8

_Avery Tamer POV_

I look at a sleeping Bella who is on the sofa, snoring lightly. 

She begged to watch a movie with me and then she fell asleep immediately after the movie started. She's cute. I can't even remember where we met or when we started dating, but I know she is mine and it's going to stay that way, I wasn't ready to let go of her.

For a moment there when it seemed she couldn't remember where we met I got suspicious of her. I thought that maybe she was indeed using me and toying with the fact I couldn't remember much about her just like Veronica said.

And then there was that woman Ava, who came to meet me today claiming to be my actual girlfriend.

But I remembered bits and pieces of what happened when we met but not the whole thing so I believe her. I have memories of meeting little Ava as a child, and I have memories of her spilling coffee on me when we met at the Cafe she worked at. But that was it. Every other thing about her came in bits and pieces. I was aware her father was currently in the hospital, but I have no recollection of her telling me that. I knew of her pet peeves, her likes and dislikes, and other basic things. But the memories where she told me all these were all missing.

Maybe I would ask her so she could remind me of them all. And I was certain she was my girlfriend.

 Luke has assured me that she's my girlfriend so it's all good, if not anything I trust Luke.

I don't remember everything, but at least the bits I do remember are enough.

_Bella POV_

"Couldn't you have told him I wasn't his girlfriend? You know, told him the truth like every other best friend would have done." I hissed into the phone the moment Luke answered my call, not giving him the chance to say anything.

Avery was asleep upstairs, I made sure of it before I snuck out of the room, putting a pillow in my place.

Yes, we were sleeping together, we have been sleeping in the same room since I moved in. 

Luke said Avery wouldn't try anything without my permission, I just hope it's the truth.

"Oh, good morning to you too sweetheart. Thanks a lot for waking me up." Luke grumbled into the phone and I flipped him off but unfortunately, he couldn't see it.

"Like you were sleeping. You sound like someone that has been doing the deed with some chic." I rolled my eyes at him. I know Luke, and Luke wouldn't be asleep by midnight even if the world ended. And as if on cue a girl's voice was heard from the other side of the call, asking Luke to come back to bed.

"And I couldn't tell him that. The doctor said if we did his health would get worse or something. Whatever the doctor said. And I need you at his side at this moment, his life is currently in danger.

I'm certain Veronica was the one who planned the accident and I need you to be alert at all times." He tells me confusing me even more.

" If you know Veronica was the one who planned it why don't you just tell him?" I looked behind me when I heard something move, when I didn't see anyone I went back to my call.

"Look, Bella. Do as you are told. Act pretty, stay by his side, and keep alert. I would do all I have to do. When it's time the contract would be canceled and we both go our different ways." He tells me and then the line goes dead.

This little… he hung up on me.

"What are you doing?" Avery asked from behind me and I gasped, spinning around.

"You frightened me." I let out a breath holding my chest.

His eyes go to my phone which was in my hands and back to me. 

Oh crap, did he hear anything now? How long has be been behind me?

"Who were you talking to now." He asks, his eyes going back to my phone.

"The hospital. They were updating me about my father." I lied without thinking about it 

When I realized what I just said, I cussed, I wasn't certain if Avery knew that fact my father was currently admitted to the hospital.

He nods his head slowly like he knows of my dad's condition.

"What's the hospital saying?" He asked and I stared at him strangely. Does he know of my dad's condition? How does he know that? 

I am confused about how Avery knows me, cause I'm certain before this I haven't met him before.

"Bella?" He questions snapping me out of my thoughts.

"What?" I ask looking at him.

"Are you okay? I asked how your dad was." He asks looking at me strangely. I force a smile on my face before replying. 

"He's fine. Why are you awake? I thought you were sleeping. Do you want a glass of water? Let's go back to bed." I forced out all at once, closing the distance between us and pulling him with me.

"I didn't see you on the bed so I came to find you. You could have made the call in the room or at least outside the room, instead of coming down." He tells me as we climb the staircase.

"I didn't want to wake you up and I also wanted to drink water, I was thirsty too." I lied through my teeth, hoping he didn't notice the fact there was no cup or jug of water with me at that moment.

He doesn't seem satisfied with my answer but thankfully he doesn't push it.

I need to find out how Avery knew me before this started.