Page 108 of Break my Heart

Coach leans back in his chair, his expression turning thoughtful. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for her. More importantly, she’ll be in Colorado, and there’ll be security. Ava will be safe there. With everything going on, I think that’s the best option for her. Don’t you?”

The words hit me like a kick to the nuts.

Colorado.

That’s far away from here.

From me.

“Nadia will be with her night and day, helping her get back into competitive shape. There won’t be time for anything else,” Coach adds, his meaning clear.

Translation: there won’t be time for me.

I open my mouth to argue, but the words stay trapped inside, refusing to budge.

When I remain silent, at a loss, he continues, “Skating has always been Ava’s life. You have no idea how much it broke her to walk away. Not only is this her chance to reclaim it but to be safe.” There’s a pause as his tone gentles. “If you really want what’s best for Ava, you’ll let her go.”

The heavy weight of his words presses down on me, crushing the air from my lungs. As much as it kills me, I think he might be right.

I have to let her go.

34

Ava

I stare at my phone, the latest text from Nathan flashing on the screen like a ticking bomb.

Unknown number:

Answer me! I won’t be ignored any longer! What we had was special.

My hands shake as I read the message for a second time.

He’s changed his number.

Again.

The next message makes my stomach twist into a series of painful knots.

Unknown number:

I’m the one who made you what you are today!

I clench my jaw, forcing back the bile rising in my throat. Before I can close the app, another message pops up.

This one feels like a knife to the gut.

Unknown number:

There’s no way that kid can give you what you crave. I know how you like to be touched. I’m the one who created the need. And I’m the only one who can feed the monster that lives deep inside you.

I stop dead in my tracks, the chill of the air no match for the icy fear that floods my system.

The only way he could know about Hayes is if he’s here at Western, watching my every move.

That thought sends a violent shiver racing down my spine.

I glance around the quiet campus, scanning the shadows, as paranoia tightens its grip on me. I can’t resist throwing cautious glances over my shoulder. I’m terrified that I’ll spin around and find Nathan standing there.

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