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22. Understanding
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Saving Ava 23. Falling
Ava's heart pounded in her chest as the door to the penthouse closed behind her. The elegant space, which once felt like a realm of luxury and intrigue, now seemed to close in on her, tainted with secrets and half-truths. Carver stood at a distance, his usually dominant and controlled demeanor replaced by a silence that felt oddly vacant. Peyton's eyes, filled with concern, met hers as he guided her to sit.The three of them settled into an uncomfortable triangle, a trinity of tension and confusion. Carver's eyes were distant, his jaw set tightly as if holding back a storm of emotion. Ava's glance shifted between the two men, her mind reeling from the whirlwind of events.Peyton cleared his throat and began to explain, his voice gentle but firm. "Ava, what you saw in those files, those images, it's all part of something we call 'total control'. It's a dynamic, a relationship built on trust, consent, and understanding.""You tie women up and photograph them? What's the purpose of those
Saving Ava 24. Total Trust
In the dimly lit intimacy of Carver's bedroom, the world was reduced to the space between Ava and him. She drew him toward the bed, her lips locked onto his, a kiss filled with the kind of fervor that bridged the chasm between fear and desire. Her fingers danced along the buttons of his shirt, quickly unfastening them, while her other hand shrugged off her coat, her eyes never wavering from his. All the while, their lips continued to explore, each kiss a step deeper into uncharted territory.Carver's heart pounded in his chest, and his mind a raging storm. For all his usual control, he was now in a place he had never been before. He could feel the pressure building, the acute awareness that this was a precipice from which there was no turning back. His thoughts raced with conflicting emotions. Desire tangled with anxiety, longing marred by the fear of failure.He knew he wanted Ava, more than he had ever wanted anything. But his past, the intricate web of his desires that had defined
Saving Ava 25. Pacing The Floor
Peyton's steps were restless as he paced the floor near the bedroom door, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts and emotions. The muffled sounds of movement behind the door did little to ease his anxiety. The night had been an emotional roller-coaster. Now he was left to his own devices, trapped in his thoughts and memories.He knew Carver, understood him in a way that no one else in the world did. He had seen the darkness that lurked beneath the surface. The need for control that sometimes manifested itself in ways that were cold and harsh. Carver's need for dominance could be overwhelming for everyone near, even terrifying. It was this aspect of his personality that Peyton knew all to well.A shudder passed through Peyton, dragging him unwillingly into the dark recesses of his mind. The place where a memory he'd been trying to escape lay in wait. The room was dimly lit, shadows casting eerie patterns on the walls, and a chill permeated the space, sinking into his very bones. It w
Saving Ava 26. Old Rules
The gentle morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the intertwined bodies of Carver and Ava. They lay wrapped in each other's arms, cocooned in a world that seemed to have shifted on its axis. There was a tranquility, a profound contentment that settled over them as they woke to the new day. A connection had been forged, one that transcended their previous roles and expectations, and they both sensed that something profound had altered between them.Stirring from the bed, they shared a tender smile, communicating volumes without words. The connection that had blossomed overnight felt like a revelation, a secret understanding that had dawned in the most intimate of moments. It had washed away uncertainties and fears, replacing them with a newfound trust and tenderness.Together they made their way to the bathroom, still wrapped in the aura of intimacy that had enveloped them. As they filled the tub, the scent of fragrant oils mingled with the rising steam, t
Saving Ava 27. What Are The Rules Here?
The warmth of the bathwater had slowly ebbed away as Carver and Ava stepped out of the tub, a tangible symbol of their newfound intimacy. Each droplet that slid down their bodies seemed to wash away remnants of the past, leaving them both feeling cleansed and invigorated.They dressed in comfortable silence, their eyes meeting now and then in unspoken understanding. The world outside was calling them back, but in these precious moments, it felt like nothing else mattered. It was a connection that went beyond words, a connection forged in vulnerability and trust.As they walked out of the bedroom together, the delicious smells of breakfast wafted toward them, surprising them both. Peyton stood at the stove, flipping pancakes with a mischievous grin on his face."You two lovebirds might be late for work, but I figured you'd appreciate a proper breakfast," he said, his eyes twinkling.Carver feigned annoyance, although his smile betrayed him. "Peyton, you know we can't be late."Peyton t
Saving Ava 28. Seeing. Security Systems.
Ava's arrived at the top floor to a scene of intense discord. The large conference table at the center of the room was covered in papers, models, and samples, reflecting the size of the ongoing debate. Peyton's sharp words could be heard from the hallway, his voice raised in frustration over some unresolved issue. As Ava entered, she found Peyton and Carver engaged in a fervent discussion over the new high rise being built uptown. Their faces were tight with concern, their expressions serious. Carver's eyes were narrowed, and his brows furrowed as he leaned over a sheet displaying the costs associated with adding in new security systems in each unit. "What do you mean, 'cost overruns'? We have to make sure this system is flawless!" Peyton's voice was full of anger, his body rigid with tension. "We can't cut corners on security. People will pay for good security." Carver's face turned a shade paler as he mentioned the price of installing his particular system. "I know, Peyton, but w
Saving Ava 29. You're Shaking
Carver's mind was a storm of chaos, a whirlpool of flashing images and visceral emotions. Shadows twisted and merged, forming figures that haunted his past. Faces were contorted with pain and betrayal, and the sounds of screams dominated his senses.. A nightmarish landscape of memories and distorted thoughts pulled him deeper into a place he'd fought so hard to escape. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat a thunderous echo reverberating through the dark abyss of his subconscious. His hands reached out, grasping for something solid, anything solid. Something real, but all that met his touch were the slippery tendrils that made up his deepest fears. He jolted awake by a sudden sensation of falling into nothingness. His mind raced, trying to make some sense, any sense of what had just happened. It had been years since those dreams had haunted his sleep. Years since he'd allowed himself to lose control to such a degree. He knew that vulnerability had triggered it, that fleeting mo
Saving Ava 30. Show Me
The evening air hung heavy with tension as Carver unlocked the front door of their shared penthouse. The atmosphere inside their home mirrored that outside. Filled with an unspoken tension. Ava trailed behind him, her usual lively energy clearly muted. As Carver set the keys on the entryway table, he couldn't shake off the sensation that something was off.Dinner was supposed to be a fun casual affair. Peyton had joined them, enthusiastic about sampling Carver's culinary attempts. They sat down, a trinity at the dining table, their reflections mirrored in polished silverware and crystal glasses.Peyton attempted to lighten the mood with lively tales from the week, but even his animated recounting couldn’t cut through the thick air. Carver shot Ava another side glance, catching how she poked around her food without any real interest.Finally, Ava spoke up, a slight tremor in her voice. "Something happened at work today," she said. "Lana sent me on an errand to the basement."Peyton’s e
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Saving Ava 91. Control Rehab
Carver's laptop dinged, signaling a new email. He quickly opened it and started typing, his fingers flying across the keyboard. He was excited about what he was doing and that much was clear.Peyton was still sprawled out on their bed, unaware of the tension between Ava and Carver. The flicker of the camera’s light while she showered had rattled Ava, and Carver’s nonchalant dismissal... claiming it wasn’t him...had done little to comfort her.“Carver,” Ava said, sharper than intended. “I know I saw it. Why would the camera light be on if not for someone watching?”He didn’t look up immediately, focusing on the screen as he tapped away on the keys. “I told you, Ava, it wasn’t me. Maybe it’s a malfunction.”“A malfunction,” she echoed, skepticism threading through her tone. “How convenient. As you are sitting over there on the only laptop in the apartment with access to the feeds.”He finally looked at her, his dark eyes flashing with irritation. “There’s nothing to worry about.”“Then
Saving Ava 90. Peek
The journey back to the apartment was a testament to Carver's deteriorated state. His steps were unsteady, his body weak and battered. Peyton, with a firm arm wrapped around him, provided the support he desperately needed, practically carrying him the last few steps.Upon reaching the bed, Carver, exhausted beyond measure, collapsed face-first onto it. He made a feeble attempt to pull off his shirt, his arms reaching behind his head in a strained effort, but his energy was spent. Ava quickly assisted him, gently pulling the shirt over his head. Observing Carver's condition, Peyton declared, "I think it's time for another IV." He began preparing the medication, his movements efficient but careful.Ava stayed close to Carver, her fingers lightly tracing circles on his back. The sight of his injuries – the bruises, lash marks, and burns that covered his back, shoulders, and arms – was heart-wrenching. Each mark a painful reminder of what he had endured.Peyton, ready with the IV, gently
Saving Ava 89. New
After finishing the omelets, Peyton handed Carver a couple of pills, which he took without protest. They all moved into the living room, with Carver walking with difficulty. Ava, ever attentive, wrapped a blanket around him and helped him settle on the couch. Peyton, needing a moment to gather his thoughts, turned on the TV and sat in a chair, his mind still racing with the revelations and the situation at hand. Peyton, looking intently at Carver, broke the silence. "Okay, is there anything else you want to admit? Get it out right now, so I can start to get over this agitation," he said through gritted teeth. Carver paused, weighing his words carefully. "I... I changed my contract at Esmerelda's," he finally admitted, his voice low and filled with a sense of defeat and embarrassment. Peyton sat up straighter, his attention sharpened. "How exactly did you change it?" he asked, a hint of worry creeping into his tone. "I added intimate encounters," Carver confessed, avoiding Peyton'
Saving Ava 88
As they settled Carver in the bed, Ava began the task of undressing him. His jeans, the same pair he had been wearing when he first arrived at Esmerelda's over a week ago, were tattered and stained with blood. Carefully, she helped him into a pair of pajama pants and one of his T-shirts. It became apparent that Carver had lost a significant amount of weight; the shirt, which would have once fit him snugly, now hung loosely on his frame.“When was the last time you ate?” Ava asked gently, her concern evident in her tone.Carver’s response was faint, “I don’t even know.”Peyton, sensing the immediate need, headed into the kitchen to make soup, considering it the most appropriate and easy-to-digest food for Carver in his current state.While Peyton was away, Carver, with a sudden surge of energy, rolled over and pulled Ava into a tight embrace. As she held him, Ava realized he was burning up with fever. “You’re so hot,” she whispered, her worry growing.Peyton returned with the soup, and
Saving Ava 87
Carver's fever worsened, a clear sign that his body was struggling to cope with the injuries. The infections from the wounds were not properly treated, adding to his physical distress. His once muscular and resilient body was now a canvas of suffering, each mark a story of his descent into despair.Esmerelda, witnessing his decline, realized that Carver was on a path to self-destruction. His disregard for his physical well-being was alarming, but it was his mental state that worried her the most. He had become a shell of the man he once was, driven by a need to punish himself that was consuming him from the inside.The fever brought with it delirium, and Carver began to lose touch with reality. His moments of lucidity were few and far between, and during these moments, he was haunted by visions of Peyton and Ava. In his fevered state, he would sometimes speak to them, apologizing, pleading, and expressing his love and regret.As Esmerelda watched Carver hanging from the rack, his body
Saving Ava 86
Esmerelda's sharp rapping on the truck window jolted Carver awake. Blinking against the sunlight streaming through the glass, he saw her standing outside, her appearance strikingly different in the daylight. Gone was the dominatrix persona, replaced now by a more business-like demeanor."I can't have my patrons sleeping in their trucks out front, Carver," Esmerelda stated, her tone a mix of annoyance and concern.Carver, still disoriented from sleep, responded, “Well, I own the fucking building, give me a room.”Esmerelda paused, considering his request, before nodding in agreement. “Okay, fine,” she conceded. She led him inside the building, guiding him to her personal apartment. The space was unlike the rest of Esmerelda’s establishment; it was more reflective of her day-to-day life, less about her professional role.She pointed to the couch. “You can sleep there,” she said, her voice softer now, a hint of empathy creeping through.Exhausted, Carver collapsed onto the couch, his bod
Saving Ava 85
As Carver unbuttoned his shirt, the receptionist silently entered the room behind him. Observing the scene sternly, Esmerelda gave a slight nod to the receptionist. In response, the receptionist sharply smacked her clipboard against Carver’s bare back, chastising him for prematurely disrobing. "No one told you to do that," she reprimanded. Carver, startled, slowly rebuttoned his shirt, his gaze never leaving Esmerelda. He was well aware of the rule against making direct eye contact in such circumstances, yet he could not look away, a silent rebellion against the order of things. A quiet plea for more pain. Esmerelda informed the receptionist that Carver had chosen the 'unlimited' path for tonight's session. The receptionist's smile turned wicked at the revelation. Carver had never before given them such control, and the anticipation of what they could do with this newfound power was evident in her expression. Led through the new halls of Esmerelda's, Carver couldn’t help but notic
Saving Ava 84
Ava and Peyton navigated a tumultuous sea of emotions in the safe confines of Peyton's apartment. Each day of the week felt like an eternity, filled with moments of fragile calm, abruptly shattered by waves of distress and grief. Ava, usually so composed and strong, grappled with an overwhelming sense of loss and confusion. Her emotions swung like a pendulum, from moments of numbness to intense bouts of sorrow.During one particularly harrowing evening, Ava curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped tightly around her. Her face, usually full of life and warmth, was marred by the shadow of heartache. "I just feel so lost, Peyton," she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. "Like a part of me is missing, and I don’t know how to get it back."Peyton, sitting beside her, wrapped his arm around her quivering shoulders. His heart ached at the sight of her pain. "I know, Ava. It’s hard, it’s really hard," he said, his voice a mixture of empathy and determination. "But
Saving Ava 83
"I'm not sure I want there to be an 'us' anymore, Peyton." The sentence hung in the air, heavy with implications and sorrow.Peyton's breath hitched, his heart racing with panic. He gently held Ava back, searching her face for clarity, for confirmation of the fear that now gripped him. "Ava?" he asked desperately.Ava, seeing the alarm in his eyes, hurried to clarify. Her words rushed and filled with emotion. "No, no, not us. I want us, Peyton... I'm just not sure I want 'us' to include him anymore." Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, bore into his, conveying a steadfast love for Peyton, even amid the heartbreak.Peyton was speechless, the complexity of their entwined lives with Carver suddenly unraveling before him. He nodded silently. Pulling Ava back into his embrace, Peyton held her close, a silent oath to be her support and anchor in their lives raging seas. They lay together, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in their shared grief. Ava's sobs slowly subsided, but
