Chapter 19

" Hey bro, how are you holding up? " Jack asked in a way of greeting as he sauntered into the hospital ward with Ava on his tail. It was obvious to anyone watching that Ava was scared as fuck as she hid behind Jack's tall frame.

Alex was sitting up on the bed and he raised his eyebrows when he spotted Ava behind his brother. He knew she was trying to avoid a direct conversation of any kind with him. But for some reason, he was intrigued by her and wanted to talk to her, feel her presence in close proximity. Shut your trap man, he scolded himself silently and faked a cough. He looked away from her to regard his brother with a glare.

" Thought you were never going to show up, I'm cool anyway " He answered with a shrug and gave Ava one quick stare.

Ava on the other hand was once again spellbound by the sound of his voice. His deep, sexy voice were doing some wonders to her body which she couldn't quite define.

Like water ripples down from your throat down to your stomach ? Her inner voice suggested with a snicker. Ava rolled her eyes mentally, making a mental note to deal with the little lady later. Right now, all she wanted to do was to focus on her boss's mouth watering voice.

Too bad he had stopped talking, she thought sadly and sneaked a peak at him only to see him staring at her right back. Her eyes immediately went wide in surprise and she teared her eyes away from him but the damage had been done because Alex knew she had intended to stare at him without being noticed . Well curse her luck, she hissed silently. As if that was not enough embarrassment for a day, Alex chose that moment to call her.

" Miss... " His voice trailed off deliberately, expecting her to finish it up herself or rather answer.

Ava's eyes widened for the second time that evening. She stood rooted to the spot until Jack turned to look at her with a worried expression.

" Ava? Are you okay? " He asked with a worried frown.

She nodded quickly and felt sweat broke from her forehead down to her temple.

" Yeah... Yeah I'm cool " She replied and stepped out into Alex's full view.

Her palms were sweaty and white from holding the bag tightly in her small fists. Her lips trembled slightly under his scrutiny.

" Miss...? " He repeated again and it was clear to Ava now that he wanted her to complete his words.

" Ava Adams ".She replied softly, her eyes glued to the floor as though they were always there.

" Ava " He repeated after her, and his voice held a silky tone Ava found oddly arousing.

Holy crap, why was she feeling this way? She asked herself but her inner voice kept mute this time, which made Ava wondered why until she threat to deal with the little lady. So you're scared out of your wits, huh? Ava taunted but still got no reply. She then decided to let it be.

Jack's discreet cough brought her back into reality. He somewhat noticed the thick atmosphere and decided to give them privacy saying Alex should get to know his ' Babysitter ' better now that he was back.

Alex frowned at Jack's choice of words. It obviously didn't sit well with him and both Jack and Ava noticed.

" My babysitter? " Alex asked in a low, threatening growl and he looked like he was going to strangle Jack any moment.

Ava tried to keep her laughter in as she looked at his fuming face. He looked like a child who was about to throw a tantrum. All her attempts to keep her face straight failed and she quickly placed a hand on her mouth to prevent her from bursting into laughter. She must have chuckled because both Alex and Jack directed their attention to her.

She knew she had been caught and then faked an innocent look.

" What? " She asked innocently but the corners of her lips threatened to break into a smile.

Right then, Alex's incredible and murderous look melted her facade and defence and she bursted into laughter.

" You look funny! " She cracked out in between laughter.

Alex's mouth dropped open in total surprise as though no one had never dared to tell him that in all the years he had spent on earth. Even Jack looked dumbfounded as he regarded Ava with awe. He had never met anyone like her. He was right, she was the perfect person to put up with Alex's attitude and he had no doubt that she would do great. She was initially intimidated by Alex but he could see the fear was far gone now.

He quickly excused himself and practically ran out of the room before Alex could remember he was yet to strangle him. The moment Jack left, Ava's eyes darted to the door and she weighed her options. Should she make a dash for it too? No, you must finish what you started, there came her inner voice.

Ava mentally rolled her eyes at the voice for speaking for the first time in the past few hours.

" Well? " Alex asked with a smirk and he tilted his head over to one side. He motioned for her to come closer which she did, reluctantly though.

Ava took a deep breath and decided to act neutral, professional maybe. After the whole drama you did? Her inner voice chipped in but she ignored it and focused on Alex.

" A Good evening to you, Mr Alex. I forgot we haven't been introduced properly, I'm Ava Adams, your... your... " The word ' Babysitter ' was stuck in her throat. She almost failed to notice that his eyes had turned dark.

" My...? Miss Evans, you don't finish your sentences, do you? " He asked tauntingly.

" Between the two of us, we know you're the guilty one here so I could say the same about you " She mumbled under her breath but her voice was loud enough so it drifted clearly to Alex's ears.