Ava felt her world crumble two weeks ago. She lost her father. The only family she ever had.
The thought of never hearing him call her "little pumpkin," never feeling his lips on her cheek, was a nightmare she couldn't escape.
And what of her school she's still in college who's going to take of her
For a week, she refused to step out. Barely ate. Barely spoke.
"Miss," a gentle voice called with a soft knock.
"Go away, Vivian. I don't want breakfast," Ava mumbled under the sheets.
Vivian, the housekeeper, cleared her throat. "Someone's here to see you. It's important."
"I don't want to see anyone. Go away."
"I'll handle this," another voice said. Deeper, richer. Familiar. She'd recognize it anywhere.
Ava's brows furrowed.
"Ava, I'm sure you remember me. Your father trusted me. We need to talk," he said.
Blinking, Ava stared. He's back from his business oh her lord. One of the few her father kept close. Why now?
"I'll be down soon," she muttered.
Footsteps faded, but she knew Vivian would make sure she left the bed anyway. She freshened up, pulling on a blue hoodie her father had bought her three months ago and a pair of jean shorts. Her hair went into a messy bun.
In the mirror, she barely recognized herself. Pale skin. Baggy eyes. Dry, cracked lips from sleepless nights. She had lost weight. Her hair clung to her face unkempt.
Sighing, she dragged herself down the stairs. Her feet thumped lazily on the steps.
Vivian was speaking with a man in a suit. Ava froze.
Him. He hadn't changed.
Through his glasses, almond-shaped blue eyes met hers, sending heat down her spine. A black suit hugged his tall, built frame. Six-two, taller than anyone she remembered.
And there were two others. One was her father's lawyer. Only then did she notice the tight, nervous look on Vivian's face. Something was wrong.
Later, Ava sat, fists clutched on her knees, lips parted in disbelief as her father's lawyer delivered the news.
"Are you kidding me? I'm almost twenty, not a kid! Why should I be in Mr. Harper's custody?"
The man sitting calmly beside them didn't move. Mr. Harper. Her father's friend. Her childhood crush. The same man who is always traveling he's going to be her caretaker, Noo she can't take the risk she don't think she can stay with him without naughty thoughts.He looked just as cold, just as unreadable.
"According to Mr. Kingston, you're not to be left vulnerable. Mr. Harper's guardianship is non-negotiable. Your father's final directive," the lawyer said.
Ava's mind screamed. She had barely mourned, and now she was being handed over to him? A man she had known as a child but barely seen since?
"I don't know him!" she snapped.
"Well, now you do," Mr. Harper said, his voice low, measured. "I know this is hard, but there's no going back. We'll figure this out."
Scoffing, she rose. "I'm not a piece of property to be handed over. You should all leave."
Before she could move, a large hand caught hers. He loomed over her, his presence suffocating. She barely reached his shoulder.
"You're not a thing, Miss Kingston. But your father wanted me to be your guardian, and I intend to keep that promise."
Something in his tone sent a warning straight to her chest.
"Flip me over your shoulder and shove me into your car, then. Do your worst," she dared, standing her ground.
Vivian muttered prayers in the corner, while the lawyer stood frozen.
In a split second, Ava's feet left the ground. Her stomach pressed against his shoulder.
"Let me go!" she screamed, kicking and wiggling, but he held her firm.
"I'll take my leave now," he said, glancing at his watch. "My men will gather your things."
"No!" Ava cried.
The black Bentley waited. He swung the door open and slid her inside.
"Quiet, Ava," he said, calm but commanding. The tone froze her in place.
"Your father left you in my care. I will keep you safe. Follow my rules, and we'll start… peacefully. Understand?"
She ground her teeth. "This is illegal."
"Oh, I am illegal," he said, sliding into the seat beside her.
The ride was silent. Ava kept busy with her phone, occasionally glancing at the city rushing past. Four hours later, they arrived at his mansion. Sleek, sculpted, elegant. A fountain in the driveway. Blooming gardens. Wealth that screamed power.
"Is this to your liking?" he asked.
Ava shrugged. "I won't be here long."
"Eat, rest. Staff will take care of you. That's your first rule," he said, pushing his glasses up.
Later, Ava called Maya, her city friend.
"I've been here a few days," Ava sighed. "Trying to adapt."
"You're in the city?!" Maya exclaimed. "You should have called sooner. Come out, let me show you around."
"I won't be staying long," Ava muttered.
"Quit being stubborn. Your dad made this decision for a reason. You'll be fine."
Ava exhaled, thinking of her father. The city changed people. Made them forget where they came from. Where they cared for.
After the call, Ava went downstairs for a snack. A shadow fell over her.
Grayson.
In a grey suit, hair slicked back, earrings glinting. He was breathtaking. Dangerous. Impossible to ignore.
"Oh, look who's here," Ava said, arms crossed. "Keeping me company, Mr. Guardian?"
"You hated me five days ago. Not responding to calls or texts," he said.
"I don't want anything to do with you."
He sighed, stepping closer. Step. Step. Step.
Ava's back hit the wall. "Don't come any closer," she warned, though her voice trembled.
"You think ignoring me changes the fact that you're under my care?"
"I didn't ask for this."
"Doesn't matter, kitten. Your father trusted me. I don't break promises."
"Then transfer custody," she snapped. "Lawyers, money… sign the papers. Let me go."
"You really think it's that simple?" he leaned closer. "You're not here because of law. You're here because of danger."
"Danger from whom?"
"That's for later," he said. "Eat, live. Stay where I can see you. Respond to my texts and calls."
Ava let out a bitter laugh. "A bird in a golden cage. I don't need you, Mr. Harper. I'll leave if I want—even if you tie me to the bed."
He tilted his head, a faint smirk. "Should I?"