Page 5

Chapter five

Ava

I get into my car, only to have my phone start buzzing again. I groan in frustration. Will I ever catch a break? He never lets up.

I sigh and lean my head back, taking a moment to breathe. I rub my wrists, feeling the tender skin where the restraints had dug into my flesh. It actually helps me to calm down, giving me something to focus on other than the relentless onslaught of calls and texts from Clint.

I smile as I relive the encounter I just had with Ryder. What transpired between us went far beyond my wildest fantasies. The way he dominated me, the perfect blend of pleasure and pain. It unlocked a part of me I never knew I had inside of me. It was like discovering a secret chamber in my soul.

Just as I'm calm enough to throw my car in drive and leave the parking lot of Club X, my phone buzzes again. Of course it’s Clint. I want to scream, but I don't and I keep my cool. This is a never ending nightmare that I wish I could wake up from and make it stop.

A sinking feeling forms in the pit of my stomach as I read his latest messages. Threatening to call my boss and make up lies about me? Who the hell does that? Doesn't he realize how insane and desperate he sounds? I slam my phone down—I’m so over dealing with his shit.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the rearview mirror. My hair is a complete mess, my cheeks flushed, lips slightly swollen from Ryder's kisses. I look… Well, I look like I just won the dick down super bowl. Complete ly wrecked in the best way possible.

A part of me thinks what Ryder and I just did was a betrayal of everything I stand for when it comes to female empowerment and equality. But then my mind drifts back to the way he looked at me. Like I was the only woman in the world who mattered in that moment.

It was all choreographed to strip away my control. Yet somehow, I felt freer than I ever had before during sex—giving into urges and desires I didn't even know I had inside of me.

Get a grip, Ava. It was just an experiment.

I can't deny how much I enjoyed it. Right now, It’s hard to not turn around and head back to the club and see what else Ryder can do.

My phone buzzes again from the cupholder and I roll my eyes, already knowing who it is. I don't even need to look at the caller ID. Clint will no doubt leave me another long-winded rant about how I'm going to regret this. How I'll never find another man who loves me as much as he does. The same toxic, manipulative bullshit he's been spewing for months now.

I arrive home and push open the door to my apartment. Immediately I am assaulted by the thumping bass of Danie's music. She's dancing around like a wild woman, completely lost in her own little world. Typical Danie.

After a few moments, she finally notices that I am standing here watching her. It’s a good thing for her I’m not a psycho who broke into the apartment. They would have gotten an entertaining show though.

"Ava! Come dance with me!" She yells over the pounding beat, beckoning me with outstretched arms and a dramatic twirl.

I see the moment she finally takes a good look at me, and she immediately stops dancing. Grabbing her phone, she pauses the music.

"Tell me who did this," she waves her arm up and down from my head to my feet. "Please tell me it was Ryder." She puts her hands together into a dramatic praying position in front of her chest while tipping her head back as if she’s actually begging God.

I can't help but shake my head and laugh at her theatrics. Danie has a way of lifting my spirits, even on the darkest of days. But today, there's a weight on my mind that not even her dance moves or sarcasm can shake.

"I have so much to tell you, but first I need to show you something.” I pull out my phone and unlock it with shaky fingers. I pass it over to Danie, letting her see the barrage of messages and voicemails from my ex. Her eyes darting up to meet mine every so often as she reads through the texts.

The voicemails are even worse—Clint's voice dripping with desperation and anger. By the time Danie finishes listening, her face has hardened into a mask of fury. I know that look all too well. Hell hath no fury like my best friend when someone threatens to harm me.

"That's it, I've had enough of this dick and his petty bullshit." She seethes, slamming her hand down on the kitchen counter. "We're not just going to sit back and let this shit happen anymore, Ava. It's time to take action and get this psycho out of our lives for good."

I nod, knowing she is right. I should have listened months ago, I just kept hoping Clint would lose interest and all the calls and texts would stop.

"What did you think I should do first?" As soon as I finish asking the question, Danie gets ‘the look’ on her face. ‘The look’ is the expression she gets when she's about to unleash the full force of her fiery spirit. No one wants to be on the receiving end of ‘the look’.

"First, we go through and document every single message, voicemail, everything. Build an ironclad paper trail of harassment and threats," she ticks off her fingers as she goes through each step of her plan. "Then, we go down to the police station and file for a restraining order against his sorry ass. No more playing nice, or trying to reason with this lunatic."

This is the point of no return. Once I take this step, there's no going back. No chance to undo or redo. It will put his job at the school in serious jeopardy and I was really trying to avoid hurting his career. I want the harassment and threats to stop, but I never wanted to put his livelihood at risk. If he can treat a woman like this, should this really be a person responsible for teaching children and shaping them into productive adults? He isn’t even one himself.

"You're right," I nod resolutely, pushing aside my doubts. "I'm done being a victim to his mind games and letting him control me. It's time to stand up for myself, and put an end to this. I totally got fucked so, so good, today and I can't even enjoy it because as soon as I turn on my phone, Clint has sent more messages."

"Yes, girl! I knew it by just looking at you. That look on your face says it all. Don't worry, we'll get this taken care of, and then I expect a full recap. The faster we remove this toxic douche from your life, the faster we can get back to the fun stuff."

After I g et a much-needed shower, we start compiling all the texts, emails, and voicemails Clint has sent me. But the entire time I’m consumed by thoughts of Ryder. While one chapter of my life is hopefully ending, it seems another is just beginning to unfold.

It took most of the night for us to print off all the texts and emails from Clint. Danie went out and picked up a memory card so we could download the voicemails to it.

As soon as we finish getting everything ready, we collapse on the couch and devour the pizza that had just been delivered. I take that opportunity to tell her what happened earlier with Ryder.

"You cannot be serious! You actually went into one of the private rooms with him? Give me all the juicy details, Ava. Maybe leave out any too risqué descriptions involving you and Ryder directly."

I recount everything that happened between us and I end it with, "I can't even believe I am going to say this, but I really like it. The whole thing. Even being told what to do. Does that make me a trader?" I ask Danie whose jaw is lying on the floor now.

She blinks a couple of times, "Hell no, it doesn't make you a trader. Girl, we all like what we like. You know that one has nothing to do with the other. There is no shame in enjoying that lifestyle. I'm just a little jealous that I wasn't invited," Danie teases. "For the tour. Not to join you two. Definitely just for the tour."

We both laugh and continue talking about the type of rooms and everything else I witnessed during the tour of Club X with Ryder. “I will talk to Ryder and have him set up a tour for you with someone.” I promise Danie, “Just not with Ryder.” I get up from the couch, "Alright girl, I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a tough one."

Danie stands up and pulls me into a tight embrace, her arms squeezing me as hard as she can muster. "Don't you worry about tomorrow; everything will be okay. And don't you dare feel guilty about Clint. He brought this all on himself. Remember that."

I nod. "Thank you Danie, I don't know what I would do without you."

After that, I head to my room, my thoughts filled with Ryder and where we might go from here. I fall asleep excited for what tomorrow might bring for the first time in a long time.

Walking i nto the sheriff's department with Danie and all the documentation we have put together, my nerves are an utter wreck. A bead of sweat trickles down my temple as I clutch the manila folder, my hands shaking ever so slightly.

Danie grabs my hand and squeezes it. Her touch grounding me in that moment. She’s always had a way of knowing when I need reassurance.

"It's going to be okay, Ava. You have to do this. He will never stop if you don't."

As we approach the front desk, a uniform officer looks up from her computer. "How can I help you ladies today?"

Danie gives my hand one last squeeze before speaking up. "We need to file a report about someone harassing my friend. We've documented everything—texts, voicemails, the whole nine yards."

The officer nods, "Of course, if you will please have a seat in the waiting area, an officer will be right with you to take your statement."

After thirty minutes, a tall, lanky officer approaches. He’s younger, but hopefully just as knowledgeable as his older counterparts. "Good afternoon, I'm Officer Wilkins. Let's go over to one of the interview rooms where we can speak privately."

He leads us down a dimly lit hallway into a small, bare room with a metal table and chairs. I sit on the cold seat, clutching the folder like a shield.

Officer Wilkins settles in across from us, "Alright, why don't you start from the beginning and tell me what's been going on."

I swallow hard, my throat is suddenly dry. Danie gives me an encouraging nod, and I find my voice. "It's my ex-fiancé, Clint Stanton. Ever since I ended our relationship a few months ago, he's been harassing me—"

The words start tumbling out, the whole history of Clint's obsessive, toxic behavior laid bare. I recount the constant phone calls and texts, the erratic mood swings from begging to threatening. With each unsettling example, it’s clear to see Officer Wilkins' growing concern.

When I fi nally finish, the room is silent until Officer Wilkins clears his throat. "That's a very concerning pattern of harassment and stalking behavior, Ms. Jade. I'm glad you came forward before this situation could escalate any further." He motions to the folder in my still shaky hands. "And you said you have documentation of all these messages and calls from Mr. Stanton?"

I push the folder across the table to him with a nod. "Every single one, dating back months."

Officer Wilkins flips through the records. After several tense minutes, he speaks up again. "Based on what you’ve brought with you today and your statement, I'd say you have more than sufficient grounds to file for an order of protection against Mr. Stanton. His behavior is not only harassment but could potentially be seen as criminal stalking."

A wave of relief washes over me that the officer is taking my concerns about Clint and his behavior seriously. But my relief slowly begins to turn to dread. This is really happening—there's no turning back now. What if this infuriates Clint even more?

Danie leans forward, her elbows resting on the table and her fingers laced together. "What are the next steps we need to take to obtain a restraining order for Ava?"

Officer Wilkins closes the folder in front of him. "First, I'll need to take an official statement from you, Ms. Jade. Then we can get the paperwork started in order to get this in front of a judge ASAP. Then we will file an emergency ex-parte order first thing this afternoon. That means the order will be temporarily in effect as soon as it's signed by a judge and served to Mr. Stanton by the sheriff's department.” Officer Wilkins explains, “After he gets the order, it will give you immediate legal protection while we await the formal hearing for a permanent order."

“Thank you,” I exhale a shaky breath, the weight beginning to lift from my shoulders. "I can't tell you how much this means to me."

Officer Wilkins gives me a reassuring nod. "You're doing the right thing, Ms. Jade. No one should have to endure this kind of harassment and fear. Stay strong, let the system work like it's supposed to."

An hour later we exit the police station and Danie pulls me into a fierce hug. "I'm so proud of you for your courage today. Clint is going to realize he messed with the wrong woman."

I manage a small smile, clinging to the glimmer of hope that I can finally reclaim my l ife and sense of security. Even though I know there's likely to be an explosive fallout from Clint once he's served, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief just knowing I've taken this first step.

We arrive back at our apartment, and I decide to take a nap while Danie heads off to work for a few hours. As I lay down on my bed, my eyes land on the nightstand beside my bed. “That's weird,” I say to myself. The photograph of my parents is now facing the wall. I prop myself up, and scrutinize the room, searching for anything else that seems out of place.

Nothing else seems moved or missing. I was dusting yesterday, I must have moved it while cleaning, not realizing I never moved it back. Shaking my head, I type out a quick message to Ryder.

Would you be up to going to the club with me and Danie? I've had a rough day and just want to let off some steam.

Ryder: You've decided to move straight to a threesome? Interesting choice, but I'd advise against involving your friend. Those types of situations can often damage friendships.

OMG, I did not mean THAT club! I was referring to Blaze and you know it!

A smirk spreads across my face as I imagine Ryder's teasing expression on the other end.

Ryder: I figured as much, but I would never be so bold as to assume ??. Just playing with you, sweetheart.

So, Blaze tonight around 7:30 PM then?

Ryder: Sounds like a plan. I'll make sure the owner's table is cleared and ready for us.

Thanks, I really appreciate it. I'll see you there! :)

I can't help bu t feel a twinge of guilt for not telling Ryder about the recent issues with Clint. But I'm determined to keep that messy part of my life completely separate from whatever this is I’m beginning to explore with Ryder.

I text Danie and ask if she's free to hit the town tonight before flopping onto my bed for a much-needed nap. Between the never-ending drama with Clint and the amazing sex with Ryder, I'm utterly drained—both mentally and physically.

My mind drifts back to my time spent with Ryder at the club. The memories come rushing back in vivid detail. The way he dominated me as he expertly manipulated my body and the mind-blowing intensity of my release. I can still feel the afterglow of how thoroughly he cared for me, the unexpected tenderness he hides behind his rough exterior.

Before I even realize what I'm doing, my hand is under the waistband of my panties. My fingertips brush against my already slick folds. Just picturing Ryder's chiseled body is enough to make any woman wet. As my fingers work in slow circles, I imagine Ryder's firm grip on my neck, his dirty mouth whispering in my ear, holding me on the edge but keeping my release just out of reach.

I let out a frustrated groan as my phone rings, the shrill tone shatters the moment. Of course it's Clint. I swipe the message away with a flick of my thumb before I can even read it, not wanting to subject myself to whatever bullshit he has to say now.

Soon, I will be able to exist without the constant dread of him unexpectedly showing up, or his non-stop texts and calls.

Walking into the club with Danie, we make our way back to the far corner where the owners' table sits. It’s on a slightly raised platform giving everyone at the table a view over the entire dancefloor and bar area.

Ryder spots us and rises from his seat to greet us. He plants a quick, affectionate kiss on my lips before he extends his hand to shake Danie's and give her a kiss on the cheek.

Ryder introduce s us to his friends, the Axiom boys as he calls them—Ethan and Keith. Ethan gives me a flirtatious wink, his long blond hair brushing the tops of his shoulders. You could definitely describe Ethan as having the classic California surfer boy looks and the happy go lucky personality to go along with it. Keith, however, regards me with a cool, assessing gaze that makes me slightly uncomfortable.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you guys," I say, flashing both men a polite smile. "Ryder has told me so much about your… business ventures."

Danie snorts softly beside me, no doubt picking up on the undercurrent of sarcasm in my tone.

"Hi, Ava," Ethan is the first to speak with his hand outstretched to shake mine. "You probably don't recall, but I attended your rally the other day with Ryder. I was the one who actually listened to your enlightening speech," he adds with his thumb now pointing at Ryder. "Unlike someone, who shall remain nameless, who rudely interrupted you. Some men just have no respect and it really shows in their actions. It’s embarrassing really."

Ryder is right, Ethan is a goof. "I appreciate that. Some people just weren't taught manners," I say, shaking my head with a laugh.

Ethan then turns his attention to Danie and begins to introduce himself. Or should I say he turned his attention to Danie’s boobs. Ethan’s words trail off into an awkward silence as he blatantly stares at her chest.

"Eyes up here, pal," Danie interjects. "The view is just fine at eye level."

Everyone starts laughing, and Keith slaps Ethans back. "She caught you bro. You have to try and make it less obvious. Maybe try wiping the drool from your mouth." Keith says between laughs.

"What can I say, I am a man that likes to admire beautiful things." Ethan says putting his hand on his chest and bowing his head slightly.

Danie rolls her eyes but laughs.

Ethan, Danie, and I were still chatting when Ryder and Keith return with our drinks. As the guys ask us some casual questions, Ethan turns to me, "Hey Ava, did you happen to see Ryder yesterday?"

I swallow hard, unsure of how to answer and look up at Ryder who is sitting beside me.

"Knock it off, Ethan. You're lucky I can't reach you, or I'd wring your neck," Ryder says, giving him a look that could kill.

Ryder puts his arm around my shoulders and whispers, "I'm sorry. I didn't tell Ethan anything. He was standing there when I was told I had a visitor waiting for me at the bar."

So Ethan is trying to embarrass me. Well two can play at this game. "Next time I’m at the club, you can join us, Ethan. I've been told you're an expert on the ins and outs of pegging. Specifically being on the receiving end. I’m sure your insight would be helpful."

Ethan's eyes dart between Ryder and me, and then he bursts into laughter. "Oh God, Ryder. I like this one. Cheers to that," he says, raising his drink in a mock salute before taking a sip.

I can tell Danie's getting antsy, so I offer her my hand and shout over the music, "Dance?" She doesn't need me to ask her twice. As we make our way out of the booth, I spot Ethan and Ryder trailing after us, clearly intending to join in the fun.

"Hang on," I say to Danie as Ryder steps in front of me. "What are you doing?"

He grins and pulls me into his arms. "You think I'm going to let you loose on that dance floor by yourself? Not after what happened last time you were here."

Oh god, Ryder remembers the steamy make-out session in the hallway. Embarrassing. I can feel my cheeks burning just thinking about it.

"I'm sorry, Ryder. I didn't realize," I begin, feeling my face heat up even more. But Ryder interrupts my apology with a wave of his hand.

"No need to be sorry, sweetheart. I'm just not going to let that happen again." He leans in, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

Does that mean we are together now?

As the next song starts playing, Ryder takes my hand, pulls me close, our bodies moving in sync to the beat. I notice Danie out of the corner of my eye, a few steps away, dancing with Ethan. She looks amused, a smile on her lips as she catches my eye.

The final notes of the song begin to fade out, I excuse myself. “I have to go to the restroom.”

He grazes my cheek with the back of his fingers. "Don't keep me waiting too long."

I smile at him and make my way to the restroom. I'm just washing my hands when the door swings open and Danie walks in.

"That guy, Ethan, he is something else!" She exclaims with a laugh. She looks at herself in the mirror and adjusts her boobs. "A total overgrown frat boy, but kind of endearing."

I open my mouth to respond, but she's already leaving the restroom, heading back towards the dance floor. Shaking my head, I quickly dry my hands and follow after her.

I exit the bathroom into the hallway, a strong arm suddenly wraps around my waist, pulling me backward. A surprise giggle escapes my lips.

"Ryder, you scared me!" I playfully swat at his arm that is tightly wrapped around my waist while trying to turn and face him. But his grip remains firm, steering me away from the main club area.

Before I can protest, he shoves open the exit door and hauls me outside into the dingy back alley. The shock of cool night air hits my flushed skin as I'm spun around, and my back is slammed against the rough exterior wall of the club.

"What the fu—" The words die on my lips when I look up to see Clint standing in front of me, and Ryder is nowhere in sight. Oh fuck. "Clint? What the hell are you doing here?" I demand, my heart pounding as panic sets in knowing I’m out here alone with nowhere to run.

His face is twisted with rage, eyes wide as he crowds in closer, trapping me against the wall. The stale scent of liquor wafts from his mouth as he speaks through gritted teeth.

"You think you can just move on, you cheating slut? Replace me with some stuck-up asshole?"

"Stop it Clint! Let go of me!" I yell trying to get free from his grasp as I struggle against his iron grip on me. "Clint, you're scaring me! Let me go!"

"Shut your fucking mouth, you’re nothing but a lying whore." He slams me back against the bricks with such force, when the back of my head hits against the rough surface an audible crack can be heard. The sound alone is enough to make my stomach lurch. Bright spots explode across my eyes like fireworks, as a sharp pain lances through my skull.

"Is this what you want, Ava?" Clint hisses, his hand fisting in my hair and wrenching my head back. "To be treated like some cheap slut? Is that why you've been throwing yourself at that asshole?"

Tears of panic prick my eyes, and I shake my head frantically. "N-no, Clint, please."

His grip on my hair tightens. "Don't lie to me! I saw the way you were rubbing all over him on the dance floor like a desperate whore in heat!" He screams and spit flies across my face.

"Clint, please stop. This has nothing to do with Ryder," I plead with him.

Clint barks out a harsh laugh. "Oh, I think it has everything to do with him. Tell me, does he make you feel like you're anything other than the insecure little girl you are? Does he put up with all your nagging, and your constant, bullshit need for validation? Do you really think a guy like that is going to put up with, or actually even love a cunt like you? Because he isn’t! All he is going to do is use you up and throw you away when he gets what he wants. Do you know the type of clubs he owns? It's disgusting the type of things he and his friends are into. I'm sure before long they will have you and Danie in the club. Doing whatever they want. You’re just another willing piece of ass to them."

The cruel words struck a nerve, dredging up all the deep-seated insecurities Clint had mercilessly preyed upon for years. I could feel myself crumbling from the inside.

I wince, bracing myself as Clint's grip tightens around my arm, his fingers digging into my flesh. With a forceful yank, he drags me forward, only to slam me back against the rough brick again. The impact knocks the wind out of me. I gasp for air and my vision starts to blur.

Before I can regain my bearings, Clint's fist comes hurtling towards my face. A searing pain rips through my eye socket as his knuckles make contact. Tears stream down my cheeks as waves of agony wash over me and the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. Another blow lands lower this time on my jaw. I desperately try to pry myself free from his grasp, but it’s no use. I’ll never be free.

"You fucking whore! I fucking loved you!" Clint screams as he pulls his fist back again. “And this is how you repay me for everything I’ve done for you, for us?!”

Then everything goes black.