Living a modest life was a constant struggle, especially when it was a stark contrast to what we were used to. I understand that it might make me sound conceited and insensitive towards those who have spent their lives in poverty and faced constant hardships. But falling from such heights was a heav
[MAX]I don’t usually go asking for trouble these days. If past experiences have taught me anything at all, it is to mind my own fucking business and try to be content with what I have.Perhaps that’s the reason when a fight breaks out in the cafe where I work these days, I don’t bat an eye and leav
She snaps her head up, blinking, before a deep frown creases her face. “Rude much?” Her voice carries a husky undertone, as if she’s accustomed to speaking in hushed manners.“We’re about to close.” I say, hoping she would take the hint.From the way she nods and scrutinizes the menu, it’s clear she
[AVA]“I still can’t believe the two of you are together,” I scoff after wolfing down my fourth drink. “It’s disgusting.”Sean and Aaron share a glance before shaking their heads. While Sean does a good job of hiding his grin, Aaron, well, not so much. The fucker only winks at me before playfully nu
Ugh. I hate this guy. No way in hell he can shut me up like that. Brian and I are not boring. Even the thought is so ludicrous. Brian is hot. Smoking hot. And he knows what’s doing. Always. He makes my body sing, burn, and crave. He always leaves me wanting more.“I don’t know what the fuck you’re t
[AVA]The next morning arrives with my head not ready to give me a break.“Oh, God! What the hell was I thinking?”I have never been a graceful drinker, nor have I been the one who woke up with a smile on their face after the booze night. I don’t know how people do that. It must be some sort of supe
I shake my head, trying to get myself together when my head starts spinning a bit. I reach for my head and then grab the counter to steady myself.“Hey, are you okay?” He asks, and I so badly want to roll my eyes.“Do I look okay to you? You bastard!” I move away from the sink and head for the fridg
[BRIAN]I wrapped up my Thailand business trip in a total of two days instead of three.I can’t wait to see the surprise on Ava and Kian’s faces. Kian would probably just give me a wide-eyed and half-hearted hug (which I believe is a new trend among teenagers, not coming off too excited, that is), b
“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