Page 74 of Brutal Collateral

“Thank you,” I say, hiding how choked up I am.

Giving me a necklace that I know has so much value to him means more than the ring.

This isn’t feeling very fake all of a sudden.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Ava

Dressed to Griffin’ssatisfaction, I race down the stairs to see my aunt. She’s standing outside the kitchen staring into the backyard.

“Aunt Lena!” I call out from the stairs.

She spins around and cries out, “Ava!”

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” I say so she doesn’t cry, but it’s more to convince me.

“Your tea, Ma’am.” Bridget puts down a cup on the dining table against the railing that overlooks the living room.

“Thank you, Bridget.” I guess she calls everyone ma’am.

“Let me look at you.” My aunt studies me. “You’re so thin.”

“Being locked in a cage will do that.”

“A cage?”

“Griffin got me out of there,” I say without thinking, even if it’s misleading.

I must want her to like him for some reason. I’m still convincing myself it’s okay to trust him. I’m not sure I can trust myself, or my judgment at the moment. But I’ve only been free for less than twenty-four hours.

Griffin and I almost had sex twice already.

“And where is this fiancé of yours?” Aunt Helena folds her arms, showing a glint of disapproval.

“In the shower,” I say and realize I just came from the bedroom levels.

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