Ava’s POV

Orion.

The sight of him was a punch to the gut as I flinched back. My body recoiled before my mind even caught up, the nausea hitting me in waves. He crouched before me, his dark jacket heavy on my trembling shoulders as though he were some knight in shining armor.

But I knew the truth.

The shock of seeing him here, playing the savior, was like a cruel twist of fate. Did he think this would wash away his sins? That his face would be the first thing I’d see and I’d thank him?

I couldn’t hide the disgust curling my lips. The tears streaking down my...