Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“She didn’t want to worry you,” I say quietly. “But it’s bad. The other day, at the rink… I saw a guy taking pictures of her. When I went to talk with him, he took off.”
Coach’s hand falls from his face, his eyes narrowing. “Taking pictures of her?”
“I can’t be sure who it was, but it looked suspicious.”
He swears under his breath, pulling off his ballcap and dragging a hand through his hair. “Does Ava know you’re here?”
“No.”
Even though his shoulders relax just a bit, thick tension continues to vibrate off him in heavy waves. “I appreciate you making me aware of the situation.”
“Keeping her safe is my number one priority.”
Coach studies me in silence. “It sounds like you really care about my daughter.”
I meet his gaze with an unwavering one. “I do. And I don’t want to see anything happen to her.”
He nods, his eyes softening. “I believe you.”
I stand, ready to leave, but Coach’s voice halts me in my tracks. “Did Ava mention that a very prestigious skating coach is interested in training her?”
I blink, thrown off by the shift in conversation. “No, she didn’t.”
Coach leans back in his chair, his expression turning thoughtful. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for her. More importantly, she’ll be in Colorado, and there’ll be security. Ava will be safe there. With everything going on, I think that’s the best option for her. Don’t you?”
The words hit me like a kick to the nuts.
Colorado.
That’s far away from here.
From me.
“Nadia will be with her night and day, helping her get back into competitive shape. There won’t be time for anything else,” Coach adds, his meaning clear.
Translation: there won’t be time for me.
I open my mouth to argue, but the words stay trapped inside, refusing to budge.
When I remain silent, at a loss, he continues, “Skating has always been Ava’s life. You have no idea how much it broke her to walk away. Not only is this her chance to reclaim it but to be safe.” There’s a pause as his tone gentles. “If you really want what’s best for Ava, you’ll let her go.”
The heavy weight of his words presses down on me, crushing the air from my lungs. As much as it kills me, I think he might be right.
I have to let her go.
34
Ava
I stare at my phone, the latest text from Nathan flashing on the screen like a ticking bomb.
Unknown number:
Answer me! I won’t be ignored any longer! What we had was special.
My hands shake as I read the message for a second time.
He’s changed his number.
Again.
The next message makes my stomach twist into a series of painful knots.
Unknown number:
I’m the one who made you what you are today!
I clench my jaw, forcing back the bile rising in my throat. Before I can close the app, another message pops up.
This one feels like a knife to the gut.
Unknown number:
There’s no way that kid can give you what you crave. I know how you like to be touched. I’m the one who created the need. And I’m the only one who can feed the monster that lives deep inside you.
I stop dead in my tracks, the chill of the air no match for the icy fear that floods my system.
The only way he could know about Hayes is if he’s here at Western, watching my every move.
That thought sends a violent shiver racing down my spine.
I glance around the quiet campus, scanning the shadows, as paranoia tightens its grip on me. I can’t resist throwing cautious glances over my shoulder. I’m terrified that I’ll spin around and find Nathan standing there.
I pick up my pace, nearly breaking into a jog, as I make my way toward Hayes’s house. I texted him half an hour ago, and normally he’s quick to reply.
But there’s been nothing.
I have no idea when it happened, but he’s become my safe space.
My pulse hammers in my ears as I cross the street toward the hockey house, my thoughts swirling. I can’t ignore this anymore. I’ll tell Hayes about everything. The relentless texts and the creeping fear that Nathan might be closer than I suspected.
That he’s here.
On campus.
For a second or two, I consider texting Hayes and telling him what’s going on. But I’m so close to his house. Only a few more blocks. I’d rather tell him in person. I know he’s going to be pissed.
I suck in a deep breath as I arrive at another decision.
And then we’ll talk to my parents in person. We can tell them about what’s happening with Nathan and that we’ve been seeing each other.
I’m fed up with all the secrets and lies.
By the time I reach Hayes’s house, my heart is pounding for an entirely different reason. The blue Victorian looms in front of me like a sanctuary. If I can just get to Hayes, everything will be okay.