Ava’s POVThe air in the room was thick with tension.I stood frozen in the corner, my breath shallow as Logan leaned against the door, his phone pressed to his ear. He had made sure to keep me trapped—restricting my movements, keeping me out of Daniel’s sight, all while his free hand traced slow, teasing lines down my arm.I gritted my teeth, biting my lip to stop a sound from escaping.I wanted to slap his hand away. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him to stop.But I couldn’t.Because on the other end of the phone… was Daniel.If I made a single noise, he’d recognize my voice.And then what? What excuse would I have?I glared at Logan, my mind cursing him a thousand times over. Bastard. He’s doing this on purpose.He was toying with me, deliberately making me squirm, making me feel helpless—enjoying every second of it.His fingers skimmed along my wrist, feather-light but possessive, like he was reminding me exactly who was in control here.I clenched my fists, my body rigid as I
Ava’s POVI wipe my tears away before they can fall, but Logan still catches the motion. His lips press into a thin line, and then he offers the same empty comfort as always."The next one will be even better."I almost laugh at the absurdity of it. Better? As if any of this could be better. As if I’d actually wanted this.I shake my head, swallowing down the nausea crawling up my throat. My skin still burns where he touched me, but it’s not from pleasure—it’s from shame. A shame I shouldn’t even have to carry because this isn’t on me.It’s on him."You don't have to say that," I murmur, voice flat. "You don't have to pretend to care."Logan exhales sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. "Ava, come on—""No." I cut him off, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "You won't let me leave, will you? Not until you think I’ve understood something. Not until you’ve made sure I know the truth.” My voice drips with sarcasm. "Go on then, enlighten me, Logan. What is it I’m supposed to know?"His jaw
Ava’s POVThe silence between us so thick it was suffocating. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the room, making Daniel’s expression unreadable. My heart pounded against my ribs, a painful reminder of everything that had led to this moment.“You agreed to this?” My voice was barely above a whisper, but the accusation in it was unmistakable.Daniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Ava, you don’t understand.”“Then make me understand!” I snapped, standing up. “Because right now, it just sounds like you sold me off to Logan like I was some kind of burden you didn’t want to deal with.”His jaw tightened. “It wasn’t like that.”“Then what was it like, Daniel?” My chest rose and fell with my ragged breaths. “Did you fight for me at all? Or did you just give in because it was easier?”He exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging. “The price of refusal was too high, Ava. Logan made it clear—if I didn’t agree, there would be consequences. Ones I couldn’t risk.”I
Logan’s POVThe crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and freshly fallen snow as I stood on the balcony of the ski lodge, a glass of whiskey in hand. The slopes stretched below, blanketed in white, the resort glowing under the soft light of the evening. Inside, the fire crackled, casting long shadows across the polished wood floors.It was a rare moment of peace. A well-earned break."You're in a good mood."I turned slightly, meeting Andrew’s knowing gaze as he leaned against the railing beside me, a glass of his own in hand. He was always the observant one, quick to pick up on the smallest shifts in my demeanor.I smirked, taking a slow sip of my drink. "Someone tried to set me up for failure."Andrew raised a brow. "And let me guess… they failed?""Spectacularly," I said, amusement lacing my words.Andrew chuckled, shaking his head. "You almost sound disappointed."I wasn’t. Not really. There was something satisfying about watching my enemies scramble, about anticipating the
Ava’s POVEver since I slept with Logan, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was less of a businessman and more of a goddamn mafia boss.Everything he did had an air of quiet authority, of control, as if the entire world moved at his pace, to his will. And right now, I was caught in it.The snow was falling heavier now, the roads coated in white as we drove in tense silence. I had already made up my mind—I’d stay in a hotel for the night. Somewhere temporary. Somewhere far away from him.“I’ll book a hotel,” I said, staring out the window.Logan, who had been driving with the same frustrating calm, didn’t even glance at me. “Bad idea.”I turned my head sharply toward him. “Excuse me?”“The storm’s getting worse,” he said simply. “With extreme weather, hotels will start losing power and water. You’ll freeze before the night’s over.”I narrowed my eyes. “Then what do you suggest? Sleeping in the car?”Logan was silent for a beat before he spoke, voice smooth, calculated. “Stay at my ho
Ava’s POVThe beeping of the heart monitor was oddly soothing, a steady rhythm that grounded me in the moment. The IV in my arm stung slightly, but after hours of feeling weak and disoriented, the cool rush of fluids was a relief. My body felt lighter, as if the exhaustion that had been weighing me down had finally eased.I turned my head slightly, finding Logan seated beside me, arms crossed, his usual stoic expression in place. “Are you always this dramatic?” I muttered, my voice hoarse.Logan’s gaze flicked to mine, unreadable. “You collapsed.”I sighed, shifting against the hospital bed. “I was just dehydrated. Not exactly a near-death experience.”Before he could respond, the door opened, and a woman in a white coat stepped in. She was older, with graying dark hair pulled into a bun, her kind yet assessing eyes sweeping over me before landing on Logan.“Logan,” she greeted with a small smile, her tone warm but firm. “Still dragging people in here, I see.”His lips twitched in th
Ava’s POVThe streets were alive with color and sound. Music echoed through the crisp winter air as dazzling floats rolled by, their lights casting a warm glow against the dark sky. Performers in elaborate costumes danced, their energy infectious. The crowd around me buzzed with excitement, children sitting on their parents’ shoulders, couples huddled close, everyone caught up in the magic of the parade.I couldn’t help but smile as I took it all in. It had been so long since I had seen something like this—since I had felt something like this.I lifted my phone, snapping picture after picture of the floats, the glowing lanterns, and the snow-like confetti drifting down. The scene reminded me of the parades my family used to attend when my father was still around. Back then, we would arrive early, my dad lifting me onto his shoulders so I could get the best view. Mom would always bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and we’d sit on a blanket, wrapped in scarves, watching as the performers
Ava’s POVBack at Logan’s house, I let out a deep sigh, feeling the exhaustion settle into my bones. The parade had been overwhelming—the crowd, the cameras, the unexpected moment with Logan. My mind was still a tangled mess of emotions, but at least now, in the quiet of his home, I could finally breathe.Or so I thought.“The maid took the day off,” Logan announced casually as he tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter.I blinked. “Okay…?”“So, we’re making dinner.”I nearly choked. “We?”Logan shot me an amused look. “What? You think I can’t cook?”I folded my arms. “Can you?”There was a brief pause—just long enough to confirm my suspicions—before he shrugged. “I’ve learned the basics.”I narrowed my eyes. “Which means…?”“I won’t burn the house down.”Not exactly reassuring.Seeing my doubt, Logan leaned against the counter with a smirk. “You don’t have to just stand there and judge, you know. You can help.”I scoffed. “I will help. Someone has to make sure we don’t end up with a
Ava’s POVBack at Logan’s house, I let out a deep sigh, feeling the exhaustion settle into my bones. The parade had been overwhelming—the crowd, the cameras, the unexpected moment with Logan. My mind was still a tangled mess of emotions, but at least now, in the quiet of his home, I could finally breathe.Or so I thought.“The maid took the day off,” Logan announced casually as he tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter.I blinked. “Okay…?”“So, we’re making dinner.”I nearly choked. “We?”Logan shot me an amused look. “What? You think I can’t cook?”I folded my arms. “Can you?”There was a brief pause—just long enough to confirm my suspicions—before he shrugged. “I’ve learned the basics.”I narrowed my eyes. “Which means…?”“I won’t burn the house down.”Not exactly reassuring.Seeing my doubt, Logan leaned against the counter with a smirk. “You don’t have to just stand there and judge, you know. You can help.”I scoffed. “I will help. Someone has to make sure we don’t end up with a
Ava’s POVThe streets were alive with color and sound. Music echoed through the crisp winter air as dazzling floats rolled by, their lights casting a warm glow against the dark sky. Performers in elaborate costumes danced, their energy infectious. The crowd around me buzzed with excitement, children sitting on their parents’ shoulders, couples huddled close, everyone caught up in the magic of the parade.I couldn’t help but smile as I took it all in. It had been so long since I had seen something like this—since I had felt something like this.I lifted my phone, snapping picture after picture of the floats, the glowing lanterns, and the snow-like confetti drifting down. The scene reminded me of the parades my family used to attend when my father was still around. Back then, we would arrive early, my dad lifting me onto his shoulders so I could get the best view. Mom would always bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and we’d sit on a blanket, wrapped in scarves, watching as the performers
Ava’s POVThe beeping of the heart monitor was oddly soothing, a steady rhythm that grounded me in the moment. The IV in my arm stung slightly, but after hours of feeling weak and disoriented, the cool rush of fluids was a relief. My body felt lighter, as if the exhaustion that had been weighing me down had finally eased.I turned my head slightly, finding Logan seated beside me, arms crossed, his usual stoic expression in place. “Are you always this dramatic?” I muttered, my voice hoarse.Logan’s gaze flicked to mine, unreadable. “You collapsed.”I sighed, shifting against the hospital bed. “I was just dehydrated. Not exactly a near-death experience.”Before he could respond, the door opened, and a woman in a white coat stepped in. She was older, with graying dark hair pulled into a bun, her kind yet assessing eyes sweeping over me before landing on Logan.“Logan,” she greeted with a small smile, her tone warm but firm. “Still dragging people in here, I see.”His lips twitched in th
Ava’s POVEver since I slept with Logan, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was less of a businessman and more of a goddamn mafia boss.Everything he did had an air of quiet authority, of control, as if the entire world moved at his pace, to his will. And right now, I was caught in it.The snow was falling heavier now, the roads coated in white as we drove in tense silence. I had already made up my mind—I’d stay in a hotel for the night. Somewhere temporary. Somewhere far away from him.“I’ll book a hotel,” I said, staring out the window.Logan, who had been driving with the same frustrating calm, didn’t even glance at me. “Bad idea.”I turned my head sharply toward him. “Excuse me?”“The storm’s getting worse,” he said simply. “With extreme weather, hotels will start losing power and water. You’ll freeze before the night’s over.”I narrowed my eyes. “Then what do you suggest? Sleeping in the car?”Logan was silent for a beat before he spoke, voice smooth, calculated. “Stay at my ho
Logan’s POVThe crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and freshly fallen snow as I stood on the balcony of the ski lodge, a glass of whiskey in hand. The slopes stretched below, blanketed in white, the resort glowing under the soft light of the evening. Inside, the fire crackled, casting long shadows across the polished wood floors.It was a rare moment of peace. A well-earned break."You're in a good mood."I turned slightly, meeting Andrew’s knowing gaze as he leaned against the railing beside me, a glass of his own in hand. He was always the observant one, quick to pick up on the smallest shifts in my demeanor.I smirked, taking a slow sip of my drink. "Someone tried to set me up for failure."Andrew raised a brow. "And let me guess… they failed?""Spectacularly," I said, amusement lacing my words.Andrew chuckled, shaking his head. "You almost sound disappointed."I wasn’t. Not really. There was something satisfying about watching my enemies scramble, about anticipating the
Ava’s POVThe silence between us so thick it was suffocating. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows across the room, making Daniel’s expression unreadable. My heart pounded against my ribs, a painful reminder of everything that had led to this moment.“You agreed to this?” My voice was barely above a whisper, but the accusation in it was unmistakable.Daniel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Ava, you don’t understand.”“Then make me understand!” I snapped, standing up. “Because right now, it just sounds like you sold me off to Logan like I was some kind of burden you didn’t want to deal with.”His jaw tightened. “It wasn’t like that.”“Then what was it like, Daniel?” My chest rose and fell with my ragged breaths. “Did you fight for me at all? Or did you just give in because it was easier?”He exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging. “The price of refusal was too high, Ava. Logan made it clear—if I didn’t agree, there would be consequences. Ones I couldn’t risk.”I
Ava’s POVI wipe my tears away before they can fall, but Logan still catches the motion. His lips press into a thin line, and then he offers the same empty comfort as always."The next one will be even better."I almost laugh at the absurdity of it. Better? As if any of this could be better. As if I’d actually wanted this.I shake my head, swallowing down the nausea crawling up my throat. My skin still burns where he touched me, but it’s not from pleasure—it’s from shame. A shame I shouldn’t even have to carry because this isn’t on me.It’s on him."You don't have to say that," I murmur, voice flat. "You don't have to pretend to care."Logan exhales sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. "Ava, come on—""No." I cut him off, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "You won't let me leave, will you? Not until you think I’ve understood something. Not until you’ve made sure I know the truth.” My voice drips with sarcasm. "Go on then, enlighten me, Logan. What is it I’m supposed to know?"His jaw
Ava’s POVThe air in the room was thick with tension.I stood frozen in the corner, my breath shallow as Logan leaned against the door, his phone pressed to his ear. He had made sure to keep me trapped—restricting my movements, keeping me out of Daniel’s sight, all while his free hand traced slow, teasing lines down my arm.I gritted my teeth, biting my lip to stop a sound from escaping.I wanted to slap his hand away. I wanted to scream at him, to tell him to stop.But I couldn’t.Because on the other end of the phone… was Daniel.If I made a single noise, he’d recognize my voice.And then what? What excuse would I have?I glared at Logan, my mind cursing him a thousand times over. Bastard. He’s doing this on purpose.He was toying with me, deliberately making me squirm, making me feel helpless—enjoying every second of it.His fingers skimmed along my wrist, feather-light but possessive, like he was reminding me exactly who was in control here.I clenched my fists, my body rigid as I
Ava’s POVPain.That was the first thing I felt the moment I opened my eyes. A dull, aching soreness spread through my body, making even the smallest movement difficult. My muscles burned, my skin was still overly sensitive, and the harsh morning light filtering through the curtains made me wince.And then, the memories hit me like a tidal wave.Last night.Logan.His hands on my body. His breath against my skin. The way he had completely dominated me, unraveling every ounce of control I thought I had.I shot up in bed, my heart pounding in horror.I turned, realizing I was alone, the space next to me cold. My gaze flickered downward—and that was when I saw it.My dress.Or what remained of it.Torn, ruined, unwearable.Panic surged through me. I needed to leave. Now.I flung the covers off and swung my legs over the side of the bed, but the moment I tried to stand, pain shot up my legs, making my knees buckle. A startled gasp escaped my lips as the room tilted—And then suddenly, str