A Chance Ecounter

“No Escape!”

Ava’s breath caught in her throat, her body trembling. Jason's face hardened, his eyes blazing with determination.

“Don't touch it, Miss Ava. I'll get it cleaned off. You wait here.”

But Ava was beyond consolation. She felt trapped, haunted. “Jason, please….just get me out of here!”

Jason swiftly opened the door, and Ava followed. As they sped away from the mall, Ava’s eyes remained fixed on the rearview mirror, her heart racing with uncertainty that they were being followed.

Jason pulled the car up to a cozy little house on the outskirts of the town. What am I thinking, bringing Ava Rutland to his apartment?

“Welcome to my little home, Miss Ava”. Jason said trying to sound casual. “You’ll be safe here.”

Ava didn't give any response as Jason led her into the living room. He quickly excused himself, heading toward the kitchen.

Ava’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the warm decor and his family pictures on the wall. It was a far cry from her cold, sterile mansion.

Jake returned with a steaming cup of coffee, his favorite blend.

“Here, Miss Ava. This will calm your nerves.”

Ava took a sip, feeling a slight sense of comfort as the rich aroma filled her senses.

“Thanks, Jason, and you could drop the Miss thingy. Ava is fine by me. Jason stared at her, their eyes locked in tension. His gaze drifted to her face, and he felt a flutter in his heart. And an ache in his groin. He wasn't the type to be sexually attracted to just any girl. And Ava wasn't just any girl. He sat beside her and they drifted into a conversation, their words flowing easily. As they spoke, Jason found himself drawn all the more to Ava. Such beauty, such perfection. She’s beautiful, and I hope she knows.

“Uhm…thank you?” Ava replied, the situation awkward. Jason didn’t know he said that out loud. Not wanting to embarrass himself more he acted all normal. They continued their conversation, but it was obvious they both felt the heated tension between them.

Not now Ava! And definitely not with your driver. Oh lord! He’s such a nice guy, I wouldn’t want to even complicate his life with my drama. Those hazel eyes, his body. God, I wonder how it’d look without shirts on.

Not knowing you made the first move, Ava found her lips intertwined with Jason’s, both savoring and exploring each other's mouths. Breath rapid, words unspoken, tension at its peak, Ava’s hands started exploring Jason’s body. She slid them underneath his clothes and was welcomed with a groan. At least she wasn’t the only one feeling this. They were both in it together. Jason pulled off his shirt and Ava looked upon his body like someone who had been starved for years, they stared at each other for a while, and then with a swift motion, Jason pulled Ava closer, they attacked their mouths, trying to explore deeper, to savor more.

“You taste good,” Jason said as he tore their mouths apart. He instantly regretted his actions, but he was not about to disclose it to Ava. Not when she had so much going on, and from the look of it, she enjoyed it as much as he did. Ava didn’t even know what to say, as much as she didn’t understand how it all happened, she knew Jason had the tastiest lips she had ever tasted. She could already feel the heat in between her legs. But she knew better than to take this further than it was now.

“I think we should keep this to ourselves, ending it here. Right?”

“Uhm, Yes. Miss Ava.”

But who am I kidding, I’d give anything in this world to taste those lips again.

Trying to figure out what to do in this awkward situation, Jason suggested they go to the police department to report a case of a stalker, obviously a harmful one. Ava liked the suggestion and they moved off.

At the headquarters, Jason was the one who spoke, anyone who didn’t know their relationship would have mistaken them for a couple, and for the first time in Ava’s life, she felt like she was being protected.

“Please Sir, you’d have to take this seriously, her life is at stake,” Jason said, and Ava could swear it was just not sympathy she could see in his eyes.

The cops were already familiar with the Rutland so they assured Ava they were going to take the case with urgency. They advised Ava to be on the alert and have her cellphone changed; just in case her old one had been bugged.

Ava nodded, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she would finally be able to break free from the shadows that had haunted her for so long.

As they left the station, Jason’s phone rang. He answered l, listened for a moment, and then turned to Ava.

“That was the police. They’ve started tracing the number that sent the video. We should hear from them soon. He said, reaching out to hold Ava’s hand. Ava smiled at him, almost growing into a giggle and she knew if she didn’t put herself together, she could burst into the most mannerless laughter. Someone was actually concerned about her! Genuinely.

“Ava, I don’t know where this is coming from, but I want you to know that I’d do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I love seeing you this happy.”

Ava opened her mouth like she was about to say something, knowing fully well that no words would come out. Jason pulled her face closer and kissed her on her lips shutting her words. Ava responded nicely, but this wasn’t as long as the first one, she sensed he knew what would happen if they stayed intertwined for too long. Ava felt filled with hope.

I’ve been a b***h all my life, but right now, I think there’s more to life than what I lived.

As they drove further, Jason spotted a roadside stall selling local delicacies. He always took this as a quick snack and was sure Ava had never tasted anything like them.

“Hey, Ava, would you like to try something, just cause I want you to?

“Uhm..Sure, as long as it isn’t poisoned” Ava said laughing.

“Good girl”

What was that? Did I hear right? Is he possessive too? Oh dear.

Ava took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise. It tasted good. She enjoyed the snack, making a note to come here again. Of course with Jason.

As they approached Jason’s apartment, the smile hadn’t left Ava’s face. She seemed so much lighter than she had in a very long time. But before they could get out of the car, a swarm of paparazzi burst into the street, cameras flashing and microphones thrust in her face. Jason used his muscular frame to try and protect Ava, but it was all to no avail. They were everywhere! He jogged hurriedly to get his door unlocked but that was not before Ava had the questions.

“Miss Rutland, how do you respond to the explicit photos leaked online, one of them shouted.

Ava’s mind raced as she tried to understand what was being said. Who’s explicit pictures? How?

“Who’s the man behind you? Is he another arranged date by your mother?”

Ava was sure there was a misunderstanding somewhere. She was damn sure! What nonsense could they be talking about? Jason’s eyes met hers and for a moment, they just stared at each other. He dragged Ava into the apartment, no one talking to each other. She went silently and sat on the floor, belittling her class. And then she saw the pictures on the sofa!

As she turned to face Jason, he handed her his phone.

“Ava, it’s your mother. She wants to talk to you.”