[AVA] Sitting in the dimly lit corner of the quaint cafe, I couldn’t help but stare blankly at the steaming cup of coffee in front of me, lost in my own thoughts. Despite Sean’s long chatter about his new project at work and his failed attempt to come out to his parents, my mind kept wandering back
He chuckled lightly before his expression turned serious once more. “What I’m trying to say is, if you genuinely have feelings for him and are willing to do whatever it takes, then maybe it’s time to give him a little demonstration. Show him why he should be proud of everything you are and what he w
[BRIAN] I stood outside of Val’s bedroom, hesitant to enter. It had been months since I had last stepped foot in this room, but today something drew me here, something I couldn’t quite explain. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, revealing a flood of memories that hit me like a ton of br
I opened Val’s journal once again and stumbled upon another entry, this time written on the day before Christmas. I couldn’t help but smile. Val had written about Kian being a complete pain in the ass, running around the house and asking her about his present. She had mentioned how difficult it was
[AVA] My heart was pounding as I stood outside Brian’s penthouse, trying to gather the courage to ring the bell. I had been pacing back and forth for the last fifteen minutes, my hand hovering over the buzzer, but each time I tried to press it, a wave of anxiety washed over me, and I recoiled. I kn
My words hung in the air between us, heavy with emotion. I could feel Brian’s eyes on me, watching me with that intense gaze of his. I tried to keep my voice steady as I continued speaking, my pacing never slowing down. “I understand if you don’t feel the same way, or if you need time to process all
Before I could even process his words, he crashed his lips onto mine, and my mind went blank. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer, losing myself in the moment. A single tear trickled down my cheek, and I didn’t know whether it was from joy, relief, or a mix of both. Brian’s hand
[AVA] I woke up early the next morning, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination. Yesterday had been a whirlwind of emotions, from the anxiety of telling Brian to the overwhelming joy of finally being with him. But there was one more thing I needed to do before I could fully enjoy this newfou
“Someone has been threatening Ava?” He stands up so fast it almost makes me dizzy. “Who the fuck would do that? And why? What did she do?”“Your guess is as good as mine,” I say, shaking my head and running a hand through my hair, already tired of this whole messed-up situation. “I don’t know why sh
[BRIAN]Brooke leads me to her apartment next door—apparently, that’s her name, as she told me before she allowed me to follow her.She opens the door and steps inside. But just as I take a step in, a big, fluffy thing barks and growls at me from inside.Alright. One thing about me: I’m not very con
[BRIAN]When I pull up at Ava’s old address, I have only one goal in mind.To find Max and get the hell out.Why? Because this place always gave me the creeps. Not only is it the most notorious part of the city, but it’s also slightly dangerous.When Dean and his family went bankrupt years ago, I di
He walks back to the couch, and for the first time, I notice a camera that’s already been set up.My stomach tightens.He grabs the camera stand with one hand and drags it closer to where I am. Adjusting the angle, he makes sure it focuses directly on me. Then he straightens, his gaze locking onto m
[AVA]I might have lost consciousness because the next time I open my eyes, the bright lights make me wince and squeeze them shut again.“Ah…” I whimper, only then realizing my ankle is badly bruised.“You’re awake.”A deep male voice rings in my ears, and I look up—only to find the same staff guy w
[AVA]Once Brian leaves, I sink back onto the couch, my fingers dialing Max’s number again.Maybe if he picks up, I can convince him to drop by on his own, and Brian wouldn’t have to go.But every call goes unanswered. And the more I try to convince myself it’s no big deal—that Max is just being him
I run my fingers through his wet hair. “Because I can’t stop thinking about what happens next. About who’s behind this. About how this doesn’t just affect me but everyone around me.”“You don’t have to figure everything out right this second, Ava.”“I know,” I whisper, but knowing and believing are
[AVA]I finally feel a little better—enough to let Brian freshen up after his long flight.He kisses me on the forehead and promises to join me soon.Maybe he knows that if I’m left alone, my mind will start spiraling again, drowning me in guilt. And once that happens, I won’t be able to focus on an
I unlock the door and pull the door open, only to find his familiar handsome face looking back at me.He’s dressed in a white shirt and blue denim jeans, and I don’t think he could look any better.I know, I know. I probably sound like some horny bitch, but I don’t care. It’s Brian. And being horny