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90. Peek
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Kaugnay na kabanata
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 1. Lost
Ava Sánchez, just eighteen, trudged through New York City's twisted streets, her body worn thin by the relentless grind of survival. Her dark eyes, once lively, now mirrored her exhaustion, and her brown hair, streaked with the city's grime, framed a face drained of color. Hunger and anxiety pressed on her frail shoulders, each step forward a battle against the desperation gnawing at her insides. Clad in tattered clothes that did little to fend off the city's biting cold, Ava moved through the night, driven by the hollow ache in her stomach. The bustling noise of the city assaulted her ears, a disorienting blend of chaos against the quiet despair she carried. New York's bright lights, so dazzling to others, only heightened her sense of isolation, the vibrant cityscape contrasting her bleak reality. Poncholes, a high-end restaurant, stood out like a distant oasis amid the urban sprawl. Its warmly lit windows glowed invitingly, casting a golden hue on the street. Soft strains of piano
Saving Ava 2. Oops
With its subtle charm and busy atmosphere, this place offered her a new beginning. She would prove herself worthy of this chance. This chance she didn't deserve. The city had been cruel and indifferent, but she had found a small light in the darkness. Her first night had been grueling, each muscle in her body aching from the work. Dishes scrubbed, floors mopped, tables wiped clean. Ava pushed through, driven by something more than the need for money. When Jorge, the owner, approached her, she braced herself. He pulled out some bills and placed them in her hand. "You did well tonight," he told her. "There's a hotel nearby, the Newyorker Inn. It's decent. This will cover the room and whatever else you need. They know you are coming." Ava blinked, surprised by his kindness. She'd expected nothing more than a quiet nod of approval, if that. But here he was, offering her a safe place to rest. She thanked him, trying to mask the emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. Jorge smiled at
Saving Ava 3. Carver Troy
"He's a local real estate tycoon," Jorge said. "He's been coming here since he was a kid. It's his favorite spot. He often picks up his order after hours to avoid unwanted attention." Ava's stomach dropped as she realized her mistake. "I… I didn't know," she managed. "I'm so sorry, Jorge." Jorge shook his head. "I know you didn't mean any harm, but this is serious, Ava. Mr. Troy values his privacy, and he trusts us to keep it. There aren't many places he can go where he gets that respect. He'll be back tonight, and he'll expect an apology." Ava nodded as fear tightened around her chest. Facing someone so powerful was terrifying, but she had to make it right. "I'll apologize," she promised. "I'll do whatever it takes." Jorge nodded as well. "Just be sincere. He's fair. He'll understand." The hours dragged by as Ava's anxiety grew with each passing minute. The restaurant bustled around her, but she only thought about meeting Carver Troy. He was a legend in New York, known for his
Saving Ava 4. Hotel
The owner placed his hand over hers, shaking his head with a smile. "Don't worry. I'm not kicking you out. You've been moved to the Presidential Suite." Ava blinked, struggling to process his words. The Presidential Suite? The most luxurious room in the hotel, usually reserved for celebrities and dignitaries. Why was this happening? "But... why?" she finally whispered. "Someone requested it for you," the owner replied, shrugging. "They've paid for everything. Six months in advance." Ava's chest tightened. Who could have done this? Carver? He was the only one she knew with that kind of money. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. She made her way to the suite, her legs shaky. Opening the door, the sight stole her breath. A king-sized bed with a sparkling chandelier above it. Everything screamed luxury, a world apart from the small room she had been staying in. She wandered through the suite, trailing her fingers over the soft fabrics and cool marble. Her emotions surge
Saving Ava 5. New Confidence
Ava awoke slowly, the soft sheets reminding her of a reality she was still grasping. Memories from the previous day flickered in her mind, a blend of luxury and fantasy. Anticipation built up inside her, a sensation so novel and exhilarating. She slipped out of bed, smiling as she took in the gleaming surfaces around her. The bathroom beckoned, its array of makeup and hairstyling tools like an invitation to a world she had admired from afar but never entered. For the next hour, Ava immersed herself in transformation. Each brushstroke brought out a confidence she hadn't known before. Applying makeup was more than vanity. It was a connection to desires and dreams she had kept hidden. As she experimented with colors and contours, she felt something shift within her. An awakening of potential that had seemed out of reach until now. Each glance in the mirror revealed more than a change in appearance. It reflected the growth of her inner self. The spark of confidence ignited into someth
Saving Ava 6. Trust Your Gut
Ava looked up, trying to read the situation. "Yes, Jorge?" "How would you feel about becoming a waitress? I think you have what it takes. Your grace, attentiveness, and genuine care for others are exactly what we need." Ava froze. A waitress? The idea was exciting and terrifying, a plunge into something completely new. But deep down, she knew she was ready. "I would love to, Jorge!" The words tumbled out. "Thank you so much for this opportunity." Jorge nodded, pleased. "I knew you'd be up for it. Come, let's get you your employee meal and the new server uniforms. We've got a lot to discuss." As they headed toward the kitchen, Ava's heart raced, a mixture of anticipation and excitement coursing through her. Jorge led her to the employee lounge, where a meal and neatly folded uniforms awaited her. While Ava ate, Jorge started talking about Carver. "I've known Carver since he was a young boy," he shared, his thoughts drifting back. "Before the businesses, before the money. He's a g
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
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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
