Chapter 39

" Oh okay, we'd have to take Liam along though because his father is not back " She said.

" No no, we don't have to go today, there's always a next time " He said smoothly.

Ava frowned " Why did you come here if it wasn't important? "

He shook his head, wise enough not to fall into her trap again " I answered that already, Ava " There was a slight warning in his tone.

She nodded and turned away " Okay then, I'm going to get Liam so he doesn't run too far " She said over her shoulders and made to leave but again, Alex stopped her

" Why do you want to leave me so bad? Are you trying to avoid me? " He asked.

Now it was her turn to look at loss for words as she stared at him, not knowing what to say.

" No not at all, why would I avoid you ? Do I have a reason to do that? " She finally answered, her voice threatening to fail her at first.

Alex shook his head " No, I'm sure you don't have any reason to avoid me " He sounded disappointed. He didn't know if he should be happy that no one was talking about happened between them.

They didn't hear Jack's footsteps when he arrived until he spoke up from behind them " Hey lovebirds " He called out teasingly.

Both Alex and Ava turned but at a different speed. While Ava turned as fast as she could, Alex did so leisurely like he cared less about the world.

" Hi Jack " She answered, walking to him.

Jack smiled " Sorry to interrupt you guys, I was wondering if you had seen my son "

Ava started to panic " You've not seen him around?! He was here some minutes ago "

In her panic state, she didn't notice Alex had come to her side. He reached out out and touched her lightly " Relax Ava, he's not lost. He's somewhere in the garden. Let's go look for him "

And just like he said, they found Liam in the garden. Jack thanked Ava and they ( Alex and Ava )took their leave shortly after. On their way back to the mansion, Alex played some soothing music and they sat in comfortable silence for a while until Alex broke the silence.

" Uh... I guess I never really got to thank you properly " He said with difficulty and it was obvious it wasn't everyday someone got to hear him say that.

She stared at him briefly " For? " She asked and turned her attention back to looking out the window.

" Taking care of me while I was on the sick bed, looking after me and everything. Thank you " He said softly and he looked like he meant every word.

Ava saw and felt the sincerity in him and chuckled " You're most welcome "

" I... " He stopped and took a deep breath before he continued " I know I've been a dick for the past few months and I apologize for all the shits I put you through but... " He sighed audibly.

On instinct, she reached out and placed her hand on his thigh. That seemed to calm him even though Ava didn't seem to notice what she did. The thought of comforting him was the only thing she could think of. He glanced at her and smiled at her gratefully and found the courage to continue.

" But it's been hard for me too... " He stopped again and took another deep breath.

" It's okay, you don't have to say anything. I'm here with you and will always be " Ava promised and squeezed his hands.

Looking at her, Alex really wished it would happen, Ava being there for him forever. But deep down, he knew it could never work out even if they tried.

They said nothing more to each other until they got to the mansion. Alex excused himself and Ava was tempted to go after him and was still contemplating on whether it was a good idea when Maggie appeared from nowhere, it seemed.

" A penny for your thoughts? " She snapped two of her fingers before Ava.

Ava chuckled wryly " Maggie "

" Is something wrong? " Maggie asked, serious now.

Ava shook her head but on second thoughts, she decided to ask " Maggie, just how bad was the accident and who did it to him? "

Maggie was quiet for what seemed like two minutes until she talked " It was very terrible Ava, that's all you need to know for now. You can ask him though, I'm very sure he will tell you "

Ava shook her head " No I don't think he will, I'm not sure he wants to be reminded of that "

" You think so? " Maggie raised up her eyebrows.

Ava nodded " I'm very sure "

Maggie shrugged " It won't hurt to ask him to tell you how it happened though "

" I'll think about it " Ava said with a smile and went upstairs.

Later that night, Alex came to eat at the table which shocked everyone. The last time he ate at the table was before the accident so this was new to them. Nevertheless, Maggie dished out the food without asking any questions.

Alex asked Maggie to join them but she refused politely, making up an excuse. Alex suspected the woman wanted him to have some time alone with Ava and he was secretly grateful for that.

They ate in silence and the only sounds were the plates. Ava concentrated on eating and Alex had the chance to study her every move. The way she moved her mouth delicately, licked the crumbs from the corners of her lip and swallowed her food. He didn't know he could find eating sexy but fuck, the sight of her tongue and lips did something to his body.