*Ava*It feels good to get ready for work. I may still be staying at Liam’s, but it’s all temporary. I’d love to discuss staying here, but only if he wants to. I’m not sure how to broach the subject, honestly. But I wouldn’t have been able to get through any of this without him. So, somehow, I’m going to have to figure out my way to the question.Once I’ve reached the building, I look around for Noah. Since I’ve been in Chicago, I haven’t worried too much about him. But now that I’m back, I can’t stop wondering if he’s lurking around every corner. I don’t spot him anywhere. I check over my shoulder and try to notice anything suspicious periodically. Nothing. Maybe Liam really did scare him away. I wasn’t sure it could be done, but I’m glad I finally have a moment to exhale. One less thing to worry about. I get back into the swing of things, chatting it up with my co-workers, enjoying the work I’m doing. I’m feeling myself thaw little by little. It’s a great feeling, one I

*Ava*“Ah, Ava,” Catherine says, a bite to her tone. She’s wearing her Louis Vuitton heels, which I know from the flashes of red I can see when she walks. She wears a black tank top and a pair of black jeans to match, looking much more put together than Noah does in his dirty t-shirt and jeans. “It’s not nice to see you, but whatever.” Of all the people Noah could have brought into this, how did it end up being Catherine? They’re from completely different walks of my life. What would have brought them together in the first place?Even though I have no idea how she got here, I’m genuinely not even a little bit surprised Catherine has found a way to insert herself into something in my life that might benefit her. She was always very good at that.She continues talking, looking off to the side as if pulling from a memory. “But, I’m very happy you’re here. Now instead of trying to use your nothing father, I can use you. I mean, he was never worth anything to me. Good riddance to h

*Ava*It’s gotten much later, and the warehouse is mostly shrouded in darkness. Catherine and Noah refuse to turn on any lights. The only reason I can see anything at this point is because of the windows allowing moonlight through. There’s wood nailed to most of the windows, however, not allowing enough light through to really see well. The dilapidated building just stands silently.I’ve been doing everything to keep myself together. Hours of sitting in this chair have me sore in so many different places. My arms have gone numb at this point, same with my ass. My legs are screaming to stand, and my face is still tingling from the duct tape being ripped off. But it’s keeping myself from crying that’s been the most challenging.I refuse to give them the satisfaction of my tears, of my fear. These two really thought they could do this to me? Well, I won’t let them see me break. I’m nothing if not resourceful. Noah has been trying to talk to me, ask me questions, get my attention,

*Ava*Two days. Two days and I still haven’t returned to EduRide.I can’t stomach the idea of walking past the bathroom, remembering when Noah jumped me there. How could anyone jump me there?Memories of the bathroom lead to memories of the warehouse and suddenly, I can’t breathe.Maybe it would be different if they’d caught Catherine. But no, she’d gotten away.A dark shadow left to lurk in the corners of my life.Lilian understands, though, and told me to take my time coming back to work.Noah made a plea bargain and is now sitting in prison for kidnapping me. He’s going to spend less time in prison than I want, but I suppose a few years is better than nothing. I just don’t like that he can get out early for good behavior.I shudder, thinking of him trying to kiss me. I’m glad I bit him.“Hey, baby, are you okay?” Liam asks, crossing to the sofa with a tray of hot cocoa.This man always knows what I need. And hot cocoa with a smiley face in marshmallows shakes me

*Ava***TWO WEEKS LATER**“Dad,” I say, sighing into the phone as I pace our new New York townhouse kitchen. “Calm down.”“I will not! What do you mean ‘I moved in with Liam’? The man’s old enough to be your father!” my father shouts.I hold the phone away from my ear. I probably could have heard him from Chicago without it. “Ouch, Dad, that was loud. And we already established that yes, Liam is a little older than me…”“A little?! His daughter is your age!” my dad continues fuming.“Yes…” I reply with failing patience. “And that’s kind of how we met…”“‘Kind of’?” my father echoes.I swallow. Maybe if he understands the context, he’ll be more okay with our relationship. After all, Mindy and he met at a mutual friend’s party. “Well, you see, there was this party…” I lay it out for him.“He called you another woman’s name and you’re still with him?” my dad grumps.Now I know he’s just trying to poke holes in my balloon. “Dad, I really thought you were over this. If y