Chapter 5

Ava’s POV

The gown was smoothing and soft against my hips as a piece of silk, red bold, and loud like me. I was not planning to bump into Killian at the Joe Corp Gala, however, i had no intention to conceal myself. The heels were high, the cleavage was low and the expression on his face was presumable. He was at the centre of the room with a drink in his hands standing frozen as i entered.

The music went on but he stopped, all his body seemed to stop. I just passed by him as i did not recognize him, as though i had not learnt by heart every hair on his face, every fib in his tones, like he wasn't the man who kissed me at night when making love to another person. Killian Joe hurled this loss on my head. He would not repeat it—not even under the level gaze of his grey eyes which seemed able to burn apologies into my flesh.

Just behind i heard a smoother voice say “Ms Blake.”

Like a pre-arranged chest-stroke, Grayson was so exactly timed, his hand began to slide in my small back, so polished and possessive. I could see the crowd and my heart did not skip a beat. Bending to me he turned until his lips almost touched the shell of my ear and he whispered “You look like a red thing of danger and sexy and i hope i will be the so see them all swallow on it.”

I smiled, no, not with the words but with the look of Killian's eyes across the room. Let him watch. Let him drown.

***

Killian’s POV

It was supposed to be a normal entrance, smelling, shaking hands, nodding through speech i had paid to hear but she entered in Red and i forgot how to breathe. Ava was beautiful as always, pleasant to look at but this was not the woman that i married, this was not the shy girl who would whine and cry on my chest when my company almost collapsed. This was war and she came in blood Red and i changed positions without knowing what i was doing as i approached her.

I could not tell what to say when passing the marble and dumping the whiskey. She didn't look at me, she looked through me, and then the next thing she was being touched by Grayson f***ing Wolfe as though she were his. That was when i lost it.

“Ava,” I said, low and sharp. She looks without killing or warmth

“Killian.” She uttered my name like it was the name of a stranger.

“I need to talk to you. “ Grayson’s hand didn't move.

“Make a reservation then,” She answered in a business-like way. “I'm no longer your wife, i do not make late-night surprise visits.” I had it coming to me, that is even sadder as there are some things i cannot afford to see at the time at which she was gazing at another man the way she used to gaze at me like he was her safe haven and i was a ghost.

***

Ava’s POV

He went behind me through the crowd. I didn't care. Grayson and i walked wolf-like between kings-soft and envious. It was the first time a man walked beside me and tried not to take control of me until Grayson but still something did not settle. He was too good, too precise, and when nobody was anywhere too close, i had to keep my head straight because Killian wasn't giving up.

He moved to the exit blocking my way and pretended he still owned my time.

“Ava please,” he said. “Just five minutes.”

I stared at him in silence. “ Is this about her?” I asked, his jaw clenched. “It's not, not anymore.”

“Then it is you?” I said and came near with my voice low. “ And you Killian are not my concern anymore.” I marched out before he had a chance to answer and Grayson followed behind and gave no answer or reply like a ghost with power and secrets.

***

Grayson’s POV

When she was cruel, she was intoxicating and it enhanced the chase to be more fulfilling. It made her more intelligent since she still could not trust me, which was fine because i didn't need the trust, i just needed time and soon she would recognize the whole empire which she was rebuilding? was made of my hands, my connections and my plans.

I never offered love, it would have been too easy, i offered control, a better life and power. When she falls in love with the power, she will fall in love with me and i will burn it all to the ground, even my own self.

***

Ava’s POV

The gala did not conclude the night and when i got into my apartment. I threw my heels and the clutch on top of the marble counter. My phone was receiving missed calls from Killian. I poured wine, Red just as my dress and also my wrath. I was not interested in whatever he had to say.

I didn't want an apology, i wanted distance, control, and peace but i did not get that because as i sipped the red wine and scrolled through some of the photos my assistant had sent me—one picture stopped my hand in mid-air. It was not a paparazzishot but a snap shot. This was… secret