34

AVA POV:

The next hourpassed in a blur. The police and paramedics arrived, peppering me with questions and medical checkups and lots of somber-looking faces. I endured them all, my answers flat and robotic.

By the time they finished, I wanted to crawl into my bed and never get out—if I could bring myself to move.

“Ava?” Bridget placed a tentative hand on my arm. “The police said we can go. Rhys will drive us back.”

The massive bodyguard hovered so close he was practically on top of us, his usual stoic mask replaced with pure fury.

I didn’t blame him. We’d gotten ourselves into this mess.

Bridget and I had wanted to see one of our favorite bands perform in D.C. last night. Cool indie bands didn’t visit the city often, and when they did, we took advantage. Except…Rhys had flat-out forbidden Bridget from going because it wasn’t safe, and instead of arguing with him—which we all knew by now was useless—Bridget snuck out in the middle of the night. Everyth