No one moves.It’s like we’re all stunned into silence.“If you continue this madness, I’m going to break each and every expensive piece of furniture you guys have in this apartment,” Gabby threatens, an eyebrow perked up. “And trust me, I’m going to enjoy doing it.”To my huge surprise, Max, Aaron,
[MAX]When we take the cab for the second time, the three of us stay silent as hell. And I’m fucking grateful for it. The last time we tried talking, it blew up in my face. Not that I’m against a good chat, but it’s probably smarter not to push our luck. Better to just shut up and endure the crap so
Gabby laughs, sounding like chimes ringing in the wind. “Trust me, this is nothing compared to what I deal with every day. It was fun, actually. We should definitely do this again.”My sister chuckles, turning her eyes to me. “Let me get back to you on that one. I’m sure Sean and Aaron will have the
[AVA]When I wake up the next morning, I have to give credit to my phone. If it were up to me, I’d probably still be buried under the covers, snoring away the day.I check the screen and sit up instantly when I see Brian’s name flashing.Shit. Shit. Shit.How do I look? I shoot a glance at the mirro
[AVA]I’m pacing in my office when Sean bursts through the doors. He doesn’t even wait for me to say anything and starts blurting out whatever he seems to have thought during his quick drive from his own office to mine.“Alright. Here’s what we know,” he says, still panting, hands on his hips. “You
[AVA]Sean and I sit in tense silence during the drive to the prison.The weight of what we’re about to do hangs heavy in the air, making it hard to breathe.I glance over at him, his jaw clenched and eyes fixed straight ahead.This isn’t easy for him, and I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt for d
“If you didn’t send it, then who did?” I ask, my tone sharp. “And don’t even say you don’t know. The way you looked at it, I feel like you know more than you’re letting on.”Beau’s smirk fades slightly, and he leans forward, his eyes narrowing.“You think you know me so well, don’t you? Always think
[AVA]So badly, I want to tell Brian everything.I try to call him, but maybe it’s for the best that the call never connects. I do leave him a message, though, just to tell him to call me when he’s able to talk. I don’t think I can hide something so big from him—I really don’t want to.Ever since I
[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
[AVA]After dropping me off at Brian’s penthouse, Aaron insists on staying until Brian returns.But I can clearly see the disinterest on his face—he can’t stand another bored minute with me. So, I do what I know is right.I ask him to leave.Maybe out of formality, he insists once more that he doesn
[AVA]“I’m sure she didn’t mean it, Ava,” Miranda tries to say, but she might as well accept that her daughter will never see me as someone to be trusted.Whatever I’ve done to piss this woman off, one thing is certain—I don’t care anymore. I neither have the time to bother myself with her nonsense