Chapter 6

(Ava's POV)

The first thing I do when I wake, is curse him silently, in my mind. This prepares me mentally to regard him with less spite when we eventually meet in the lobby for duty assignment...or at least to hide the hatred I feel.

He seems not to notice how much malice I hold towards him or decides to be sarcastically mature about it because he gives me a tight-lipped smile when I nod in acknowledgment of his presence.

The less we interact at this point, the better for me. I'd hate to be fired and miss out on such a great opportunity to beef up my resumé.

Or worse still, be tormented with grueling work as punishment for my misdeeds. Lily and I stay glued to each other until it's time to separate after the briefing.

"You know." She smirks, which looks unnatural on her face. "I think you're more affected by my absence than I am yours."

That's what Dylan said too.

"Maybe I am...or maybe I�