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6. Trust Your Gut
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Saving Ava 7. Sharp Edges
Time seemed to stretch and distort as Ava's mind raced, panic threatening to overtake her. This couldn't be happening. Not now, when everything was finally falling into place. But the cold steel against her neck was real. One wrong move could end it all. She forced herself to stay calm as she reached into her purse, her hands shaking as she dug around in it. She needed to find a way out, but nothing made sense. The robber's breath was hot against her skin, his body tense. Her fingers brushed against her new bracelet, a symbol of hope that now seemed laughably out of place. "Hand it over now!" The robber's demand cut through the silence, sending a fresh wave of fear crashing against her senses. She fumbled with her purse, the reality of her situation tightening around her like a vice. The street was deserted, so no one was around to help. She was trapped, alone with this stranger who had no concerns about killing her. The blade pressed harder against her throat, a thin line o
Saving Ava 8. What Happened?
Carver watched her closely, as if she were a fragile piece of art in danger of shattering. His scrutiny was both intense and gentle, a combination that unsettled her. "Go take a bath, Ava." He didn't ask. He commanded. "You need to calm down. I'll be right here." She nodded mechanically and headed to the bathroom. As she shut the door, she saw him reaching for his phone. His demeanor had shifted. He was now tense and serious, and it radiated from every pore. The water filling the tub provided a welcome distraction, a gentle melody against the storm of emotions inside her. She couldn't shake the memory of Carver standing over the robber. His actions were precise, and his power was undeniable. The contradiction between the man she knew of and the one she witnessed was baffling. As she slid into the warm water, she heard muffled sounds through the door. Carver was on the phone, his tone controlled. Phrases like "security" and "immediate" slipped through, giving her a glimpse into a
Saving Ava 9. One More Suggestion
Carver studied the room as they moved to the sitting room's couches. Ava noticed how his broad shoulders moved with each step under his casual clothing. Each time before, he'd been in a suit. Now she could see so much more of his body and couldn't stop looking as his muscles moved below the fabric. The space around them felt heavy with unspoken thoughts as pressure started building between them. He reached into the mini-fridge, carefully pulling out two cold water bottles. The coolness of the bottle contrasted sharply with the warmth of his hand as he passed one to her. She realized instantly he'd done it so he could touch her. His movements were careful, almost calculated. "So," he started, as he settled onto the couch, "How long have you lived here, Ava?" The question seemed simple enough, but Ava knew more was behind it. She hesitated, feeling the weight of his inquiry tugging at something deep inside her. She could sense he was searching for something more than just a timeli
Saving Ava 10. Decisions
Carver's fingers drummed a steady rhythm on the arm of the chair, a restless beat that betrayed his inner agitation. Ava studied him, her curiosity mixing with concern. What could possibly be causing such a powerful man to be so agitated? After what felt like an eternity, Carver spoke. "Ava, I've been thinking about your safety," he began, carefully choosing each word. "I want to suggest something that might seem... unconventional." Ava leaned forward. Unconventional? The word alone made her more anxious. "I'd like you to move into my penthouse," Carver continued. "There's a guest wing you could use. It's a secure location, and it's closer to your new job." Ava's thoughts spun wildly. Move into Carver's penthouse? The suggestion was beyond anything she had ever imagined. Her eyes flicked back to Carver. He seemed almost calm, but how his hand gripped the armrest told a different story. This wasn't just a casual offer. It was something deeply personal that mattered to him more th
Saving Ava 11. Yes or No
Ava woke to a day that held the promise of change. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across her room. She remained still, recalling last night's conversation with Carver. His offer had been generous. Almost overwhelmingly so. A new job, a new home, a fresh start. It was all within her grasp, yet doubt lingered. She pushed the covers aside and stood up, shaking off the remnants of sleep. The day would demand her attention, but her thoughts kept returning to Carver's proposition. The decision loomed large as she dressed for her shift at the restaurant. Carver had offered his penthouse as part of the deal, a gesture both flattering and unsettling. While his sincerity seemed genuine, uncertainty nagged at her. Upon arriving at the restaurant, Jorge greeted her first. He had heard about the previous night's events and seemed surprised to see her back at work. "I didn't expect you today," he said. "I'm here," Ava replied, brushing off his concern. "There's wor
Saving Ava 12. Moving Up
Carver sat rigidly, his eyes fixed on the world outside as his thoughts raced from one scenario to another. Ava, equally silent, kept her focus on him, the streetlights casting fleeting shadows across his face. Several minutes passed before Carver turned away from the window, his eyes locking onto hers. "Are you scared?" The question was direct and unexpected. Ava blinked. She was startled by how direct he was. She hesitated, searching for the right words. "A little," she finally admitted. Carver leaned closer, brushing her hand with his. "You're safe now," he promised. "I won't let anything happen to you. Not again." That sparked a strange feeling deep inside her. She was not used to feeling... safe. She nodded, meeting his eyes with a small, grateful smile. A silent understanding passed between them. It was the strangest connection and a bond she hadn't anticipated. As the SUV continued its journey, the city's skyline grew more impressive, looming above them like a promise o
Saving Ava 13. Imagination
The air within Carver's penthouse seemed to grow heavy. Charged with a sudden tension that Ava hadn't felt before. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked into Carver's eyes, searching for something, anything that might hint at his hidden secrets. The question she had asked lingered in the air, a specter of doubt that threatened to unravel the delicate trust that was forming between them. Carver's face remained inscrutable, his eyes locked onto Ava's. Time seemed to slow down, each second stretching out into eternity as the silence deepened. She could feel the weight of his gaze. a penetrating scrutiny that left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. The doubt gnawed at her. growing into a disquieting concern that made her wonder what else he might be hiding. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Carver's lips curved into a smile. The change in his expression was so subtle, so gradual, that it took Ava a moment to register it. The smile was reassuring, yet it held a hint of s
Saving Ava 14. Temptations
Ava's body ached as she made her way to the guest wing of the penthouse. The bustle of her shift at the restaurant had drained her, and she was acutely aware of every strained muscle. The evening's unexpected events and the whirlwind tour of Carver's luxurious penthouse had added to her fatigue. She yearned for solitude and relaxation, a break from the excitement and novelty of the day. Opening the door to her suite, she was immediately struck by the sight of her belongings, meticulously arranged in the spacious room. Her clothes were neatly hung in the closet. Her toiletries set out on the bathroom counter, much like they had been at the hotel. A smile crossed her lips as she noticed her favorite books on the nightstand. A clear, poignant reminder that Carver had paid attention when she'd mentioned them in passing. His thoughtfulness in remembering such a small detail made her feel seen. Seen and wanted. She paused, her mind reeling at the thoughtfulness of the gesture. Carver had
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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
