Chapter 72

Deric POV

The sheets were warm and tangled around Ava’s legs, her hair fanned out across the pillow like flames. Her chest rose and fell softly in sleep, while I felt my anger boiling in my gut. I sat at the edge of the bed, bare except for my underwear, phone clenched tight in my hand as I stared at the last message I’d sent.

Still no reply.

Elyra had read it. I saw the damn read receipt. But nothing. Not a single word back. My thumb hovered over the screen, ready to fire off something colder, harsher, but I held back. What was the point? She still won't reply. Typical Elyra. Spoilt and stubborn. 

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. My gaze moved back to Ava.

I should’ve stayed. Curled back into that bed, pulled her into my arms, inhaled her scent until morning. But the b