Page 27 of His Dark Pull
Be strong, Ava.
As I look into his eyes, a sudden realization hits me, a wave of clarity that pierces through the fog of my emotions.
I can’t do this,I think.My heart is sinking.Not yet.
I can’t allow myself to be swept away by Alexander’s charm while I’m still entangled with Tyler. It wouldn’t be fair to either of them, and it would only lead to more pain and heartbreak.
“Alexander,”I begin as I pull my hand away from his. “I—Ican’t.”
His eyes widen, his expression shifting from desire to confusion. “What do you mean?”he asks.
“I need to—to sort things out,”I stammer, struggling to find the right words. “With Tyler.”
“Ava, please,”he pleads, reaching for me again, but I step back, putting distance between us.
“I’m sorry,”I whisper. “I need time.”
With that, I turn and walk away, my heart aching. I can feel his gaze burning into my back, but I don’t dare look back. I have to be strong for both of our sakes.
As I hurry down the stairs, the surroundings blurring around me, I know I’ve made the right decision. It’s time to face the consequences of my actions.
Only then, with a clean slate and a clear conscience, can I explore the depths of my feelings for Alexander, and determine whether our love is strong enough to withstand the darkness that surrounds him.
Chapter 7
The Picnic with Tyler
The next day, I stand before the imposing structure of Fletcher & Associates, the law firm where Tyler works. Its sleek, modern design rises high above the streets of downtown Port Haven. The glass walls, reflecting the afternoon sun, create a shimmering facade that seems to both entice and intimidate.
The sounds of Port Haven surround me—the incessant honking of car horns, the hurried footsteps of pedestrians rushing to their destinations, the aroma of baked bread from a nearby bakery—it’s a sensory overload.
Taking a deep breath, I try to calm the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. The conversation with Dexter and my evening with Alexander have solidified my resolve, but the thought of facing Tyler, of ending things with the man who has been my anchor in the storm, felt like severing the lifeline that kept me afloat.
Stepping into the pristine lobby, the cool air conditioning washes over me. My shoes click softly on the polished marble floors, the smooth surface cool beneath my fingertips as I steady myself on a nearby table. The scent of fresh flowers, strategically placed on the sleek reception desk, mingles with the faint hum of electronics. A young woman with a coiffed blonde bun and a welcoming smile looks up from her computer.
“Hi, I’m here to see Tyler,” I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
Why am I so nervous?
“Of course,” she replies, her voice friendly. “Can I tell him who’s visiting?”
“Ava,”I say, feeling a blush creep up my neck under her knowing gaze.
“Ah, you’re Ava,”she says with a smile that hints at a shared secret. “Now I see what everybody’s talking about.”
I blush even deeper, aware of the curious glances from others in the lobby. Tyler is a well-respected lawyer known for his charm, intelligence, and his impeccable reputation. Being associated with him, even casually, has brought a certain level of notoriety I’m not entirely comfortable with.
Deep breaths, Ava.
I take the elevator to the highest floor and sit down in another smaller lobby. As I wait for Tyler, my gaze drifts towards the large windows. The streets below seem a world away from the sterile elegance of the law firm. My eyes scan the familiar landmarks—the towering clock tower of City Hall, the ornate facade of the Grand Theatre, and the murals that adorn the sides of buildings in the Arts District.
And then, my gaze snags on a less familiar sight – a boarded-up storefront, its windows shattered. It’s located nearby, just a block away, a reminder of the recent robberies that have plagued Port Haven. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the neighborhood where Alexander grew up.
A moment later, Tyler emerges from one of the offices, his face lighting up with surprise as he sees me. His smile, usually so warm and inviting, seems to falter as his eyes meet mine as if he senses the storm inside me.
“Ava? What are you—”He stops mid-sentence, his smile faltering as he takes me in. For a moment, he just stares at me, and I can feel the weight of my decision pressing down on me.
“I brought you a picnic,”I say, holding up the wicker basket I’d packed that morning, hoping the gesture would somehow mask the words I’ve come to say. “I took the day off, and Cole doesn’t mind.Obviously. I thought we could go to the park.”