Tangled

Chapter 59

59 Ava: Homecoming (I)

When I walk downstairs, Phoenix is hanging up the phone. It strikes me how much I’ve changed when I realize I have no curiosity, no spark to ask who he was talking to.

I don’t care.

It’s either related to me in a way that isn’t going to be pleasant, or it will have nothing to do with me. That’s it. Those are the two options.

I have no urge to grow closer to the asshole who shares my genetics, so I don’t ask.

Instead, I plan.

I won’t be able to escape right away. I’m not even sure how I can escape. I have no money, no phone, no

contact with the outside world. But now that I’ve been

out there? Now that I’ve been on my own?

It doesn’t seem as impossible as it did when I lived

here.

If I just have a chance, I’ll take it.

“Some of the guys will be coming by to watch over

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59 Ava: Homecoming (1)

you,” Phoenix announces, coming by to sniff at me. “Don’t start anything. There’s plenty in the fridge, so just make something for dinner. Don’t forget that Alpha Renard is coming.”

home, now I have to make them

No, thank you.

couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of

deepening as I lazily flip through channels. I can feel the weight of his gaze, disapproval radiating off him in waves. He’s struggling, I can tell. Part of him wants to chew me out like the disappointment I am. The other part is trying to play nice, to lull me into a false sense

the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of colors and noise filling the living

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

a familiar scene catches my eye. A hunky male lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over–the–top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion as the camera

had been obsessed with at the apartment.

in, judging it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming

1. me.

“I will never choose her,” he growls, his voice

you go.

bitter laugh. If only my life was as

woman.

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Homecoming

the door. I try not to tense as Phoenix opens the door, but my body betrays me. The scent of a familiar, nausea–inducing

I fight back a shudder, memories of his cruel hands on my body making my skin crawl. I can smell the tuna on This breath from here, courtesy of the tuna sandwich for he

now. I can’t

eyes off me. “If it isn’t little

flank him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I

her unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he

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Homecoming

soon for dinner. I don’t

then.”

only widens at the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. “Whatever you say, Phoenix. We’ll be

A muscle in his jaw ticks,

closer. “We’re just here to make sure you don’t try

can we?”

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