008

Ava's POV

Embarrassment was an understatement of how I was feeling right now. If only the ground could open and save me from this. 

Because how the fuck was I supposed to defend myself when Cade Hunter was him?!

I swallowed hard, trying to form my words, when he beat me to it. 

“Cat got your tongue?”  He scoffed, a mocking grin on his face. “In fact, your reaction says it all, Ava.”

I didn’t respond.

“Now tell me, how long? How long have you been fantasizing about me?”

That was it. I had to put this arrogant prick in place. 

“You must be delusional to think my silence means yes,” I spat. “Last I checked, you aren’t the only Caden in this world. I even knew that name before I knew you ever existed.”

“I agree, I’m not the only Caden, but this Cade in your story happens to be my very description with no exemptions.”  He stood to his feet, stepping closer to me. “Cade has grey eyes; what color are mine? ”

“I haven’t noticed,” I replied, trying to remain unfazed.

“Cade has dark brown hair; what color is mine?” He came close again, causing me to step back. “Cade Hunter happens to be a hockey player; what am I, Ava?”

“Stop coming closer!” I shouted just as my back hit the wall with a thud. 

He reached where I was, our bodies now close. His hand brushed against my chin, tilting it up to meet his gaze. “Why the hell is Cade Hunter doing everything I do?”

“You are delusional,” I managed to say, my heart racing. “Anyone can have all those features. My character is not in any way affiliated with you!”

I hated how this closeness was affecting me; it was literally suffocating, and I needed him away before I did something stupid. 

“My tongue would do a much better job.”

Shit, I thought I erased that line.

“I saw that on page 32,” Caden continued. “And I might not have a good memory, but I recall that's something I said to—”

“Enough!”  I cut in. “I’m done with this bullshit; let’s start with you taking a few steps back.”

“Why? Does my presence affect you that much?”

“Because I fucking need to breathe,” I spat. “Why the hell were you even in my room while I was asleep? Do you know how creepy that is?”

“Is that your excuse now?” He scoffed. “You were in my room too; did you forget? And unlike mine, I didn't get to see you naked.” 

“I wasn’t in your room,” I defended.

“Yeah, you were at the door.”

“I didn’t see you naked.”

“You saw me fucking.”

The image flashed in my head for a second, sending a wave of pleasure down my spine.  “I left imme—”

“Did you?” He cut in. “Because I remember seeing those tiny eyes of yours, fixed on my cock while I pushed insi—”

“Can you please stop?” My voice was barely a whisper.  “I didn’t mean to. That was a mistake, and it won’t happen again. Now can you please leave my room.”

“No I can’t,” he replied, returning to the chair.

I followed behind, frustration bubbling in. “Look, I know this is your house, but this is my—”

“We have a project to plan,” he interrupted.

Shit, how did I forget?

That was the reason I went to his room earlier.

He crossed his legs. “Sit,” he ordered.

“Caden, I’m—”

“You do know this project is about 50%, right?” His voice was low. 

"I’m really not in the right frame of mind right now.” I ran a hand through my hair. “Just give me a minute to recover.” 

“From what exactly?” A playful smile crept onto his lips. “My presence?” 

I was prepared to snap at him when he stood. “Don’t keep me waiting,” he added, and began walking towards the door.

He turned just as he reached. “From a reader's perspective, I think you should quit with that story,” his voice was cold. “Cade Hunter and Avaline will never be together. Not even a dream can make it happen.”

He slammed the door hard, those words sinking deep in my soul.

A strong urge to throw my laptop across the room and tear those chapters to pieces filled me.

My fingers moved fast as I began deleting. 

He was right. This delusions had to end before it became disastrous. Halfway into it, I tossed my laptop, rushing to the bathroom.