Chasing Control

Ava

The antiseptic smell of the hospital mingled with the tension between us, sharp enough to make me sick.

Holly sat on the edge of the hospital bed, her arms folded across her chest, her expression an unreadable mask—until it cracked. Anger and confusion seeped through, and she couldn’t hold it back any longer.

“Why did you do that, Ava?” she asked, her voice trembling. “He was just trying to be nice. You made him leave like he was some kind of monster.”

I took a deep breath, fighting to keep my emotions in check while staring at my seventeen year old sister. “He’s not who you think he is, Holly. I’m trying to protect you.”

“From what?” she demanded, her eyes flashing. “Orion’s been nothing but kind since he showed up. He didn’t deserve that. You made me feel like a child in the middle of your drama. It’s exhausting, Ava.”

My heart ached hearing the raw hurt in her voice. “You don’t understand,” I said, feeling like a broken record. “There’s more to this than you know. Orion isn’t... he isn’t…. Just listen to me, Hol. I know better.”

Holly’s shoulders sagged, her gaze filled with disappointment. “You keep saying that, Ava. But all I see is you pushing away someone who might actually care. Or are you just jealous? Do you want him all to yourself? You don't want me to get to know him?”

The words cut deep. “That’s not fair,” I said, my voice tight.

“Isn’t it?” she shot back, her voice rising. “You’ve been so busy being my protector that you’ve forgotten how to be my sister. You ruined any chance I had to know him properly—to even consider him as... I don’t know... someone important in our lives. You ruined it.”

The weight of her words settled in the room, choking the air. I wanted to argue, to defend myself, but she turned her back to me, dismissing me with an agonizing finality.

“Just leave, Ava,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Please. I can’t do this with you right now.”

I opened my mouth, but no words came. The lump in my throat was too thick, the shame too raw. I turned on my heel and walked out, every step echoing with regret.

How could she say that to me?

---

The elevator ride to the top floor of the company felt like a climb up a mountain made of ice. The polished chrome and glass interior reflected my pale, determined face back at me.

He’d gotten into Holly’s head, twisted things to make himself seem like the hero and turned me into the bad guy. I wouldn’t stand for it.

The doors slid open, and I stepped into the hallway. The receptionist barely had time to stand before I strode past, making a beeline for Orion’s door. I didn’t knock. I shoved it open, startling him from whatever paper he was pretending to review.

“Ava,” he said, his voice dripping with mock surprise. He leaned back in his chair, the picture of calm. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

“Cut the act,” I snapped, shutting the door behind me with a force that echoed through the room. “You need to stay away from Holly.”

He raised an eyebrow, a slow, infuriating smirk spreading across his face. “Is that so?”

“Yes,” I hissed, stepping closer. “I see through you, Orion. Whatever game you’re playing, it stops now.”

He rose to his feet, moving with the kind of predatory grace that sent a chill down my spine. “And here I thought we were past this,” he said, his voice low. “But you can’t help yourself, can you? You have to play the hero.”

I clenched my fists at my sides. “I’m not playing anything. This is real. How dare you use my sister for your schemes? How low can you get, Orion? Don't you think you're too old for this stupid game?”

“Am I?” he murmured, circling around his desk. “You seem to be the only one who thinks so. Holly doesn’t see it. Maybe you’re just afraid.”

“Of you?” I scoffed, but my voice wavered. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Afraid of losing control,” he said, taking another step closer. “Afraid that you can’t protect the people you care about. Because deep down, you know you’re not enough.”

The words struck like a physical blow, and I hated that he’d gotten under my skin. “Stop it.”

“Why?” he challenged, his voice soft but razor-sharp. “Does the truth hurt?”

“I know what you're doing. You're trying to get to me and you're using Holly. That is so low, even for a scumbag like yourself,” I said, my voice icy.

“Now, come on Ava. I wouldn't need to play this game if only you didn't reject my proposal. Would you rather Holly hate you or would you just lick your wounds and say yes,” he growled in a deep voice that sent shivers down my spine.

I met his gaze, refusing to back down even though my chest felt like it was caving in. “Stay away from Holly,” I said again, each word a struggle.

Orion moved closer, his eyes dark and unreadable. “Or what?” His breath was warm against my cheek. “What are you going to do, Ava?”

“You know, for a moment, I thought you might have some dignity or pride but it turns out that you're just a pussy, controlled by his mother and his mistress,” I said and watched his face darken with anger.

Isn't that what we are doing? Hurting each other with words?

Suddenly, he grabbed my waist and pulled me into his arms. A soft gasp escaped my mouth as my breast collided with his chest.

He leaned in and brushed a feather-like kiss on my neck, taking his time to trace the line to my chin. I shivered at the feel of his lips on my skin and hated myself for how quickly I became moist for him.

“You think I can be tamed?” he growled down my neck, causing my insides to fold in a pleasurable way. I didn't like that. Not one bit.

I didn’t have an answer, and he knew it. The little space between us crackled with tension as he pulled away slightly. I wanted to push him away, to scream, but I couldn’t move.

He leaned in once more, his eyes never leaving mine, and for a second—just a second—I forgot to breathe.

“You’re out of your depth,” he whispered, his lips a breath away from mine. “But you’re too stubborn to see it.”

Before I could respond, the door burst open.

Orion stepped back smoothly, his expression unreadable. I turned to face the intruder, my heart pounding. She took a step inside, her gaze flicking between us.

“What’s going on here?” she demanded, her voice hard. But I knew she’d already drawn her own conclusions.