Episode 005
1111 Words
Chapter 005
As dawn broke over the city skyline, Ava stirred and groaned from dull and pounding pain throbbing through her head.
Everything felt wrong—her body ached, her mouth dried out, and her limbs felt heavy with exhaustion.
Why am I feeling as though I have been hit by a truck?
She blinked slowly as her vision adjusted to an unfamiliar ceiling above her. The room was spacious with crisp white walls and expensive-looking furniture; a hotel room. But this particular hotel room stood out; its interior had an intimate feel with a carefully considered blending of comfort and luxury features.
Her eyebrows creased.
How did I get here? She tightened her temples in confusion as she attempted to recall what had transpired over the previous evening. All she remembered was visiting The Reef Club and indulging in Tasmanian Gold Whiskey before booking a room on the second floor—yes! She had made it.
As she attempted to sit up, a sharp pain shot through her body and caused her to take a sharp breath in. The soreness spread through her muscles, creating pain that left her stomach sinking further into itself.
No way. She felt her fingers quivering as she lifted the sheets to find herself covered with faint marks from a night she couldn't recall in full detail. That was when it happened—something heavy pressing against her waist.
Ava felt her breath catch in her throat as her heart raced through her chest.
He was dark-haired, with sharp features and broad shoulders; his arm draped across her body as his chest steadily rose and fell as he slept beside her.
She put a hand over her mouth to muffle her shrieks of dismay.
Panic shot through her veins as she attempted to piece together what had happened and thought. Was she really that reckless or careless? Her mind raced back through time, searching for any details that might explain how she ended up here on that bed.
Drinks. An elevator. Hands clutching her waist. And a deep voice whispering sweet nothings into her ear.
"Be good."
She started when the voice said it, slowly turning back towards Lachlan Blackwood, who stood before her, making her stomach twist in knots with recognition of his name and identity.
Why him?! She wondered as her mind raced with realization. Lachlan Blackwood wasn't just some random stranger she met at the bar; he was powerful and dangerous—someone with an excellent reputation in their community.
Ava frantically dug her fingers into her scalp in an attempt to wake herself from this nightmare, but the soreness in her body reminded her it was very real and made clear last night had not been innocent.
"No! No!" She couldn't let this sink in—not now or ever.
Her heart raced as she sensed movement nearby. Before she could respond, an arm tightly gripped her waist and pulled her down onto the mattress while an audible, sleep-filled voice rumbled close by.
"You're awake." Ava was taken aback. Her heart beat so loudly she thought he could hear it; slowly turning her head in response, Ava met his gaze head-on.
Dark eyes like glowing embers reflected at her.
She felt her breath catch in her throat; his intense stare made it impossible for her to look away; it felt as if he were penetrating every layer of her soul with just one glance. Something unreadable in his expression sent shivers down her spine.
"Leave me alone!" Her voice came out more softly than intended, yet she forced herself to sound firmer.
Lachlan didn't move; his grip tightened instead.
She swallowed hard and then said to him, "Listen, I don't know what happened last night--" She trailed off abruptly before continuing, "But I do know--"
"Don't you remember?" His voice was too quiet for comfort.
Ava's mouth opened, then closed again.
"I—I was intoxicated. Whatever occurred was simply an oversight or a one-night thing; let me go so we can pretend this didn't take place."
Silence filled their space, as his gaze did not change or soften at any point during their conversation.
He spoke then. Smiling slightly, he inquired. Whoever told you this was only supposed to be one night?
"What?" Ava's breath caught, her throat became dry, and then came a gasp of surprise from behind her.
Lachlan rose slowly from his sleep. He eyed her like an expert predator would, unreadable and unyielding in his stare.
"This relationship should not be treated like a one-night stand; you need to accept responsibility."
She stared back, puzzled by his words. "Responsibility? For what?" "No, seriously!"
His eyes darkened. "Do I look as though I am kidding?" he inquired.
"Whatever happened between us was inadvertent, and I do not wish for any future contact between us." Ava snarled.
"Lachlan, anything that transpired between us is wrong. I do not wish for any further interaction."
Something seemed to flash through his gaze before she could place it.
"Too late." She gave a short sigh and ran her hand through her hair before turning away to leave. I don't understand this game you are playing; I have no interest. This isn't some romance novel where we wake up together and immediately fall madly in love; so now, I'm going back home so that you can go back to whatever life you live."
She tried to pull away, but his grip held tight.
"Let me go."
She snapped back. "Excuse me?" Upon realizing this was happening, she turned quickly away and asked, "Excuse me?".
He leaned in, so close that she could feel his heat on her skin. "This situation must not go on any longer, Ava. No matter what's happened here."
Her heart thudded against her ribs as the reality of this situation dawned upon her. Things weren't unfolding as planned.
She needed to leave as soon as possible.
Ava gritted her teeth. "Watch me," she demanded.
Armed with all her strength, she shoved him away, freeing herself from his grasp. Once on the floor, she grabbed sheets to wrap herself in and headed toward the door.
"Ava," his voice was firm and clear.
She didn't hesitate. This never happened before. As she reached for the door handle, an unfamiliar hand suddenly appeared behind her, imprisoning her within wooden bars that enclosed her head and the rest of her.
Lachlan's breath brushed against her ear with warmth. "I told you. This isn't over."
Ava's hands clenched into fists.
Oh no. She wasn't aware that she had signed on to be part of their scheme! Until suddenly it all unraveled before them.
- Writer
