Loving the enemy

Chapter 14

Ava’s pov

I dropped onto the bed, tucking my legs beneath me as the warmth of the room settled around me like a blanket. The night had drained me, but my mind wouldn’t quiet down. It kept circling back to moments at dinner, looping over the same pieces again and again. And at the center of all of it. Liam. That damn man. The way he leaned back in his chair like he owned the world, the way that smirk played on his lips, and those whispered comments he tossed my way. Somehow, they made me feel like I was the only person he truly saw… and at the same time, like he was making a fool of me without even trying.

Waitress queen. Mama’s boy who can’t defend himself. Brave warrior.

I found myself smiling at the memories, a blush creeping up my neck. He had this talent for teasing me at the exact moment I wanted to disappear. And somehow, it never annoyed me the way it should have. Instead, it made me feel… alive. Sharp. Like he had lifted me out of my normal life and thrown me into a world where even the smallest smirk between us felt exciting.

I shook my head, trying to focus. The smile lingered, stubborn. My mind shifted to something else. My mother. The hospital. I hadn’t seen her in a couple of days, and it was time. I needed to check in, even if it was just for a short visit. I made a mental note to do that tomorrow.

***

The next day came in a flash. I grabbed my phone and dialed Liam’s number. I knew he’d be at the office late, probably swimming in his mountain of papers or pretending to be more mysterious than usual.

“Liam?” I said when he picked up, trying to sound casual.

“Finally,” he said, his voice low, amused. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me entirely.”

“Oh, never,” I said, rolling my eyes though he couldn’t see it. “I just… needed to go see my mom at the hospital. Thought I’d give you a heads-up before I disappear.”

There was a pause. Then “Alone?” His tone was sharp enough to make me grin.

“Yes. Alone. No shadows, no chaperones, no hero in a suit showing up to hold my hand,” I said, smirking.

“Mmm,” he hummed, clearly amused. “Hero in a suit… that’s a shame. I was going to make a grand entrance. Maybe even swoop in on a motorbike for dramatic effect.”

I laughed. “You? On a motorbike? I’d need a helmet and a stretcher ready for you.”

“I could manage,” he teased, voice low and smooth. “But knowing you, you’d probably just roll your eyes and leave me in the parking lot.”

“Oh, absolutely,” I said, leaning against the wall. “I’d have to, for self-preservation. You have this way of… annoying me while simultaneously making me smile. It’s unfair.”

“That’s the point,” he said, tone mischievous. “And don’t pretend it doesn’t thrill you a little.”

I paused, letting the words hang in the air, and then gave a short, teasing laugh. “Maybe it does. But I’m not admitting it out loud.”

“Of course not,” he said, mock solemn. “Ava Quinn, master of secrets and smiles.”

I rolled my eyes. “Master of chaos, too. Don’t forget that.”

“Should I come with you? Help you out. Hold your hand when you face the nurses. Make sure nobody tries to steal your flowers.”

I snorted, shaking my head. “I think I can survive, thank you very much. Liam, really, I—”

“Wait. I have a better idea.” His voice dropped, smooth and teasing. “Daniel can go with you. He’s charming, efficient, totally not a giant intimidating presence at all. You’d love him.”

“Oh yes, that would be perfect. Nothing screams comfort like being followed by your husband’s bodyguard. I think I’ll take my chances with a cab, actually.” I laughed softly. I didn’t like the idea of Daniel following me, puts me out there. “You sound like my personal security detail,” I said, grinning, trying to keep the fluttering in my chest from showing.

“Better than having me swoop in dramatically on a motorbike,” he countered.

I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. “True. That would be… hazardous to my health and yours.”

“Exactly,” he said, low and teasing. “And if you trip, stumble, or somehow get caught in a revolving door… I want pictures. Proof. I’ll be judging, but admiring, mostly.”

I stopped pacing, gripping my bag tighter. The way he said “admiring” had a weight to it I couldn’t quite ignore. My cheeks warmed, and I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from sighing.

“You really are impossible,” I murmured.

“I know,” he replied, like a confession, soft but unmistakable. “And I like it.”

My stomach knotted, and my heart raced at how simple yet intense his words were. Even over the phone, he could make me feel open, teased, and pulled toward him all at the same time.

I could hear the amusement in the silence. “You really insist on this, huh?” He finally said.

“Yes,” I said firmly. “Cab. I’ll be fine. Thank you, though.”

Another pause. Then: “Fine,” he said finally, though the grin in his voice was obvious. “But if anything happens, you’re calling me. Immediately. No questions asked. And don’t try to hide your brilliant antics from me—I’ll know.”

I tilted my head, imagining his stern expression through the phone. “Noted. And if I cause chaos, you’re banned from laughing at me over the phone.”

“Ha. Good luck with that,” he replied, voice low and teasing. The tension between us hummed through the line, playful yet intimate, making my pulse quicken without warning.

I felt a little thrill of warmth spread through me. Even now, with him hundreds of miles away, just hearing him made my stomach tighten, in a good way. It was infuriating. Frustrating. Delightful. I hate that I feel like this.

“Okay,” I said finally, shaking my head to focus. “Cab’s almost here. I’ll be fine. I promise. You can stop plotting my every misstep… for now.”

“For now,” he echoed, and I heard that low smirk in his tone again. “But don’t think this is over. Not by a long shot.”

I smiled to myself, sliding my bag onto my shoulder. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

I hung up, still smiling at the phone. His voice lingered in my mind, like a melody that made everything around it feel sharper, more alive.

I pulled my bag closer and let out a breath, realizing just how much I was drawn to him. Somehow, that man could make me laugh, blush, and feel safe all at the same time. As I waited for the cab, I couldn’t help making a small mental note: stay alert, smile at him, and maybe—just for now—enjoy how strangely entertaining he was. But I wasn’t about to forget why I was here. Even if he seemed different from what I imagined, I was sure it was just an act—and I had to play along.

I stepped out and headed towards the cab packed out waiting for me when I saw someone I haven’t seen in eight months. No, this could spoil everything I had worked for. My plans.

What the hell is he doing here? What does he want now?

“Damian?”

“Hi honey. Missed me?” He asked, giving me that subtle grin I once fell in love with.

At that moment I felt nothing other than the urge to smash his face. I really didn’t need this right now. What a way to start the day.