Where We Belong

Chapter 16

A strangled scream escaped my mouth as I jumped up from my bed. Trying to calm my breathing I closed my eyes and counted to ten. It was just a dream. Wiping the sweat from my forehead I reached over and turned on my bedside lamp. Catching a glimpse of the time I groaned out loud. I had only been sleeping for an hour.

Getting out of bed I ripped the clothes from my body that were now drenched in sweat. I wonder if Blaze is awake? Rummaging through my closet I pulled on some jeans and a t-shirt. If he was asleep I could get out of here without him. Too much had happened for me to be around him. Trying to be as quiet as I could I pulled my boots on along with my leather jacket and made way for my bedroom door. Hopefully he had left my car keys on the kitchen table.

Creaking open the door I held my breath and listened for any movement. Hearing the soft snores coming from my spare room I let out the breath I was holding and done a silent prayer. Closing the door behind me I tip toed my way across the landing and quietly down the stairs.

If I managed to leave without him knowing where would I go? I didn't want to head back to New York and I didn't have what you called friends around here. Never let myself make any friends and I'm sure April would find it strange if I turned up at her house at 3 am.

Walking through my living room I went straight to the kitchen in hopes of finding my keys. Feeling my mouth pull into a smile I could have jumped for joy when I noticed them sitting in the fruit bowl. Shoving them into my Jean pocket I about turned and jumped when I caught Blaze looking at me from where he stood slouched against my livingroom door.

"Going somewhere darlin'?"

Oh boy he did not look happy!

"I - um grocery store" I swallowed feeling the heat travel from my neck onto my face.

Taking my bottom lip between my teeth I folded my arms across my chest. Why did I feel like a child that had just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar?

"Where were you going Ava?" He asked pushing himself of the door and making his way towards me.

Letting out a sigh I released my bottom lip and looked at him "A walk I need to get out of here, I need some air". Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"You need your car keys for that?" He nodded quickly shooting out his hand and grabbing my keys from my pocket.

Hey" I snapped hitting at his hands "Give them back to me" I huffed watching him slide them into his back pocket.

"No" He smirked his eyes raking over my body making a blush appear on my cheeks.

"You're an asshole" I barked feeling my heartbeat quicken as he closed the distance between us or noses touching.

"W - What are you doing?" I squeaked feeling my breath catch in my throat. I hated how he made me feel.

Moving his head slightly caused his nose to brush against mine. "You tryin' to sneak out on me sweetheart?" He whispered his breath fanning across my mouth causing a shiver to make its way through my body.

"N - no" I stuttered hating myself for sounding so breathless.

"Lies Ava" Bringing his hand up he pulled at my bottom lip releasing it from between my teeth "Stop doing that" He mumbled rubbing his finger along where I had bit.

"Bad habit" I replied not once taking my eyes of his. They were so captivating I couldn't look away. Why did I feel like this with him? This was the first time I had seen him in a year and I still felt the way I did when I first met him.

"You should be getting some sleep Ava not trying to run out on me" He sighed running a hand over his tired face.

"Had a dream" I shrugged moving past him so I could take a comfy seat in the livingroom. "Before you ask I don't want to talk about it".

Holding his hands up infront of him he took a seat beside me taking my hand in his and giving it a squeeze.

I was knackered, keeping my eyes open was becoming a very hard task. Sliding his arm around my shoulders he pulled me closer so my head was resting against his chest "Stop fighting it Ava. Get some sleep darlin'.

As a yawn escaped my mouth I felt my eyes droop with every second that went by. The stoking of his fingers against my cheek was what put the nail in the coffin. I was sleeping within minutes.

"We'll be there prez calm down. I'll have her home in no time".

Fluttering my eyes open they connected with Blaze. Shaking my head I stretched before standing up.

"Get her fucking back here. Stop time wasting Blaze".

Hearing my father roar through the phone I huffed folding my arms across my chest "He's got some nerve" I spat not caring if he heard me.

"Got it" Blaze said snapping his phone shut. "We need to leave Ava, now". Making his way towards me I frowned "I can't leave until I speak to the board at the hospital. My career comes first Blaze. Franko can wait". I said

"Did you not just hear what your dad said? We're leaving at noon no later. Get your shit sorted out Ava".

"What happened to not being scared of my dad?" I smirked "If you want to leave feel free to do so. I'll not be ready by noon and I have to set up a meeting could take days maybe even weeks".

Watching the glare fall onto his face I knew he was getting pissed off "I don't give a shit what you have to do sweetheart. Be ready for noon".

"I said I..-" Hearing my pager go off from the kitchen I cursed remembering I should be on shift. With everything that went on last night I completely forgot.

"I have to go to work" I mumbled quickly walking to the kitchen and grabbing my pager. Looking at it it fell from my hands as they automatically went to my mouth.

"Ava?" Blaze said grabbing my shaking hands away from my mouth.

"He- he .. my pager" I stuttered.

I thought he was dead. I thought Tommy and Jared would have killed him not let him walk free.

As Blaze let go of my hands I took a seat at the table. Why was he taunting me? Hadn't he done enough last night.

"Fuck" Blaze snapped. Bending down infront of me he grabbed both my hands and made me look at him "He's not going to hurt you but I do need you to get your stuff ready so we can leave. I know you're worried about your job but baby I can't fight them all on my own".

Pulling my bottom lip between my teeth I pushed Blazes hands away and stood up. "He can't get away with doing this to me. He deserves to pay Blaze. I didn't deserve what he was going to do to me". I croaked my voice braking as my tears broke through.

"I know darlin' I'll sort it I promise" He whispered placing a kiss on the top of my head.

Standing outside at my front door I glanced around the neighborhood. Was this the last time I would be here? Would my mom sell the house?

"You ready sweetheart?" Came Blazes voice from behind me.

I didn't want to leave my home. I didn't want my life to change. I knew it would as soon as we got to New York. "Don't think I'll ever be ready" I said turning so I could lock the door.