[AVA] I paced back and forth in Brian’s penthouse living room, gnawing on my nails. It had been two days since Beau’s arrest, and I’d spent most of that time with my parents, trying to support them both. I couldn’t shake the guilt I felt for not understanding my mom sooner. How had I missed such a
In the middle of the movie, Brian planted a kiss on my temple, and that was the beginning of the slow romance that had been building since the movie started. I lifted my face up and kissed him on the lips. He pushed the throw pillow to the side and pulled me to him. In no time, we were removing each
[AVA] Three days had passed since the incident with Beau, and life had started to fall back into its mundane routine. It was then that I received a text from Sean, asking me to come to his house. He even arranged for a car to pick me up, which only added to my curiosity. Mom and Dad were out grocer
“Don’t lie to me!” Sean’s voice rose in frustration, and his fists clenched. “I’m not lying,” she screamed back, while I felt like something wasn’t quite right here. “And get the hell out of my room. I don’t need this right now.” “Just admit it, Cora. You’ve already made it clear that you’re not
[SEAN] In hindsight, it was clear that he was the culprit all along. I couldn’t understand why I had been so reluctant to accuse him of something so obvious. He had a clear motive for his actions, and given our history, it should have been easy to see through his deception. Instead, I had found it
Aaron’s face twisted in irritation, and he clenched his fists at his sides. “You have no proof,” he spat. “Just a hunch. And a grudge.” I stumbled back, realizing the danger I was in, but I didn’t want to show him any signs of fear. “Hold a grudge against you? Why would I?” I spat out, trying to ke
“Come on, Sean,” he growled, the sound sending a thrill through my body. “How long are you going to keep denying that you like me just as much? We’ve been playing this game since childhood, and we both know you’re never going to win.” I tried to think of a response, but my mind felt foggy, my thoug
[BRIAN] I couldn't help but nervously drum my fingers on the steering wheel, desperately trying to calm the jitters crawling up my arms and spine. I rolled my shoulders repeatedly, searching for some relief, and glanced at the rearview mirror out of habit, even though I had no specific reason to do
“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