Page 10 of Keeping Ava

“He’s—”

“Outside, now.” My voice is harsh, body tensing as I make my way outside the apartment. I don’t stop or make sure he follows me. Instead, I walk toward the center of the floor where there’s a small sitting room overlooking the bay for the residents. It’s far enough to talk without her hearing—there’s a large enough mirror where I can see who’s coming and going—and I can reach my door within seconds if need be. “Tell me.”

“There’s a new victim.”

“Fuck.” It’s a rough exhale as I drag a hand over my face. “Where?”

“The body was found in New Mexico and with a note.”

“What did it say?”

“See for yourself.” Weston hands me his phone, and my eyes scan the picture; I begin to shake. Pure fucking lava courses through my veins.

On a white sheet with a smattering of blood is a line written in black marker. Just one line.

You can’t keep her from me.

The plastic in my hand groans, and I give back the phone before it becomes a thousand pieces on the floor. A million scenarios run through my mind within the span of time that Weston takes the phone, and I shift my eyes toward the water not far from my building.

And through it all, only one thought remains certain…

“I’m going to kill him.”

Chapter 4

Ava

He walks away without looking back. More importantly, I hate how that makes me feel.

Alone.

Full of worry.

That crippling fear I’ve been fighting back, swallowing down as memories flood my senses, hits me full force in the chest, and I have to hold on tight to the railing to keep myself upright. His facial expression before walking out said it all: confirms that my nightmare—this new reality—isn’t changing anytime soon.

That Jason is coming for me.

That something has happened since we left Texas.

It serves as a reminder of my truth…

I can’t look at Elijah as anything other than the man set to protect me. I can’t focus on his hypnotic hazel eyes or the way my heart thumps rapidly when they settle on mine. Or how his over six-foot, muscular frame makes me feel delicate and safe.

How my fingers itch to run through his thick, wavy black hair and pull at the ends to see if he…

Get it together, Ava. He’s not for you.

I can’t let the butterflies inside my stomach, the ones that dance and make me hyper aware of his every move, lower my guard. Taking in how handsome he is isn’t conducive to staying alive. It’s the opposite; Elijah could be put at risk if I get too close.

That thought causes a small sob to catch in my throat as my vision becomes a bit fuzzy.

My life will never be the same. Jason won’t let me go—he told me as much.

That I’d pay for what I’ve done.

For being stupid enough to ignore his advances—to try and forget how creeped out he makes me feel—without speaking up.

“Just breathe. You’re safe, Ava,” I whisper on shaky legs, my chest rapidly rising with every harsh intake of air. Standing is becoming too hard, so I slide down to the floor. Turning with my back to the veranda, I lower my body with my knees bent up and take in a few deep gulps of air, limbs shaking.

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