Page 38 of Choose Me

Ava gave Amelia a warm smile. "That's very kind of you. Thank you."

21

TWENTY-ONE

JAMES

By the time I had made the arrangements with the team and filled Brock and Everett in, Ava was discharged, and we were on our way to Amelia’s apartment. As we drove through the busy streets of Manhattan, we could see the hustle and bustle of the city around us. Despite the fact that it was late in the evening, the roads were still busy with people walking to their destinations. Taxis and cars honked their horns as they weaved in and out of the traffic, and the bright lights of the buildings illuminated the night sky.

We finally pulled up in front of Amelia's building, a sleek and modern high-rise in the heart of the city. Ava clung to my arm as we exited the car, her body trembling as her eyes flitted between each passerby. I knew she was overwhelmed, so I quickly guided her into the building lobby and away from the crowds.

Brock went to headquarters to start working on finding Margaret while I got Ava settled into Amelia's place. Everett followed closely behind us as we followed Amelia. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, and soft music played in the background. We took the elevator up to the fifth floor, where she unlocked the door to her apartment and gestured for us to follow her inside.

"Welcome to my humble abode." She chirped.

Her living room was bathed in warm amber light; candles were burning on the coffee table and mantel, and soft music played in the background. The room smelled like lavender and vanilla.

"Sit down, Ava. Make yourself comfortable." Amelia gestured to the couch.

Ava sank into the plush cushions, her eyes still darting around the room. I sat beside her, my arm still wrapped around her shoulders, trying to soothe her nerves. Everett took seats opposite us, his eyes scanning the room, taking in every detail.

Amelia disappeared into the kitchen momentarily, returning with a bottle of water for Ava. Ava accepted it but set it on the glass coffee table. Amelia's eyes lingered on Ava for a few seconds before she shifted her gaze toward me.

"So, the team is going to post up outside the apartment, and they are working on pulling surveillance footage from some adjoining businesses near the penthouse to see if we can triangulate Margaret's path after she fled earlier today. For now, we all keep an eye on Ava and Amelia. By staying here, you're putting yourself in danger, Amelia. This means we protect you, too." I told her.

"Wait, what does that mean exactly?"

"It means you'll have an agent following you."

"Ew, no. I don't want a shadow."

"You don't have a choice. Even if we weren't staying here, I would still have someone tailing you, and you probably wouldn't realize it. Margaret is unhinged, and I won't take any risks when it comes to either one of you."

She seemed to contemplate my words before settling on an answer. "Fine." She clicked her tongue. "But tell them to give me space. I don't need people at the company ogling."

"Fair enough," I responded.

"A couple of the guys are grabbing some of our things and dropping them by shortly," Everett interjected. I noticed his gaze had not left Ava, and I wasn't sure what exactly I was witnessing, but I put it in the back of my mind for now.

Amelia shifted her gaze to Ava, "It's been a long day. Why don't I get you and Ava up in the guest room." She offered.

She led us to a room at the end of the hallway near the living room. The walls had been painted a dull grey, and heavy lavender curtains hung over the window. Piercing neon lights from the neighboring building pierced through the cracks, casting a soft pink glow across the queen-sized bed in the center of the room.

Ava sank onto the bed, and her breathing slowed as she took in the room's peaceful atmosphere. I sat down next to her, placing a reassuring hand on her back. Amelia stood in the doorway, watching us both before speaking. "I'll let you two settle in. The bathroom is next door. Let me know if you need anything," she said before turning and leaving the room, closing the door behind her with a click.

I returned to Ava, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Are you okay?"

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with tears. "I really missed you."

I could feel her tense muscles start to relax under my touch. "I missed you, baby."

I leaned in to kiss her, and she pulled back slightly, her eyes searching mine before she spoke.

"I need you. I need you to make me forget." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the desperation in her words was palpable. I knew what she was asking for, and my body responded instinctively. My hand slid down her back, cupping her ass as I pulled her closer to me. Our lips met in a hungry kiss, and being close to her again was almost too much to bear.

Without breaking the kiss, I slowly lowered myself onto the bed, pulling her down. She straddled my hips, her body flush against mine, and I could feel her warmth seeping through my clothes. I trailed my lips down her neck, nipping at her skin. She moaned softly, and I almost came undone. Her lips tasted like a drug, and I was addicted. I wanted more.

I pulled away from her, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. "Are you sure?" I asked her, my voice hoarse with desire.

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