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62. Skeptical
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Saving Ava 63. Vials
The room held a quiet, solemn energy as Ava and Peyton gently helped Carver out of the bath. His steps were a bit shaky, but with their support on either side of him, he made his way to the bed. Once settled amid the soft sheets, he looked up at them with weary eyes."Hey," he began softly, "I just have a fever. It's not the end of the world. Go on, give yourselves a break. Let me rest, I will be fine."Ava and Peyton exchanged glances. The unspoken sentiment between them was clear – Carver was giving them time together. They both knew him well enough to understand the gesture, though his overt concern for their relationship sometimes felt suffocating.They stepped out onto the balcony, allowing the fresh air to envelop them. Ava leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath. "You know, he probably thinks we'll do something other than talk about him the whole time."Peyton smirked, his gaze steady on the horizon. "He really doesn't get it, does he? But I don't think you do either."
Saving Ava 64. Pills and Contracts
The bedroom was filled with a muted stillness, interrupted only by Carver's ragged breathing and the soft rustle of sheets. Standing beside the bed, Peyton produced a couple of pills, holding them out to Carver. Carver's eyes narrowed, locking onto the pills. "Are those what I think they are?" he asked, his voice edged with suspicion.Peyton's expression remained neutral, yet there was an underlying firmness. "Yes," he replied tersely. "But take them. I'm not in the mood for a debate."Ava, who had been perched on the edge of the bed, glanced between the two men, confusion evident on her face. The air in the room grew tense, charged with unspoken emotions."They're pain pills," Peyton clarified for Ava's benefit. The tension eased, but only slightly. Carver met Peyton's gaze, his defiance evident. However, he relented after a few long moments, swallowing the pills grimly. "See you in two days," he muttered bitterly, rolling over to face the wall.Peyton and Ava exchanged a concerned
Saving Ava 65. Simple Things
The atmosphere on the dock had been surprisingly pleasant, the hours melting away as Ava and Peyton chatted about everything but Carver. Their laughter echoed off the water, and the tension winding around Ava's heart seemed to ease. They had covered all topics, from favorite childhood memories to silly would-you-rather questions, deliberately steering clear of the subject that had been dominating their lives. Their playful banter continued when they moved into the kitchen to start dinner. The mood was light, a far cry from the heavy emotional fog hanging over the house earlier. At this moment, laughter still hovering in the air, Carver appeared at the top of the stairs. His descent was slow, each step seeming like a burden, and his expression unreadable. Picking up on the change in atmosphere, Peyton handed Carver a glass filled with his next dose of antibiotics. "Oh good, I was about to bring this up to you. Here, drink this." Carver didn't meet his gaze, didn't say a word. He jus
Saving Ava 66. Charts and Videos
Carver woke up to a warmth that enveloped him from both sides. Ava was snuggled up to him on one side, her arm draped over his chest, and Peyton was on the other, their legs tangled in a comforting mess of sheets and limbs. A smile crept onto Carver's face despite the heat and slight discomfort. This was the kind of discomfort he wouldn't trade for anything in the world. As he lay there, his mind began to churn, introspecting the maze of his recent emotions and actions. He thought about how far he'd let himself spiral into a pit of despair, anger, and self-pity. "What a mess I am," he thought. "Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the universe decided that I deserve not just one, but two incredible people in my life. Two soulmates who, despite my flaws, want nothing more than for me to be okay." The realization weighed heavily on him, like a delicate balance of shame and gratitude. He knew he had a long way to go, that he had issues to confront and battles to fight, both with himself
Saving Ava 67. All Hell Breaks Lose
Peyton was on the phone, ordering an array of breakfast items, while Ava busied herself with a mop, her movements revealing a silent contemplation. Carver sat perched at the kitchen island, seemingly engrossed in his phone, the weight of his focus rendering him almost absent from the room. As Ava glided by Carver, broom in hand, she glanced at his screen. "I thought you were leaving it alone," she said, gently probing. Peyton arrived at that moment, setting two large bags of food on the island counter. "You know better than that," he chimed in, with a wry smile conveying both understanding and resignation. They unpacked the breakfast, creating a small island of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic sea of events. Carver's phone incessantly buzzed on the counter as they ate, like a distant alarm refusing to be silenced. Sighing, he finally said, "I don't think that's going to stop for a while." "Yeah," Peyton nodded, "as much as I'd like to believe we can just hunker down here and ignor
Saving Ava 68. Coldly Itemized
The jet's engines wound down to a whisper as they disembarked onto the private airstrip. The world outside seemed to rush by in a blur as they quickly slid into the waiting car service, a silent understanding shared between them. Carver's phone buzzed against his thigh, the ringtone slicing through the heavy air inside the vehicle. It was the detective. "Hello?" Carver's voice was cautious, measured. Ava and Peyton watched him, an unspoken tension hanging in the air. "We need to talk. There's new information," the detective's voice was gruff, and matter-of-fact, setting off a subtle alarm in Carver's head. Without hesitation, he instructed the driver to head to the police station, a knot forming in his stomach. The others exchanged worried glances but said nothing, each lost in tumultuous thoughts. The fluorescent lights of the police station cast a sterile glow over the detective's desk. They sat, an air of expectancy surrounding them as the detective began to lay out evidence fr
Saving Ava 69. Failed You
The familiar comfort of their apartment had transformed into a nerve center of crisis management, an atmosphere charged with a mix of determination and apprehension. As they navigated this unexpected storm, their movements around each other were like a dance of support and solidarity, each step underlined by a silent promise to be there for one another.Carver sat at his desk, his sleeves rolled up, his brow furrowed in concentration. The stress was noticeable, evident in how his hands moved across the keyboard, the occasional pause to rub his temples speaking volumes of the pressure he felt. Standing close by, Ava shuffled through a stack of documents, her eyes scanning each line with meticulous care. She felt overwhelmed but driven, knowing that any small detail might be the key to their salvation.Peyton, always the anchor, moved between them, offering a reassuring hand on Ava's shoulder or a supportive glance towards Carver. He understood his role – to keep the balance, to ensur
Saving Ava 70. So Much Has Changed
Carver awoke to the early morning light filtering through the large windows casting a serene glow over the room. He lay on his side, observing Peyton and Ava's intimate embrace, their bodies intertwined as if to protect one another even in sleep. He couldn't help but feel a pang of isolation, wondering if his own restlessness had somehow pushed him to the edge of their shared bed. Quietly slipping out from under the sheets, he tiptoed to the bathroom, careful not to disturb the peaceful scene behind him. The shower’s hot water felt almost cathartic as it cascaded over him, offering a brief respite from the turmoil in his mind. His thoughts drifted to Lana and the hotel incident – how life was tragically lost due to her sinister actions. The memory of Lana applying to be his sub flashed through his mind, now tainting his perception of the entire dynamic. He grimaced at the thought – had he really treated the role of a sub like a mere job application? The notion unsettled him deeply. F
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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
