Don't Tell My Husband

Ava's POV

Ask me what you want for. His voice was a harsh whisper on my neck, lips caressing the delicate flesh there. His hands seemed to have every right, as though I had voluntarily handed him the keys to my soul. They wandered my body with great accuracy. But my body compiled just mechanically; my head was a thousand miles away.

I gulped, struggling to identify words that would calm the tempest blazing between us. "Nathaniel, I...?"

His lips caught mine before I could arrange the ideas. Like every minute spent with him since that evening, the kiss was strong and demanding. At once a promise and a menace. I attempted to match, pushing my body to respond. for feeling something. Still, deep down I felt empty. Adversary.

I drew away slightly, panting for breath. "Wait.," said

His blue eyes clouded as he looked at me for a response I wasn't ready to provide. "What is it?," asked Still gruff, his voice now held an air of concern. He cupped my cheek, his touch strangely gentle in spite of our passion. "Did I injure you?"

Not Yes. Not physically. I shook my head, but the movement was hardly undetectable. " I... I need a moment." My remarks seemed weak and nearly false. Since the fact was this was all incorrect. My heart hammered, but not for the intended use.

"Is it him?" Nathaniel's mouth closed and his hand dropped away. "Are you considering him??"

Stiffed by the thought of my spouse, Charles Even here, where he shouldn't have authority, he constantly found a way to intrude on my ideas. "Don't," I muttered, the word brittle breaking under the weight of unspoken things.

"No, Ava," said. Nathaniel's eyes glowed with irritation. He backed off, hands sliding over his black hair. You are not free to do this. Not following every rule.

not following everything. The phrases felt to me like a sour refrain. How could I possibly articulate the jumble of shame, want, and remorse stifling me? I murmured, hardly able to meet his eye: "I didn't ask for this."

He laughed-a harsh, devoid of humor sound that caused my chest pain. "Wasn't you?" His breath hot against my ear, he closed the space between us quickly. You came to me by choice. You choose to continue.

I fired back, a spark of wrath flickering to life: "I had no choice." I sensed his strain and his need for my entire choice of him. But the weight of my choices smushed every real sensation I may have had.

"You always have a decision, Ava." His comments were harsh, slicing across the room. "You decided to let him run your life, to continue playing the ideal little wife while surreptitiously prowling with me. One cannot, however, spend all their life in two worlds.

Between us, the air seemed menacing and charged. "I have no idea what you want from me!" Tears welling up in spite of my efforts to hold them back, I yelled.

Nathaniel's hand flew into the wall close to my head. "You should feel something!" he cried. Emotion drove his chest to heaving. "Anything but this goddamn indifference." You believe you can just cut off what we have?

I tried to stifle the shudder his proximity caused by clenching my teeth. "I'm not indifferent," I said, the words shaking.

"Proof it." He leaned closer, his lips lingering just a few milliliters apart. I could feel his ragged, heated breath. Unspoken but unquestionably, the challenge hovered in the air. My body moved half-way in response on impulse.

This time the kiss was raw, frantic, passionate and painful. I wanted to sink into it and silence every idea. Still, the emptiness persisted like a shadow I could not flee. He sensed it and withdrew just enough to fix her gaze.

"Why?," His voice broke as he insisted. "Why are you here if you cannot even be with me totally?"

The reply stayed in my throat. Finally, the admission blasting through me, I whispered, "Because I'm trapped." "Because he will wreck everything if I go."

And you believe that to be sufficient? Now Nathaniel spoke in a softer, almost begging tone. "To keep you shackled to a man not loving you?"

"It's not that easy." I turned aside, my shoulders trembling. Not one thing about this is straightforward.

Nathaniel's quiet extended, weighty and stifling. His comments came out as hopeless as he spoke once more. "You are correct. Not is it. He retreated; the space between us now seemed to be a gulf. But one day you will have to decide. And I cannot continue to be the man waiting for your choice.

I felt panic flash inside me. "Nathaniel, avoid this."

He was already on his way, though, collecting his coat and headed toward the door. "I'm done playing second to a man like Charles," he added, his voice lacking the early passion. You know where I am when you're ready to break free.

The door clicked closed behind him, leaving me alone bearing the weight of my decisions. Gasping for air, I dropped to the ground and started to cry. This was not the intended state of affairs.

My phone hummed on the coffee table just then. With shaky hands, I cleaned my tears and grabbed for it. You thought I wouldn't find out? The screen flashed one text from an unidentified number.

Ava, we are not yet finished. Not quite by chance.

A cold crawled over my back. Past had claws, and I was approaching it.

The door snapped closed behind Nathaniel, the finality resounding in my ears like the conclusion of something I knew I cannot rescue. With my legs giving way under the weight of remorse and sorrow, I dropped to the floor. Every breath seemed like effort.

What had I done? My activity was what?

Trying to silence the symphony of feelings, I pulled my hands through my hair. Then the phone buzzed on the coffee table, shattering the quiet. I hesitated, fear crawling at the rear of my neck. When I did at last grab it, the screen flashed with a single, terrifying message from an unidentified number: You thought I wouldn't find out?

Ava, we are not yet finished. Not quite by chance.

My heart came to a standstill. Though their meaning was obvious, the words were confusing. Past had claws, and they were closing around me.

The room felt colder at once, shadows swirling at the margins of my view. Was Charles here? Was he relishing my worry right now, observing me?

There was a quick tap on the door and I leaped. My pulse surged and terror started. For a single second, I hoped-hoped-it was Nathaniel, coming back to prove me incorrect, to fight for me. I staggered to my feet and groped for the door with shaky fingers.

When I opened it, I gasped. Nathaniel stood there, eyes dark and stormy, mouth set in that hard line I had come to know too much. He seemed unconcerned even though rain fell from his hair and wet his collar. He shoved inside and closed the door behind him. "AVa."

"Nathaniel-"-

"Don't" He gripped my face, his touch raw and frantic. "I found it impossible to leave." His voice broke, the unadulterated passion slicing over me. " Not like this. Not when I can still feel you vanishing.

His lips crushed mine before I could talk. This time there was no doubt or restriction. Just needed. Fire: Every uncertainty, every last reluctance, burnt away in the fury raging between us. For a minute, it was just us-no falsehoods, no shadows-and I hung to him like a lifeline. Simply the sensation of his pulse against mine.

Our foreheads pushed together as we broke apart, he said, "I'm not giving up on you, Ava. I cannot. His breath combined with mine, hot and weighty. "Anyway this is-whatever it takes-I'm with you."

Tears flooded once more, but for different purposes. "It's dangerous," I replied, my voice just a breath. "For each other as well."

"I would much sooner be in danger with you than safe without you." His thumb pointed at my jawline, his eyes flashing with will. But you have to believe me.

I nodded, the weight of everything once again downing. "I-";

Still another tap on the door: more forceful this time. I looked at Nathaniel and he did too. The tension zipped between us, electrifying. As we both fixed on the door, he moved in front of me sheltering me with his body.

From the other side, "Ava," a voice said. Cold, deliberate, and very definitely recognizable. My blood is chilly.

Charles was there.

Nathaniel's eyes locked with mine, and for the shortest of times I saw terror reflected in them. But it then became resolved with hardness. "Stay behind me," he whispered softly.

The door handle swirled slowly.

I hardly had time to inhale before everything went crazy.

Ava's POV

The door opened, and Charles strolled in with a terrible calm that made my heart skip a beat. As always, he was immaculate, but his eyes had a hardness that made the air in the room icy. Nathaniel stiffened next to me, every muscle taut as if a coiled spring.

"Ava," Charles whispered, his voice almost silky. "I had no idea we were among the company."

I swallowed, dry in my throat. "Charles, I--"

He raised his hand, interrupting my speech. "There is no need for explanations." His gaze shifted to Nathaniel, assessing and calculating. "Your friend here, indeed, has plenty to say."

Nathaniel moved forward, his flaming eyes "Your games, Charles, are finished."

Charles's lips curved into a smile that remained barely visible to him. "Are they currently?" asked He moved closer, his steps deliberate and predatory. "You think you could just walk in and grab what's mine?"

I started to say something, but Nathaniel's hand on mine stopped me. Nathaniel responded, his voice low and deadly: "She's not yours." Hers never was.

The room fell silent for a brief moment. Charles then chuckled, a nasty, mocking sound that made my spine shingle. You truly believe you can shield her? You are not familiar with what you are handling.

Nathaniel's mouth constricted. "Try me."

The stress broke like a stretched wire. Charles shot forward in an instant. Nathaniel pushed me behind him, and the two guys hit with a force that shook the walls. Fists flew, the sound of flesh meeting flesh resonating through the flat. With breath coming in frantic gasps, I pushed my back against the wall. This was spinning from under control.

"Stop! I cried out to Nathaniel, but neither of them heard me.

Nathaniel staggered back from a nasty punch Charles landed. Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, but he stayed steady. His gaze never strayed from Charles as he wiped the blood away with the back of his palm. With an icy voice, he challenged, "Is that all you have?"

Charles's look darkened. You have no idea what I am capable of.

Nathaniel lunged once more and shot back, "Neither do you."

Their collision with the coffee table broken glass and scattered papers. I could not watch anymore from here. "Enough!" I let forth a primal scream. "Exactly both of you!"

Breathing heavily, they stopped and fixed murderous states on each other. Walking between them despite my heart beating, I said, "This ends here." "Your twisted game will not use me as a pawn."

Nathaniel's eyes softened somewhat, but Charles got colder. "A pawn??" He came forward, towering above me. "You make yourself seem great, Ava. You rarely appear on the board.

Though I refused to let him see the suffering, the words wounded deeply. Then leave. I cried, my voice trembling but rebellious. You have made your argument.

"Oh, I'm not done," Charles snarled, his voice full of malice. "Not even close." He turned to face Nathaniel, whose glimmer suggested danger. "This isn't quite finished."

He pushed out without another word, slamming the door behind him. The hush that followed was almost intolerable.

Breathing deeply, Nathaniel leaned against the wall. His voice was raw. "Are you okay?" he questioned.

I nodded, but the tears I had been shedding erupted. I murmured, "He'll come after us." "You know that, right?" said

Nathaniel bridged the distance separating us and caressed my face with his hands. "Let him visit." I have no fear of him.

But I am nevertheless. The admission shot through me. "I have seen what he is capable of."

Nathaniel angrily shouted, "I won't let him hurt you." I promise.

I would have liked to believe him. I wanted to believe that we might battle this together. However, the fear encircling my heart felt alive. You don't understand, I murmured, my voice breaking. Not only is he not alone. One more is considerably more.

He wrinkled, his thumb brushing away my tears. Tell me later.

I hesitated, secrets weighing heavily on me. But before I could say anything, my phone buzzed again. I looked at it, nausea gathering in my gut. The unidentified phone also sends another warning: You are not safe. Neither one of you.

Nathaniel's expression darkened as he read it over my shoulder. "Who is this?."

With my voice trembling, I replied, "I'm unsure." With my voice trembling, I replied, "I'm unsure." But they are familiar with us. They are all knowing.

He drew me near with strong, comforting arms. "We'll work this out," he said against my hair. "together."

I let myself believe him for a little instant. To get solace from his touch. Deeply down, though, I knew the threat was far from gone.

We both froze at a sharp sound outside the window. Nathaniel responded fast, dragging me aside and setting himself between me and the possible assailant. "Stay behind me," he said quietly.

The glass broke, a missile hurtling through. The room was smoke-filled, choking, and blind. I coughed, terror growing as I tried to see. Nathaniel seized my hand and dragged me towards the door.

He yelled above the anarchy, "We have to go!"

I staggered after him, crushed by our situation. Gasping for breath, we broke into the corridor. Though the smoke was thick, I could still hear footfall-heavy, unrelenting. Someone was arriving.

Nathaniel's grip tightened. He said, "Run," his voice low and urgent. "Do not stop."

Our feet echoed in the little area as we hurried down the stairs. My heart hammered, and adrenaline shot through me. Not far behind was whatever was following us. I could see it.

We broke out into the street, the crisp night air striking my face like a slap. Nathaniel drew me into an alley and pressed against the wall. He said, "Stay quiet," his eyes flickering across the shadows.

Steps came forward, slow and deliberate. I inhaled, and every muscle tightened. Though Nathaniel's body acted as a barrier, I knew it might not be sufficient.

The steps came to a standstill. There was a low, freezing chuckle across the alley. The voice oozing with contempt remarked, "You cannot run forever." I'll always find you.

Nathaniel's jaw locked. Not if I locate you first.

Calm. The footsteps then turned back, disappearing into the evening. Shakily, I breathed; my legs seemed about to buckle.

With stern eyes, Nathaniel turned to me. "This is bigger than simply Charles, isn't it?"

I nodded with a stiff throat. "You know nothing about certain things. Things I have kept under wraps.

"Then it's time to tell me everything," he replied, his voice devoid of any space for debate. "There are no more secrets."

I opened my mouth, but the words would not flow. A different one rang before I could talk. Nathaniel said darkly as he dug inside his pocket. "What?," asks His gaze grew wide. When?

He hung there, his face white. "Ava, we have to head out."

"Why? Whose happened?

His eyes locked with mine, and I witnessed actual terror for the first time. "They have someone taken." And we will be next if we delay.

Nathaniel's POV

"Ava, rush!" I tugged her hand to guide her across the whirling lanes. Each footfall echoed in the darkness as our feet hammered against the damp ground. Since the call, we had been running; even if I attempted to keep the panic from coming through, I could feel time weighing down on us. Someone's life hung on a knife, and I had no intention of allowing additional bloodshed because of me.

"Who did they steal?" Ava breathed in short, frayed gasps. She stammered, but I grabbed her and never slowed our speed.

I murmured fiercely, my eyes sweeping over every shadow, "Someone I care about." I offered her less than that. Not as yet. We had more pressing issues; explanations could wait.

The little alley opened out into a big thoroughfare. Above, the city's neon lights created distorted reflections in the puddles at our feet. I stopped, panting, my head whirling. Keeping my voice low, "There's a safe house two blocks from here," I added. "We have to gather once more."

Ava's eyes widened with terror, but also there was something else there: will. Guide the path.

We moved fast, fitting the small audience. Every person I passed was a possible threat; every shadow provided cover. My senses were sharp. I entered Ava into the safe house-a generic building with fading paint-by pressing a code onto the keypad.

The door clicked hard and locked behind us. I let out an exhale, the weight of the circumstances descending on me. For now, we ought to be safe here.

"For now," Ava repeated, drawing her arms across. Her cheeks heated, her hair was messy, but she still carried that fire in her eyes. "Nathaniel, what is happening? Whose stole?

"His name is Carter," I said, my voice low. "My brother," he said.

Shock written on her face as she fixed me. You never indicated that you had a brother.

"Because he has been hiding," I answered coldly. "I appreciate Charles. This is how he draws me out.

Ava moved forward a step, her face softening. I'm quite sorry.

I was not in need of her pity. I detested it. I paced the little room, snapping, "This is exactly what I was trying to protect you from." But you have to exert pressure. You had to dig.

She grew angry in her eyes. Nathaniel, don't hold me responsible for this. Pulling me into your conflict, you knew what you were getting into.

"My war?" I said, spinning toward her. Don't pretend you are some naive victim. You used me to get free of Charles' grasp. You wanted to.

Her hand broke across my cheek before I could see it approaching. Though the sting was instantaneous, her eyes hurt more. Her voice shaky, she replied, "I didn't ask for any of this." "You think I enjoy being caught between two guys treating me like a pawn?"

The room went still, her words weighing between us. Quietly, "I'm trying to protect you," I replied, my fury subsiding. "I am not ready to lose you."

She turned aside, her shoulders tight. Then try not to push me away.

I hesitated and stepped forward a little. Ava, I cannot do this by myself.

You are not obliged, of course. She looked at me, and there was no anxiety for the first time in what seemed like eternity. Just fix it.

My phone hummed before I could reply. I peered at the screen-a blocked number. My pulse dropped. I knew exactly what was ahead.

My voice was frigid as I responded. Where is he?

A deep, twisted voice cracked across the line. "Carter, time is running out. You will play by my rules if you wish to see your brother once more.

"What do you want?"

"Simple." The voice had an almost amusing quality. Surrender yourself. One alone. No trickery.

I closed my mouth tightly. And then, what? You assassinate me?

The ensuing laughter was quite eerie. Show up; you will find out. Refuse, and you will hear your brother screaming till the day you die.

The line broke off. I stood there, the phone still held to my ear, every muscle in my body rigid with wrath and terror. Ava ground me with her hand touching my arm. "What did they say??"

I failed to match her gaze. "We are caught in a trap."

Then we require a strategy.

"Time is of the essence." I turned aside and shoved the phone into my pocket. "I have to leave."

"NO." Ava pulled my arm and made me turn to face her. You cannot simply stroll into anything they have scheduled.

"I have no option here."

"Always there is a choice," she responded angrily. We'll discover another path.

"Don't you grasp it?" My voice split, raw with feeling. "This is just what they are looking for. They are reaching me through him. And he dies if I go absent.

Her eyes gleaming with unshed tears, she begged, "Then let me help you." "Please."

Though the reality was I couldn't do without her, I wanted to tell her no to keep her safe. "Fine," I responded, my voice scratchy. But you go with my guidance. Not there any hazards. Not heroes.

She nodded, resolving to stiffen her features. "We do this together."

Needing her warmth and strength, I drew her near. "Together.,"

Time stopped just for a second. The danger, the anxiety, the weight of everything collapsing down on us-all vanished. She was all I could see and feel.

"I can't lose you, Ava," I said, my forehead resting against hers.

"You will not." Her mouth opened warmly against mine. "I have nowhere to go."

Desperate kissing brought all the anxiety and longing into that one instant. Her fingers caught in my hair, drawing me in as though we can use pure will to expel the darkness from all around us. But reality was a cruel thing, and we soon broke apart, panting for breath.

We have to move, I murmured, my voice now more steady. "They are expecting me."

Then let's surprise them, she said, fire in her eyes.

We left the safe home with quiet, exact motions. Every stride drove us toward peril, yet I was unable to turn back. Not at this moment. not at all.

Every decision I had taken weighed heavily as we got ready for the conference-a dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of the city. There was this. Win or lose; tonight everything would change.

The door creaked open to show black beyond. Ava at my side, I entered. The air seemed weighty and oppressive. Then one single light turned on, lighting a figure hooked to a chair.

"Carter.," Though it was my brother, his voice was frail. Relief came over me; then, a flash of wrath. This was not over.

Another flash pointed at our captor. One man I had hoped never to see again.

Charles murmured, a chilly smile creeping over his face, "Welcome home, Nathaniel." "I have been looking forward to you."