Chapter 27: New Rules
Sunlight spilled into the penthouse like a quiet blessing. Ava stirred beneath the soft throw blanket on the couch, the scent of fresh coffee drifting from the kitchen.
Dominic stood there, sleeves rolled, barefoot, two mugs in hand.
She blinked slowly, unsure if she was dreaming.
He offered one. "I remembered how you like it."
She took the cup. Their fingers brushed. A tiny thrill danced up her spine. "Thanks."
A silence lingered—comforting, but fragile.
Ava sat upright. "Before we go any further… we need to set a few things straight."
Dominic nodded. "I'm listening."
She took a breath, steadying herself.
"Rule one," she began, "No more secrets. If you're scared, if you're angry, if something's wrong—I want truth. Even if it hurts."
"Agreed."
"Rule two," she said, her voice firmer now, "We don't build this on guilt. You're not here to 'make it up to me.' You're here because you want me. Not because you owe me."
Dominic walked over, crouched in front of her like he had the night before. "You're not something I feel guilty for, Ava. You're someone I'm finally fighting for."
Her heart skipped.
But she stayed strong.
"Rule three," she whispered. "We go slow."
He smirked just a little. "Torture me, why don't you."
Ava raised a brow. "That's rule four—no distractions."
He laughed softly, and something pure passed between them.
A flicker of what could be.
---
Later That Day
Ava returned to her apartment—needed space, normalcy. But as she walked in, she froze.
Her laptop was open.
She hadn't left it that way.
And on the screen was an email.
From: Unknown
Subject: How far do you really trust him?
She opened it with shaking hands.
Attached was a photo.
Dominic.
Juliana.
An old photo. Not from last week. But… a year ago. Together. Smiling. Holding hands.
Ava's breath caught.
And a single line
below the image chilled her to her core:
> "Some bonds never break."