Page 38 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
AVA
I swipe my hand across the steamy mirror, revealing my haunted countenance. I look like shit—I feel like shit. My cheek and collarbones are sharp and defined, the kind a model would kill for—only mine have been caused by my eating habits turning to trash again.
I gave Lou my word that I would fix it, and I did try for the first couple of days. But I’ve been in survival mode since then, trying not to offend the Morgans, especially Zane, so eating has become a chore I can’t be bothered with.
Coming to Iron Stallion was supposed to be a chance for me to recuperate and get better, but I’m on the opposite track. I’ve lost even more weight than when I arrived about a month ago, and I know Lou is not going to be pleased with this.
Speaking of the devil, my phone starts ringing on the bathroom sink with a call from her. I pick up and put her on loudspeaker as I begin towel-drying my hair.
“Ava Noa Ramirez!”
“What are you full-government-naming me for?” I retort.
“Because you are in so much trouble, young lady. You’ve been dodging my calls for a week. I have half a mind to track you down there,” she scolds.
“I’m sorry, I dropped my phone under the bed and couldn’t be bothered to get it,” I explain honestly.
I dropped it under the bed eight days ago, and only yesterday did a maid pick it up for me as she was cleaning. It was already dead, so I charged it, and I’ve only switched it on this morning.
“That does sound like something you would do.”
“I know. It’s not like I need it. You’re the only one I talk to besides Ella, and she’s here with me. You know where I am, so I thought it would be okay.”
She sighs, sounding frustrated with me. “I’ll let it slide, just this time. If you pull such a stunt again, I am sending Syd after you,” she threatens, referring to my head of security.
“Please don’t. I’ll not ghost you again,” I assure her.
“Good. Away with that, how have you been?”
I catch my reflection again, and I’m so grateful that this call is not via FaceTime; otherwise she would be so mad to see me in such a state.
“I’m okay. The past month has been amazing,” I gush, lying through my teeth.
It has not been okay. The only moment worth mentioning is the night Zane and I had sex. All the marks Zane left on my skin that night are gone, erasing all evidence that it happened. My body might not be marked anymore, but those memories will live in my mind forever because even though it was just a distraction to Zane, it meant the world to me. And since it might never happen again, I’ll hold onto those precious memories.
That was an amazing night, but dawn came and I realized that I’d made a mistake, so I snuck out and I’ve been steering clear of him since then. I haven’t sleepwalked since I got my meds, and it has worked in my favor.
“Ava... hey... you still there?” Lou calls out, pulling me from my reverie.
“Yeah, sorry, I’m here. You were saying?”
“I’m glad you’re okay. I was worried there for a moment.”
“Don’t be. I’m okay, I promise,” I assure her.
“That’s good.”
“What about things on your end?” I ask, and she immediately picks up on what I’m asking about.
“Not a peep since the incident at the record label.”
“That’s a good thing, right? Maybe he’s done,” I express hopefully.
If my stalker is finally done with me, then it will be one less thing to worry about. Please let him be done.
“I’m not so sure. It feels like the calm before a storm, like he’s gearing up for the big one,” Lou replies, and my heart sinks.
“Don’t say that.”
