Chapter 44

If you haven't already, please read my new book 'Love is for the books'. I am extremely excited to share it with my readers as it's another journey in writing.

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Third person narrative

The events of last night kept playing through Ava's mind. She could not for the life of her focus on anything else.

As she laid on the floor with Aiden beside her, she could not help but feel a level of guilt. She knew she felt something for the man that laid next to her on the floor, but she could not bring herself to acknowledge what those feelings were.

As if feeling her gaze on him Aiden stirred in his sleep. At this point his state of sleep was starting to fade and he was beginning to wake up.

He could tell that Ava was awake but did not want her to know that he was semi awake. He knew that she was still shaken by yesterday.

He was aware that she would need to gather her thoughts together and he was willing to give her that, but he could not deny that it was extremely difficult.

In an ideal scenario she would be in his arms right now upon the realization of her feels towards him.

But of course, Aiden had to face the realistic world and give Ava the time she needed.

It did however leave a feeling of uncertainty as there was no guarantee that she would ever reciprocate his feelings.

Besides all of this Aiden decided to stay positive and show her that he did genuinely care about her but not overbearing as to not cause her to become more distant.

'Good morning' Aiden greeted making it known to Ava that he was awake.

Ava jerked slightly startled by Aiden's voice.

She was not prepared for that nor did she want him to be awake just yet.

She was still having difficulty coming to terms with what Aiden confessed last night. She didn't want things to change and become awkward between them.

She wanted to have things the way they were before all this came to be. Before Susan and Miranda decided they wanted her out.

Beside Ava, Aiden was observing as Ava sat on the same position looking to be in deep thoughts.

He had a feeling it was to do with what happened yesterday and how he had somewhat expressed his feelings towards her.

He knew she would react this way, reasons why he kept quiet for a while upon his personal realization of his feelings towards her.

Wanting to clear the air and get his day started he spoke 'I need to get ready for work'

Aiden stood up from the floor which they had slept on. They placed blankets and pillows on the floor watching movies until they had falling asleep.

As Aiden rose, he held out his hand to Ava. Ava's hazel irises stared at his over stretched hand before grabbing it.

With little to no effort Aiden pulled Ava to her feet.

'I am going to go back home and prepare for work'

'Okay. Text me when you get to the office'

'You are coming with me' Aiden spoke causing Ava to glance at him quizzically.

'I can't leave you here alone. You need security. My place has twenty-four-hour security'

'Aiden, I have things to do and I like staying in the comfort of my own apartment' Ava protested hating that he was making decisions for her without her previously agreeing to it.

'Ava, I am not taking any chances when it comes to your safety. There is no way for me to know if you are safe or not. I need to do what it takes for you to be safe even if that means you hating me. I would take you hating me for trying to protect you then something happening to you and not able to see you again'

Aiden expresses every single word that was uttered was meant.

Deep down Aiden knew he would not be able to live with himself if the worst was to happen to Ava.

These past couple of months that he has known Ava can only be described as blissful. She brought excitement and instigated something he didn't know existed until her.

Aiden would excuse it as the feeling one gets when a new face appears or when something changes in one's everyday routine.

Now that he knows better. He has come to the realization that it is more than he has ever thought it could be.

He knows that his feelings run deep, deeper than he has ever felt for anyone.

It pains him to think that's not the case for Ava.

He thought maybe if he showed her with gifts it would make her see him as more.

Deep down Aiden knew that was not the answer. He didn't want to scare her.

Ava was not pleased with the idea of staying in Aiden's mansion. She had nothing against his home or him, but she loved the tranquility she felt when in her own apartment.

The idea of having to leave and not knowing when she is coming back is an awful thought to her.

Her better judgement knew that going with Aiden is smarter than staying alone in her own apartment.

Since everything was still uncertain Ava needed to know she was protected in the area she chooses to stay in, and it was concluded that Aiden's place had the best security.

'Okay' Ava mumbled as she began to arrange the blankets that they had used to sleep.

'We will have to leave now as it would give me enough time to be at the office'

Ava dreaded the thought of being in Aiden's mansion without him. She needed someone to show her where things were as well as to spend her time with.

By the looks of it, Aiden will not be having time before work to at least show her where somethings were. The only knowledge she could go by is the one she recalls from the last time she was at his place which was also the first time.

'I need to get a few of my things' Ava exclaimed once she had finished folding the blankets.

Ava hurries to the bathroom as Aiden watched her.

Wanting to help Ava with her packing he asked, 'is there anything I can do?'

Which Ava replied to ' yes, can you go into my room. On the left-hand side, you will see a duffel bag. That's what I want to use to pack my things'

Upon hearing her request Aiden immediately did as he was instructed of him.

He rushed back into the living room with the duffel bag in his hand.

'Thank you' Ava replies taking the bag out of his hold.

'Let's leave now as the road should be a little clear' Aiden spoke while excusing himself to the door.

'I still have a few things I need to get' Ava voices out acknowledging that she hadn't fully prepared herself for her stay.

She was unsure of how it would be like. She didn't know how long she was expected to stay and by the looks of it, Aiden didn't either.

She wanted to pack a few items like toiletries and a few clothes to sustain her for her hopefully short stay there.

Aiden turned around and nodded as if telling Ava that she could organize her stuff.

He followed right behind her, wanting to be of assistance to her.

Ava hurriedly gathered her things and placed them on the bed while Aiden packed them into another bag.

The couple were both in their thoughts as they completed the task.

Aiden wondered what more there is to uncover. At that moment he wasn't entirely sure what would come of this situation. All he knew was he had to protect Ava at all cost. No matter what it took.

Ava on the other hand was concerned about what would become of her once this is over. Deep down she was scared but had hope that this will pass over her.

She anticipated yet dreaded the idea of not knowing what will happen. A thought crossed her mind of her now old job and the possibility of getting it back, but the idea was shunned the moment it crossed her mind.

She simply couldn't go back she thought. After that embarrassment she faced, going back to work for Mr. Morgan was not an option.

She needed more, she wanted more. She wanted something of her own. She craved to be independent with no one telling her what she has to do or must not do.

She wanted freedom. Although Ava's circumstances were tricky and unpleasant, she couldn't help but feel this was a blessing in disguise.

Perhaps she dares say it was a wakeup call to follow her dreams.

It might also have been a realization that nothing is ever permanent and that she should grab any chance that comes by her in order to go through with her aspirations.

'Is that all' Aiden asked as he packed the last item into the bag.

'Yes' Ava whispered still in her thoughts.

'Let's be on our way' Aiden picked up Ava's bag after he had zipped it closed while Ava held the duffle bag with her toiletries.

He reached out for Ava to hold his hand but felt extremely disappointed when she did not feel comfortable to do so.

Although Aiden's pride was hurt, he didn't take it to heart as he kept reminding himself that all Ava needed was time.

Neither the less they approached the front door.

The feeling of anxiety came over Ava once more. She was extremely anxious that she did not have it in her to hold Aiden hand when he held it out for her.

She was afraid he would feel her sweaty palms and think it was gross.

Her appearance may be somewhat calm, but she was a brunch of nerves within. She didn't want to express her anxiety or uneasiness because she was not ready for what Aiden would do as a result.

He already had so much on his plate. He has also helped Ava tremendously when it came to the mess, she was currently in.

She knew deep down she owed him an awful lot, but she did not want to give into his advances to pay him back.

She wanted to give into it when she feels the same way.

Ava and Aiden had reached the car in the parking space.

There were barely any other cars as some of the residents in the apartment complex had already made their way to work.

Without wasting time and knowing Aiden was in a rush for work himself Ava entered through the passenger door.

The car was cold as it has been sitting alone all night.

Noticing this Aiden immediately turned on the engine and eventually the heat.

He twisted the nob to full heat so the process of warming up the car would be quicker.

He turned his head to Ava and saw she wasn't shivering as she did when they first entered the car.

Satisfied with that knowledge he drove out of the parking space and into the main road heading to his part of the city.

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Hello everyone! I hope you are all well. I wanted to post this earlier, but I have been extremely busy lately. Hopefully this week is less hectic for me so that I can post more chapters. Thank you for all the support and reaching out to me for an update its greatly appreciated. Thank you for all the support, for voting, reading, sharing etc. and thank you to those who have supported my new book. You all are amazing. Stay blessed.