ADRIAN'S POV
"...I mean, Ava," I corrected smoothly, forcing the tension out of my voice until it sounded like silk. "People like that can be dangerous."
Silence.
Heavy. Thick.
Then...
A soft, shaky breath escaped her.
"You scared me."
The words were a tiny exhale, but they hit me like a physical blow. I could picture her perfectly—hand pressed against her chest, eyes wide, heart racing because of me.
"I thought you actually knew her."
I leaned back in my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose until stars danced behind my eyelids.
Careful.
Too much curiosity would raise questions I wasn't ready to answer. Questions that could get her killed.
"I don't know her," I lied. The words came out effortless, smooth as glass. "But think about it, Ava. She just met you today. She barely kn
