Chapter 20. Where Were You, Ava?

Ava

I parked in the driveway, gravel crunching under the tires. The house looked quiet, no signs of anyone home. I killed the engine, stepped out, and hit the locks with a beep.

My phone buzzed again as I climbed the porch steps. Still Adrian. I tucked it in my pocket without answering and pushed through the front door.

The living room was dark, the curtains drawn. I didn’t bother turning on lights as I headed for the stairs, heels clacking on hardwood. I was almost to the landing when I heard it - the floorboard creak behind me, followed by heavy footsteps.

“Where the hell have you been?” A familiar voice growled. Adrian.

I froze, one hand on the banister, pulse kicking up. He was behind me, close enough to feel his breath on my neck. I didn’t turn around.

“I said, where have you been?” he snapped, grabbing my arm and spinning me to face him. His other hand braced on the wall beside my head, caging me in.

I met his gaze, blue eyes da