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