness tightened in the pit of my stomach. I suddenly felt stuffy and needed some air.I slipped out of bed and glanced over my baby’s crib to see if I had woken her. I hadn't. Mary Grace was still sound asleep.I sighed with relief and made my way to the door. I stumbled towards the door, but my heart jumped again as I heard the sudden sounds of hurried footsteps.My stomach tightened and I pushed the door open gently, peeking
Miguel's POVLino was alive? That couldn't be.I had set the place on fire. I had watched it burn. It had to be a lie. Nando was definitely lying. I glanced at him, “You're lying,” I said.“I'm not!” He yelled with desperation in his voice and words, “I swear it. Mason is involved. I can prove it. Where is he?” I hesitated and turned to one of my men, “Where is Mason?” I asked, right in front of Nando.The man shook his head, “I haven't seen him all day. None of us have,” he responded.The words echoed in my head, and Nando's voice echoed beside me, “He knows... he knows you're onto him, and he's made a run for it.”Nando’s words made sense, and my mind was starting to churn with all sorts of thoughts. There had been something off about Mason since we caught Nando— maybe even since Lino.He hadn't come down to the cell for once, and I had barely seen him. It was almost like he had been hiding away all this time, and I just never really noticed.Everything was starting to align in my
Ava’s POVIt was midday, and Gracie helped me with a napkin to wipe the breast milk that spilled down Mary Grace’s clothes while I was breastfeeding her. I wiped it, cleaned her face too, before lowering my shirt.I pulled her to my chest and cradled my precious baby in my arms as I began to hum a gentle lullaby. Miguel’s favourite one and I hoped it would one day be her favourite one too.The melody flowed from my lips like a soothing river, wrapping us in its tender embrace like a blanket and its effect was tremendous on my baby. Mary Grace fell straight to sleep with her palm clutched tightly around my finger. I noticed she loved to do that, and I loved the feel of her palm around my finger. It was warm, and it made me feel a tremendous amount of peace. I rocked her back and forth, with the rhythm of the lullaby, and Gracie grinned beside me, wrapping one hand around my arm while caressing Mary Grace with the other, although she let her be the minute she was asleep so she wouldn't
Miguel’s POVI walked out of the underground cell, making my way up to the ground floor. Perez spun around the second I entered the room, “I was just coming to see you,” he said as he slid his phone in his pocket.“I spoke with the doctor, he will be here shortly,” He reported, and I regarded him with a nod. “How’s he holding up?”“He’s still a long way from hell but I'll make sure he gets there,” I replied. Perez smiled, “He's more than earned it,” he remarked, “Care for a drink?” he gestured, raising the bottle for a second before going on to pour himself a glass.“Sure. I haven't had one in a while,” I motioned towards him, taking notice of the room. “Where's Mason?” I asked after a minute of not spotting him anywhere around the room. “I’m not sure but he should be outside,” he said, and offered me a glass of scotch. I gulped it all at once and lowered the glass to the table.“Any lead for the antidote yet?” He asked.I shook my head, “Not yet,” I paused, “But I was thinking, per