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43. We're Coming
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Saving Ava 44. I Needed You Here
The fleeting solace he'd found in his video chat with Ava and Peyton began to evaporate as the heavy fog of early morning settled around him. It was as if darkness itself seeped into his thoughts. Questions without obvious answers ate at him, like relentless waves eroding a cliff side. Was he somehow at fault for what happened? Could he have prevented it? Who would do something like this? The weight of the tragedy rested on his shoulders. A weight he couldn't shake off. He pondered the police's intimations. That the incident might not have been an accident. The mere thought seeded doubts about his own integrity and the business he'd built. It was a bruising realization; the sum of his self-worth showed cracks he never knew existed. His empire, his business, his accomplishments, did they all lead to this tragic moment? It was a dark endless corridor, one he felt increasingly trapped in. Each potential exit leading to another hallway of grim speculation and self-condemnation. It reall
Saving Ava 45. Wrap It Up
Respite in the makeshift office was fleeting, barely two hours of shallow, uneasy sleep. Carver had just drifted off into a fleeting moment of oblivion when a sharp knock at the door pulled him back to reality. He rose from the mattress with heavy limbs, fatigue wrapping around him like a heavy coat. Ava and Peyton stirred as well, looking up at him with sleepy eyes. "Police are wrappin' it up," Vincent reported when Carver swung the door open, the puffy bags under his eyes betraying his level of exhaustion. "We can reopen the hotel now sir." Back in the room, Peyton weighed in. "Why not keep it closed for a bit longer? Seems right, considering what happened to those people." Carver took a deep breath. "No, we’re going to shut down the entire building. At least for a month. We need to dissect every inch of what happened here, get to the root cause of it all." He ran his hand through his already messy hair. He turned back to Vincent. “Take the month off, fully paid, including regula
Saving Ava 46. In Hot Water
The moment consciousness seeped back into their reality, the trio immediately became aware of the harsh physical toll their tangled, makeshift sleeping arrangement had taken on them. They'd been so emotionally and physically exhausted that they'd overlooked the logistics of comfortable sleep. Aches coursed through Carver's neck down to his legs. He winced as he tried to move, taking stock of Ava and Peyton's similar groaning and grimaces."Okay, so we're not doing that again," Carver sighed, feeling every muscle in his body protest as he sat up."You're telling me," Ava groaned, stretching out her legs and wincing at the sharp pain that shot through them."I propose a solution," Carver said, trying to muster a smile despite his discomfort. "How about a hot shower? There's a fantastic shower downstairs, right next to the gym. It has a Jacuzzi and everything.""Downstairs? There's another floor?" Ava's eyes widened in genuine surprise.Peyton chuckled, looking at Ava with mock hurt. "Wh
Saving Ava 47. One Thing
In the aftermath of an intimate morning, stepping back into the real world felt surreal. The rawness of emotions lingered in the air, as the trio prepared to head into work. The shadows cast by the Manhattan skyscrapers seemed sharper, the cacophony of the city more piercing. Everything felt heightened, their senses amplified by the events of the night and the looming weight of a new day. Ava, dressed in her usually reserved business attire, felt the weight of both Carver and Peyton's gazes as they approached the elevator. Before the doors slid closed, Carver spoke with an authority that was not just of a CEO, but of someone claiming his space, "I’m moving both your offices to my floor." Peyton’s eyebrows rose, and Ava was ready with a retort. But before a word slipped out, Carver interjected, "It's not up for debate." She tried another approach, determination painting her features. "Carver, I need items from my desk to work. My reports, my--" His finger pressed against her lips
Saving Ava 48. Only Chance
The tension between Peyton and Carver reached its boiling point. In a split second, a heated exchange escalated into a physical confrontation. Carver lunged at Peyton, his face contorted with rage. Peyton, trying to restrain him, struggled to keep his ground. Every move was a blend of anger, frustration, and years of unresolved emotions. "Carver! Stop this!" Peyton shouted, grabbing Carver's collar and pulling him back. But Carver retaliated, a punch landing squarely on Peyton's jaw. The sound echoed throughout the otherwise quiet office. Ava, her heart racing, pressed herself against the wall, her eyes darting between the two men she had grown to care for deeply. The violence before her starkly contrasted with the love and warmth they had shared just hours ago. Carver's fist lunged forward, cutting through the air with deadly precision aimed at Peyton's face. Peyton, faster and more agile, sidestepped just in time, Carver's knuckles grazing the tip of his ear. Both men's eyes lo
Saving Ava 49. Release
They sat in the silence, heavy with raw emotion, the palpable tension thickening with each passing second. It was a silence punctuated only by muted sounds—a sigh, a slight shuffle of clothing, or a steadying exhale. Each noise echoed the myriad feelings that had been shared, suppressed, and exposed in their shared space.The soft, deep timbre of Carver's voice sliced through the weight of it all, "Let's go home." The words felt both like a retreat and a call to regroup. Within them lay Carver's need for sanctuary—a place where he could reclaim control, even as his world spun unpredictably.Peyton's swift movement into the closet and his return with Carver's clothing hinted at the familiar routines they'd formed when things like this happens. Carver's act of changing in front of Ava was more than just practicality; it was vulnerability, trust, and intimacy. As Ava's eyes discreetly took in the view, she registered the bruises and scratches that crisscrossed his skin. Each mark seemed
Saving Ava 50. Take Me There
The weight of the moment hung heavy in the room. Ava's announcement that she needed space didn't come as a shock, but the ripples it created were palpable. "Okay, I need some space tonight," Ava declared, her voice firm yet filled with a fragility that resonated deeply. "I'm sleeping in my area of the penthouse."Both Carver and Peyton immediately exchanged anxious glances. Peyton tried to interject, "Ava, that room's not set to sleep in anymore, it's storage now, I'm--" "I'm going to see that for myself," she interrupted, her resolve evident. It was clear she didn't believe what he was trying to sell her. As she rose, Peyton gently took hold of her arm, a plea in his eyes. "Wait, Ava. Let me explain." She sighed, exhaustion evident in her posture, and sat back down. Peyton moved closer. "We didn't use that room for storage to hide anything from you or trap you here or anything," he started. "It's hard to be alone with your thoughts after something as intense and heavy as this. I
Saving Ava 51. Six Times
Carver shifted uncomfortably in his seat, while Ava studied him closely, a trace of concern evident in her eyes. "Peyton seemed really upset by your... visits. Why?" Ava asked, tilting her head slightly. Taking a deep breath, Carver replied, "The one time I took him with me, I... I didn't prepare him. I didn't warn him about what he was about to witness. It was wrong of me. He had to see me in that vulnerable state, being subjected to such... intensity." A flicker of regret passed his eyes. "After that day, seeing how it affected him, I tried to avoid Esmerelda's. But sometimes, the weight of my demons pushes me back there." Ava leaned in, "How many times have you gone back since Peyton expressed his concerns?" Carver hesitated, eyes darting to the floor. "Three or four times." She raised an eyebrow, a look of disbelief clouding her features. "You remember every detail of every contract you've ever signed, every financial transaction, every minute of every meeting... but you can'
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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
