Chapter 143

\[AVA\]

After dropping me off at Brian’s penthouse, Aaron insists on staying until Brian returns.

But I can clearly see the disinterest on his face—he can’t stand another bored minute with me. So, I do what I know is right.

I ask him to leave.

Maybe out of formality, he insists once more that he doesn’t mind staying, but my mind is already made up. I can’t let him suffer just because I’m scared of being alone.

Not that I am, of course.

This is Brian’s place we’re talking about. It’s probably the safest place I could be. The security in this affluent neighborhood isn’t just top-notch—it’s damn near unbreakable.

Besides, Brian will be home in a couple of hours. I’m sure I can survive until then.

“Fine, if that’s what you want,” Aaron says, sounding bored as he runs a hand through his hair. “Call me if there’s any news, and I’ll let you know if I find something.”

“Sure, sounds great.” I walk him to the door.

“Will you be visiting Sean again?” I ask as he steps outside.

“Nah. I’ll just wait till morning. I’m still not comfortable being around Miranda. She isn’t against our relationship, but I feel weird around her. Maybe it’s her too sweet voice, or the fact that she’s just… understanding—something I’m not really used to.”

I can’t help but scoff at his reasoning. “You do realize you’re the one being weird, right? You don’t need a reason to dislike everyone you meet. Sometimes, good people are just that—good people. You don’t have to feel indifferent just because they’re nice to you. Just saying.”

He rolls his eyes the same way he does when he knows he’s wrong but refuses to admit it. “Whatever. I’ll visit Sean tomorrow, that’s for sure. Now go inside and lock the door. Make sure not to open it for any strangers. You know the drill. I’m sure they teach that in school these days.”

The sarcasm in his voice—and on his face—couldn’t be more obvious.

“You’re insufferable.” I shake my head and close the door.

Not before hearing him say, “I’m sure that’s a good thing.”

I could have groaned at that—I really wanted to—but instead, I just locked the door and walked back into the living room.

If I spend another second trying to figure this man out, I’ll surely go mad.

I sink onto the couch, letting out a long breath.

I glance around, my eyes drifting to the large windows overlooking the city. The skyline twinkles with life, but tonight, it doesn’t bring me any comfort.

Instead, it reminds me of how small I feel—how vulnerable.

Shaking off the thought, I grab my phone and check for any messages from Brian. Nothing yet.

He said he’d be home in a couple of hours.

I tell myself there’s nothing to worry about, but my fingers tighten around the phone anyway. Maybe it’s paranoia, or maybe it’s just the weight of everything catching up to me, but I can’t stop thinking about the person behind these threats and attacks.

Who could it be?

Who did I piss off so badly that they’re hellbent on hurting everyone around me?

But not a single name comes to mind.

Of course, the thought of Sean’s father makes me pause—but how could that be?

Isn’t he in prison? Could he really be pulling this off from behind bars? And secondly, would he risk hurting us, especially when he’s trying for another bail attempt?

I don’t know how long I sit there, lost in thought, when the doorbell rings.

I stiffen at the idea of someone being outside so late at night.

But then it hits me like a damn brick.

Brian!

My heart leaps as I scramble to my feet, nearly knocking my phone off the couch. Brian’s home. He said he’d be back in a few hours, and it’s been long enough. It has to be him.

I practically run to the door, wondering why didn’t he use his own key.

But then, of course, it’s Brian we are talking about. He probably doesn’t want to scare me in any way.

God, I love him.