It has always been you

New York, New York

My hands are shaking.

My claws dig into the palm of my hand drawing blood as I try to compose myself.

I have never felt anger like this.

I stare at him for a few moments not knowing what to say. He smirks at me. A devious smirk. My insides are twisting and I'm so angry I  could tear out his throat. I need to leave. Now. 

I climb into my car, start the engine and reverse out of the driveway before speeding off down the street. I don't turn the navigation system on. f**k going to the house where he just expects me to live, under his radar. Under his command. Sorry but I don't work like that. The street signs tell me I'm leaving Providence before I realise where i'm going. I pull up at a service station along route 95 and fill my car up with gas. Its going to take about three hours to get where I'm going so I need a full tank. I go into the gas station to pay for my fuel and grab a soda and a packet of redvines. I make a quick call before heading back into my car.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Ava! long time no see!"

"Savannah! oh my god! Its been ages girl!" I smile hearing her excitement through the phone.

"I know! How are you?"

"Oh I'm great! I have an audition tomorrow for some new TV drama for Hulu."

"You'll smash it, I know you will! umm so I just wanted to run something by you if its ok?"

"Urmmm sure" her tone changed immediately. She's worried.

"Well, I was fancying a road trip or just doing something, and I wondered if you fancied a house guest for a few nights? I mean I can get a hotel, its not an issue. I mean... are you free to hang out?"

"What happened?" she knows me too well.

"Tell you when I get there?"

"Ok. My shift starts in an hour but I can let Jake know you're coming. He'll let you in."

"Jake?" I question, wondering if she has a new beau.

"Roommate. I get off at 11pm" 

I start the long drive to SoHo, grinning as I turn up the radio. Its a pretty straightforward run through which I'm grateful for. I giggle to myself feeling like a naughty school girl as I drive further and further away. text messages flash up on my phone, but I ignore my phone and concentrate on driving.

Its almost 7pm when I find Ava's apartment block. I forgot how ridiculous it is trying to find a car parking space in New York and I drive around a large multistory several times before finally finding a space. I leave all my belongings in the car, assuming that Ava will let me lend some of her things. 

I walk up to the apartment block instinctively looking over my shoulder. Ava's apartment isn't in the best of neighbourhoods, and the block is a little neglected. I get up to the sixth floor and look for apartment 618. I knock on the door, and a few seconds later it opens.

A tall handsome stranger fills the doorway; skin the color of caramel and eyes as green as a meadow. Wow. his wavy black hair appears slightly overgrown, but his beaming white smile is what grabs my attention. 

"You must be Savannah... I'm Jake." he beams.

He takes a step back, gesturing me to follow him into the apartment. I smile and head inside.

He offers me a glass of wine and tells me to make myself at home before going out to pick up takeout. 

As he leaves I check my phone to find seven messages from Dean.

**Where the f**k are you going?**

**You know I can track you, right?**

**Get home or to the cottage. NOW**

**I'll have your f*****g head for not obeying me**

**Where are you going?**

**What? you think heading out so far will mean I cant track you? I have other methods**

**New York? really? predictable**

I giggle into my glass of Savingnon blanc thinking just how furious he must be right now. Good. Now he knows how I felt earlier. walk over to the patio doors and open them before stepping out onto the small apartment balcony. Ava has it decorated beautifully, and the patio has a lovely mosaic bistro table and chairs surrounded by flowers and plants in pots and hanging baskets. I step out onto the patio and sit on one of the chairs. I take a deep breath and listen to the loud bustling streets