The morning light filtered through the sleek, modern blinds of Jaxon's penthouse, casting soft shadows across the room. Ava stirred beneath the luxurious sheets, her body pleasantly sore and her mind hazy with the remnants of sleep. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to linger in the warmth of the bed, in the safety of Jaxon's embrace, savoring the rare sensation of contentment.
But reality, as it always did, quickly seeped back in.
Ava's eyes fluttered open, and she turned her head to find Jaxon lying beside her, his features softened by sleep. Even in repose, there was a powerful energy about him, a quiet intensity that she found both comforting and exhilarating. She had never spent the night with a man before, never allowed herself to be vulnerable enough to let someone in like this. But with Jaxon, everything was different. He was different.
Last night had been a raw revelation, passionate, and utterly consuming. It had been everything she had feared and everything she had secretly craved. But now, in the cold light of day, Ava knew she had stepped into uncharted territory. The rules of engagement had changed, and she wasn't sure how to navigate this new landscape where emotions were as volatile as the business deals she orchestrated.
Careful not to wake him, Ava slowly slipped out of bed, gathering her discarded clothes from the floor. She needed time to think, to regroup, and to figure out how to proceed without losing herself in the process. But as she dressed, she couldn't shake the memory of his touch, the way he had made her feel alive in a way she hadn't felt in years.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she buttoned her blouse, and she forced herself to take a steadying breath. She had always prided herself on her composure, on her ability to keep her emotions in check. But Jaxon had a way of unraveling her, of making her forget the carefully constructed walls she had built around herself.
A soft rustle behind her made her turn, and she found Jaxon watching her with those intense, dark eyes that seemed to see right through her. He was propped up on one elbow, the sheets pooling around his waist, exposing the broad, muscular expanse of his chest. There was a lazy, satisfied smile on his lips, as if he was perfectly content to simply lie there and watch her.
"Leaving so soon?" His voice was a husky murmur, still heavy with sleep but laced with a teasing note that made her pulse quicken.
Ava's breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. She had been hoping to slip away quietly, to give herself time to process everything that had happened. But now, faced with Jaxon's smoldering gaze, she felt the pull of him all over again, the magnetic force that had drawn her to him in the first place.
"I..." she started, but the words seemed to die on her lips. What was she supposed to say? That she was running away because she was afraid of how much she wanted him? That she was terrified of what it meant to let someone like him into her life?
Jaxon's smile widened, as if he could read her thoughts. He slid out of bed with a fluid grace, crossing the room in a few quick strides. Before she could protest, he had wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her against the solid warmth of his body.
"Stay," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "Just a little longer."
Ava's heart pounded in her chest, her resolve wavering as he pressed a kiss to the sensitive spot just below her ear. She could feel the heat of him through the thin fabric of her blouse, feel the way his breath quickened as he held her close. It would be so easy to give in, to let herself fall back into the intoxicating whirlwind of desire that had consumed them last night.
But Ava wasn't one to take the easy road.
She turned in his arms, placing a hand on his chest to create some distance between them, though she made no move to pull away completely. "I have to go," she said softly, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "There's a lot I need to do today, and I need some time to…think."
Jaxon's eyes darkened slightly, but he didn't try to stop her. Instead, he nodded, a trace of understanding in his gaze. "I get it," he said, his voice tinged with something she couldn't quite place. was it disappointment? Regret? "But I'm not letting you off that easily, Ava. This isn't over."
The way he said her name, the way his voice wrapped around it like a promise, sent a thrill through her. She knew he meant it that he wasn't going to let her slip away without a fight. And maybe, just maybe, she didn't want him to.
"Good," she replied, surprising herself with the boldness in her voice. "I don't want it to be."
The corner of Jaxon's mouth lifted in a slow, wicked smile that sent heat curling in her belly. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that left no room for doubt about what he wanted. It was a kiss that promised more, so much more, and Ava felt herself melting into him, her resolve crumbling under the weight of her desire.
But before things could escalate, she gently pulled back, her breathing unsteady. "I really do have to go," she said, her voice shaky but firm. "I'll see you later?"
Jaxon's gaze held hers, something unreadable flickering in the depths of his eyes. "You can count on it."
With one last lingering look, Ava turned and walked out of the penthouse, her heart pounding as she stepped into the elevator. The doors closed behind her with a soft whoosh, and she leaned against the cool metal wall, trying to collect herself.
The reality of what had just happened hit her in waves the intensity of their night together, the depth of the connection she felt with him, and the knowledge that she was stepping into something she couldn't fully control. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, and Ava wasn't sure which feeling was stronger.
As the elevator descended, Ava pulled out her phone, already dreading the mountain of work that awaited her. But before she could check her messages, the screen lit up with a text. It was from an unknown number, but she had no doubt who it was.
I meant what I said. This isn't over. - J
Ava's heart skipped a beat, a slow smile spreading across her lips. No, this wasn't over not by a long shot. She didn't know what the future held, didn't know what challenges and dangers lay ahead, but one thing was certain: she was in deep with Jaxon Reed, and there was no turning back.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Ava exited the elevator and stepped out into the bustling streets of Manhattan. The city hummed with life, a constant reminder of the fast paced world she had chosen to thrive in. But now, for the first time, she felt like she was on the edge of something even more intense, something that could change everything.
And as she walked towards her office, the sun climbing higher in the sky, Ava couldn't help but wonder what Jaxon's next move would be. She had a feeling it would be something bold, something that would push her even further out of her comfort zone.
Whatever it was, she was ready. Because for the first time in a long time, Ava Sinclair felt truly alive.