My THUG LOVER

chapter 5

MY THUG LOVER

Ava stared at the photograph, her entire body trembling.

Someone had taken a picture of her while she slept.

Jace's expression changed instantly.

He stepped between Ava and the street, shielding her with his body.

“Dre,” he said sharply. “Take her inside.”

Ava grabbed his sleeve.

“No. I'm not going anywhere without knowing what's happening.”

Jace looked down at her trembling hands.

“You're scared.”

“I have every right to be!”

“I know.”

His voice softened for only a second.

Then he looked toward the apartment building.

“That's why you're staying behind me.”

Ava opened her mouth to argue.

Jace shook his head.

“Not this time.”

He pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Lock down the building. Nobody comes in or out until I say so.”

Ava stared at him.

“You have people who can do that?”

Jace ignored the question.

His eyes scanned every window, every parked car, every shadow.

“Dre, check the cameras.”

“Already doing it.”

Jace turned back to Ava.

“Did you notice anyone near your apartment last night?”

Ava shook her head.

He carefully placed his jacket around her shoulders.

“Stay close to me.”

She looked up at him.

For once, there was no sarcasm in his voice.

Only fear.

Not fear for himself.

Fear for her.

Jace looked at the photograph again.

His jaw tightened.

“Whoever did this just made a very stupid mistake.”

Ava swallowed.

“What mistake?”

Jace looked toward the darkness.

“They gave me a reason to come after them.”