Ava moved like she always did — poised, sharp, untouchable — but something in her eyes had dulled.
Since Vale’s arrest, she and Liam hadn’t spoken more than five words outside business.
She found him on the rooftop again, as always, overlooking the city like he owned it but didn’t trust it.
“I miss you,” she said.
He didn’t look at her. “You should.” His voice was cold and impersonal.
Ava didn’t flinch, but the hit landed.
“I didn’t lie about loving you," she insisted.
“You lied about everything else," he countered.
She walked over, tried to touch his arm. He stepped away.
She stared at him, then whispered, “Don’t throw me out just because I did what I had to before I knew you.”
Liam finally turned, and his voice was quiet but lethal.
“I trusted you with the part of me no one
