Page 32 of Ava After Midnight

I’m wrapped in Domingo’s arms, our bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. His breath fans against my neck, measured and warm.

For one perfect moment, reality feels distant—just the afterglow of last night’s passion and the solid comfort of his embrace.

Then—

The security system’s shrill alarm shatters the silence.

My heart slams into my ribs.

"What—" I jolt upright, suddenly, horrifyingly sober.

Domingo is already on his feet.

No hesitation. No panic. Just pure, sharpened awareness.

"Someone entered the house code."

The words hit like ice water.

Everything crashes back into me.

The drinking. The dancing. The storm.

The sex.

Oh God, the sex.

I push up on unsteady arms, breath ragged, stomach twisting. My hand presses against my chest, fingers curling against bare skin.

My ring isn’t there.

It’s with Zoe. Hidden. Safe. But that doesn’t matter.

Because the weight of it is still there.

I cheated.

I cheated on Matthew.

Domingo sees it.

Of course, he does.

His expression shifts—gone is the man who whispered against my skin in the dark, who pulled me under and made me forget everything but him.

His jaw sets. His body still. Watching.

He doesn’t smirk.

He doesn’t gloat.

He just waits.

"Ava—"

The sharp thud of footsteps stops him cold.

Getting closer.

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