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5. New Confidence
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Saving Ava 6. Trust Your Gut
Ava looked up, her eyes wide. "Yes, Jorge?" "How would you feel about becoming a waitress? I think you have what it takes. Your grace, your attentiveness, your genuine care for others – all the qualities we need in a server." The room seemed to stop as Ava processed Jorge's words. A waitress? Her? The offer was both thrilling and terrifying, a step into unknown territory. But deep inside, she knew she was ready. "I would love to, Jorge!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with gratitude and excitement. "Thank you so much for this opportunity." Jorge's face broke into a warm smile, his eyes reflecting genuine happiness for Ava. "I knew you'd be up for it. Come, let's get you your employee meal and new server uniforms. We have a lot to discuss." As they moved toward the kitchen, Ava's heart was pounding in her chest, a mix of anticipation and joy swirling within her. Jorge led her to the employee lounge, where a delicious meal awaited her, along with neatly folded server uniforms tha
Saving Ava 7. Sharp Edges
Time seemed to stop as Ava's mind raced, panic and disbelief warring within her. This couldn't be happening. Not now, not when everything was finally falling into place. But the cold steel against her skin was all too real, and she knew that one wrong move could mean the end.Her hands trembled as she reached for her purse, her mind working frantically to find a way out of this nightmare. The robber's breath was hot against her neck, his body tense and ready to strike.She could feel his impatience growing, his grip tightening as he sensed her hesitation. Her thoughts were a whirlwind, images and memories flashing before her eyes.Her fingers brushed against her new bracelet, a symbol of hope and transformation that now seemed cruelly ironic. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized the fragility of life, the way dreams could be shattered in the blink of an eye.The robber's voice grew threatening as he barked, "Hand it over now!" His demands reverberated in her ears, the reality of h
Saving Ava 8. What Happened?
Carver's eyes were on her, studying her as if assessing damage to a delicate piece of art. The intensity of his gaze was unnerving, but there was also a tenderness in his eyes."Go take a bath, Ava," he said, his voice soft but insistent. "You need to calm down. I'll be right out here."She nodded, almost robotically, and made her way to the bathroom. The words were simple, a mere suggestion, but the authority in his voice made it a command she could not refuse. She glanced back at him as she closed the door, catching a glimpse of him pulling out his phone. His expression was immediately taut and serious.The sound of water filling the bathtub was a gentle melody. A soothing counterpoint to the chaos of emotions that whirled within her. She couldn't shake the image of Carver standing over the robber. The controlled violence in his movements, the power in his voice. The paradox was both compelling and confusing.As she slipped into the warm water, she could hear the murmur of Carver's
Saving Ava 9. One More Suggestion
Carver's piercing eyes scanned the room. His broad shoulders relaxed yet alert, as he and Ava made their way to the sitting room's plush couches. a thick air of curiosity, concern, and intrigue hung between them. With a graceful motion, Carver reached into the mini-fridge, retrieving two cold water bottles. His movements were deliberate and controlled. He handed her one, the cool bottle a stark contrast to the warmth of his hand. "So," he began, his voice as smooth, "How long have you lived here, Ava?" His question, though simple, held a weight that seemed to pull at the very core of Ava's soul. She looked into his eyes, those deep wells of wisdom, authority, and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on. Intrigue? Concern? Perhaps even a glimmer of vulnerability? "Less than six months," she replied, her voice steady. She could feel his gaze probing deeper, searching for something more. "And before that?" he asked, leaning back slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. A
Saving Ava 10. Decisions
Carver's eyes were dark, his jaw clenched. his body was taut, as though he was physically restraining himself. He continued to tap his fingers on the chair. Ava watched him with a mix of curiosity and concern. What could possibly be causing such a powerful man so much inner turmoil?Finally, Carver broke the silence, his voice low and measured. "Ava, I've been considering your safety," he began, his words carefully chosen. "I want to propose something, something that might sound somewhat unconventional."Ava leaned forward, her eyes wide, her mind alert. Unconventional? Her heart started to beat a little faster.Carver continued, his voice tinged with a note of uncertainty. "I would like you to move into my penthouse. With me. There's a guest wing that you would be welcome to. It's a secure location, and it would be closer to your new job."Ava's heart was caught in a tumultuous dance between shock and intrigue. The words Carver had just spoken hung in the air, ringing in her ears. Ec
Saving Ava 11. Yes or No
Ava awoke to a day filled with possibilities, her mind teetering between the familiar routine and the exciting promise of a new beginning. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over her room. As she stirred from her slumber, memories of the previous evening's conversation with Carver replayed in her mind. His offer, so unexpected and generous, still lingered at the forefront of her thoughts. A new job, a new home, a new direction in life—it was all within reach, yet something held her back. She pushed herself out of bed and began getting ready. Her mind was wandering to the possibilities that lay ahead. As she dressed for work at the restaurant, she considered her conversation with Carver. His suggestion that she move into his penthouse was both flattering and bewildering. She knew he was sincere, but she couldn't shake the feeling that it was all too good to be true. Arriving at the restaurant, Ava was greeted by Jorge, who had heard about the
Saving Ava 12. Moving Up
The tension inside the black SUV was almost tangible as it glided through the city streets. Carver sat rigidly in his seat, his eyes focused on the world outside the window, lost in thought.Ava, equally silent, watched his profile, the lines of his face sharpened by the passing streetlights. Their minds were a whirlwind of emotions, yet neither seemed willing to break the silence that had enveloped them. The vehicle's smooth movement and the soft hum of the engine provided the only soundtrack to their unspoken thoughts.A few minutes into the ride, Carver's gaze shifted from the window to Ava. He studied her for a moment, his eyes probing, seeking something within her. "Are you scared?" he asked, his voice low, breaking the heavy silence around them.Ava looked at him, surprised by the question. She took a moment to consider her answer, her eyes searching his. "A little," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Carver's expression softened, and he reached over to gent
Saving Ava 13. Imagination
The air within Carver's penthouse seemed to grow heavy. Charged with a sudden tension that Ava hadn't felt before. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked into Carver's eyes, searching for something, anything that might hint at his hidden secrets. The question she had asked lingered in the air, a specter of doubt that threatened to unravel the delicate trust that was forming between them. Carver's face remained inscrutable, his eyes locked onto Ava's. Time seemed to slow down, each second stretching out into eternity as the silence deepened. She could feel the weight of his gaze. a penetrating scrutiny that left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. The doubt gnawed at her. growing into a disquieting concern that made her wonder what else he might be hiding. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Carver's lips curved into a smile. The change in his expression was so subtle, so gradual, that it took Ava a moment to register it. The smile was reassuring, yet it held a hint of s
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