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Please say no, Sierra. Please say no.
“I think you should go. After what you’ve been through this past week, you should definitely blow off some steam. Seriously, you need the biggest cocktail in the world. So, I say go for it. Have fun tonight even if it’s with Reid.”
The doors finally swoosh open to the first floor. The desk attendant has returned to their post, and I see the paramedics outside the doors, preparing to drive off.
I wait for Ava and Sierra to proceed me, but they stop to keep their conversation going.
“You know what? You’re right,” Ava says. “I definitely need to blow off some steam.”
“You deserve it. I know we talk a lot of shit about Reid, but he is fine,” Sierra says with a cheeky smile. “Put on your heels and sexiest dress. Have a good time for both of us since I will be working tonight.”
Finally, the smile has returned to Ava’s face, and the women hug their goodbyes. Once we’ve reached the SUV, Ava resumes sitting in the backseat. I get in the driver’s seat and pause before starting the engine.
“I hate to be overstepping,” I say, meeting Ava’s gaze in the rearview mirror. I’m lying. I’m not sorry to overstep at all. “I’m not sure going out tonight is a good idea. We haven’t ruled out this Reid guy as a potential suspect, and maybe it would be best for you to do something else. Something safer than being in a crowded club.”
“I don’t need you to play my big brother now. Leave that to Asher. I am a grown woman. I can go out whenever and with whoever I want.”
I grip the steering wheel tightly until my knuckles turn white. The last thing I need is to get into an argument with Ava over this. “I’m only saying this because I am concerned for your safety.”
Ava raises a brow and crosses her arms, studying me before speaking again. “Is it genuine concern or is it jealousy?”
“I think you’re being a bit dramatic?—”
“So what if I am? What I think is you fumbled, and now you don’t want any other guy around me. But it’s not up to you. I can go wherever I want, with or without you.”
I could tell Ava was scared by the intruder coming into the photo shoot earlier. This bravado she’s putting on is a front.
“Fine,” I say. “Whatever princess wants, princess gets.”
Ava reclines back into the seat, putting in earbuds, cutting off any more conversation. That was fine with me. I’d be spending the next however many hours having to deal with the fact she’ll be in a potentially dangerous public space with this wanker, Reid, sniffing after her.
I was in for a long night.
CHAPTER 9
Ava
Maybe agreeing to see Reid tonight wasn’t the best decision. There was a reason our…situationship could best be described as on and off. Reid is sexy and fun, but when he imbibed, he transformed into a jealous, obnoxious person no one wanted around.
Brandon slows down across the street from the club, Scorpio. The lit neon red sign proudly boasts a scorpion with its tail in the air and ready to strike.
The past few hours were awkward at best. Brandon made his displeasure at my going to a club tonight crystal clear.
Or maybe it’s his displeasure at me seeing Reid. I wanted Brandon’s jealousy like I wanted my next breath. He didn’t get to discard me after the best kiss in my life and then think he could dictate where I went and who I’d see.
Maybe tonight really came down to me fucking with him, wanting to see Brandon sweat, but it’s his own fault. Plus, after today’s near encounter with the suspected stalker, I knew Sierra was right about blowing off steam. I’m tired of feeling trapped by something that’s entirely out of my control.
Brandon shuts of the SUV and makes eye contact with me in the rearview mirror. “Ready, Ava?”
Yes.
No.
Part of me feels anxiety about tonight. What if the stalker found his way here and mingles with the crowd, hoping to get to me while he thinks everyone is too distracted with drinking and music to care?
I have to stop this line of thinking, otherwise I’d never leave the apartment after what I’ve been through.
“Yes, I’m ready.” I force excitement into my voice that I don’t feel. Hopefully, this isn’t a premonition of how tonight will go.
