Let Him Watch

Ava’s POV

Orion.

The sight of him was a punch to the gut as I flinched back. My body recoiled before my mind even caught up, the nausea hitting me in waves. He crouched before me, his dark jacket heavy on my trembling shoulders as though he were some knight in shining armor.

But I knew the truth.

The shock of seeing him here, playing the savior, was like a cruel twist of fate. Did he think this would wash away his sins? That his face would be the first thing I’d see and I’d thank him?

I couldn’t hide the disgust curling my lips. The tears streaking down my cheeks burned hotter, this time not from fear but fury. How dare he. How dare he appear before me after orchestrating this nightmare.

I wrenched myself free from his hold. His jacket slipped off my shoulders, pooling on the dirt floor beneath me.

“Don’t touch me!” My voice, though hoarse, cut through the commotion.

Orion’s face flickered with something—surprise? Guilt? I didn’t care to figure it out. I staggered backward, shaking as my legs barely supported me. As though on cue, Mason came rushing through the door like a force of nature, his eyes locking on me with pure relief.

“Ava!”

I barely had time to blink before Mason was at my side. His strong arms encircled me, pulling me to his chest. I winced at the contact—every inch of me screamed with pain—but his warmth soothed the trembling in my bones. Mason didn’t care about the dirt smeared across my gown, or the grime staining his clothes. He held me tightly, shielding me from the chaos swirling around us.

“It’s okay,” he murmured against my hair. “You’re safe now.”

I felt his jacket being draped over me next, the scent of him—clean and familiar—offering a comfort I didn’t realize I needed. I managed the smallest smile through my cracked lips, my fingers curling into the fabric. Mason’s hand slid beneath my knees, lifting me off the ground in one smooth motion.

“Let’s get you out of here,” he whispered, cradling me carefully.

I didn’t dare look back at Orion.

But as Mason carried me through the doorway, I couldn’t resist. My gaze found him standing there, frozen in place, his face twisted with an emotion I couldn’t quite place—anger? Pain?

Good, I thought bitterly. Let him stew in it. Let him watch.

Was this how they wanted to play? Did he really think he could orchestrate my suffering and waltz in as the hero? I would make him pay for this. For everything.

---

The bright lights of the ambulance seared my eyes as Mason gently placed me inside. He hovered close, concern etched into his features as he cupped my face, brushing a strand of hair from my dirt-streaked cheek.

“Are you okay?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. My throat was dry, raw from screaming. And yet, I still found myself staring over Mason’s shoulder—at him. Orion. He had sprinted forward and now stood at the ambulance door, hovering like a shadow.

I clenched my fists. The manipulative, scheming bastard. He had the audacity to look worried, regret lingering in his eyes. But I wasn’t fooled. Not anymore.

“How are you feeling?” Mason’s voice brought me back, his tone soft.

“Like a mess,” I croaked, trying to summon a smirk. It didn’t quite land.

The emergency staff pushed Mason aside to check my vitals, murmuring about my injuries—the split lip, the bruising along my jaw, the cut on my throat where the knife had been pressed too close. I winced as they prodded my side and unwrapped the bloodied bandage on my hand.

“Only one can come with her,” a paramedic said, glancing between Mason and Orion. “Who’s the spouse?”

The question was innocent, but it hit me like a slap. Orion immediately stepped forward, his voice calm, assured. “I’m her husband.”

“No.”

The word came out sharper than I intended, but it silenced everyone. I turned my head toward the paramedics, then toward Mason. “I want him with me.”

Mason didn’t hesitate. He climbed into the ambulance, his hand resting on mine. I let out a shaky breath as the doors closed, sealing Orion out. I caught one last look at his face, contorted with anger and something that might’ve been jealousy. His fists were clenched so tightly, his knuckles turned white.

Was this not part of your plan, Orion? I thought bitterly. Did you think I’d crawl back to you after this?

The ambulance jerked into motion, and I flinched as the pain in my side flared. Mason’s presence kept me steady, his thumb brushing the back of my hand. I replaced the physical pain with a growing, searing anger. At Orion. At Chloe. At the way they had pushed me to the edge.

“You’re okay now,” Mason murmured. “You’re going to be okay.”

I said nothing.

---

The hospital was a blur of sterile white and antiseptic smells. The bright overhead lights made me squint as doctors and nurses swarmed around me, cleaning my wounds. I winced when they dabbed antiseptic on the cut across my throat and almost screamed when they stitched my hand.

Each stab of pain ignited something darker inside me—rage. Chloe and Orion’s betrayal. The way he had looked at me, so pitying. So cruel.

They thought they could break me?

When the doctors finally finished and changed me into a hospital gown, I lay back against the bed, staring at the ceiling. My body ached, exhaustion tugging at me, but my mind refused to rest. I would get my pound of flesh.

The door burst open suddenly, and Rose rushed in. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, her face pale. “Ava!”

She threw herself at me, arms wrapping around me tightly. I winced.

“Careful,” I rasped, forcing a small smile.

Rose pulled back, panic in her eyes. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. Are you okay? What happened to you? Why didn’t you call me? Do you know how scared I was?”

Her words tumbled out in a frantic rush, but I raised my hand, motioning for her to lean closer. She bent down, her brows furrowed.

“It was Orion and Chloe,” I whispered. “I heard it from the kidnappers. They were behind this.”

Rose froze, her face contorting in rage. “What?”

“I heard it myself,” I said, my voice trembling.

Rose gritted her teeth, shaking her head. “Those bastards. I swear, Ava, I’ll make them regret ever breathing.”

“Don’t let Holly find out,” I murmured. “She can’t see me like this. Promise me, Rose.”

“I promise,” she said, her voice tight.

Before we could say another word, the door creaked open.

Orion.

His presence sucked the air from the room. He stepped inside, his gaze meeting mine.

And for the first time since this nightmare began, I felt the slightest edge of triumph. He looked... defeated.