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“What the fuck, Ava?” I throw my arms around her to keep her arm pinned to her sides.
“Let me go!” She tries to fight me, but she’s still weak from the ketamine.
“Not until you calm down and talk to me.” She stops fidgeting. “Thank you.” I’m about to let her go when she fights me again.
“Let go of me, now!”
“Don’t make me lock you in the bedroom again.”
She kicks, thrusts, and pants. “What happened to you? Why are you doing this to me? I thought we were friends.”
“We are. That’s why I’m doing this. Your mom told me you wanted out of Viktor’s life. She told me you were a prisoner in his house and that you were unhappy but couldn’t leave.”
She freezes. “She isn’t my mom, and she’s lying!”
“Diana Byrne isn’t your mom?” I stare at her with a crinkled brow.
“She is my mother, but she’s not my mom.” My confusion doubles. “Either way, she’s lying to you. She is using you to get to me.”
“She loves you. She wouldn’t hurt you. A mother wouldneverhurt her child.”
“You don’t know her.”
I consider her words.Could it be true? Did I make a mistake?
No! I didn’t make a mistake. I’ve seen the danger Ava has faced because of Viktor firsthand.
“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is keeping you safe. You’ll never have to go back to Viktor. I’m right here. I’ll keep you safe and make you happy.”
“Are you listening to yourself?”
She tries to escape my clutch, but I tighten my arms around her. “I’m your friend. I’m trying to help you. Viktor is your captor. You’re suffering from Stockholm syndrome.”
She stares at me as if she doesn’t know who I am. “What are you talking about? Max, you’re scaring me. Please let me go. My mom is lying to you.”
“You’re not safe with him. You almost died again. Don’t you see it? Viktor is not good for you. He’s a monster.”
“The only monster I see is you. You kidnapped me, and you’re holding me against my will.”
“I’m doing this for your own good.”
She fights and fights and fights until she eventually gives up. “Okay. I’ll talk with you. But please let me go.” She blows a wayward hair out of her face. “We’re in the cabin. Where can I possibly go?”
She smiles at me. It’s a sweet smile I know so well and miss.
I let her go, but I spot her intentions before she acts. She moves to kick me, but I spin her away before wrapping my arms around her torso again. “Why did you do that?”
“You’ve lost it, Max. But you haven’t done anything that can’t be undone. Just let me go.”
When she almost hurts herself trying to escape me, I plead, “Ava, I love you. Please calm down.”
“You’re fucking crazy!”
Aware she won’t cooperate, I shunt her back into the bedroom and lock the door. Then I pace while pulling at my hair. This plan isn’t working. I need a better plan. How can I convince Ava that I’m right? I’m the better man for her. I’d make her truly happy if she’d just give me a chance. She won’t be in any danger when she’s with me.
“Let me out, Max!” She screams and bangs on the door some more.
I rest my palm on the door, then tilt closer to the battered wood. “I love you, Ava. This is for your own good. You’ll see.”
