My Forced Husband Is A Billionaire

Chapter 14

Ava's POV

A strangled cry tore from my throat as the shadows closed in, swallowing everything. The cars moving towards each other. The brakes refusing to work.

It felt terrifyingly real, like the darkness was creeping over me, inch by inch, without mercy. I called out for help, my voice a desperate echo lost in the void, until suddenly, I heard my name. Familiar, calming, pulling me back.

"Ava!"

“Ava, wake up! It’s just a bad dream.”

The oppressive blackness started to fade, first slowly, then in a rush, like it had lost its grip. I shot up, gasping for air, my whole body trembling. Warm, strong arms wrapped around me, bringing me back to the safety of reality.

“It’s alright. I’m here. You’re alright.”

Liam’s face was right there, his soft eyes full of concern. He held me in his arms, even as I trembled in the aftermath.

He wiped tears from my cheeks—tears I hadn’t even realized were there. “What happened?” he asked, his voice low, almost a whisper.

“I—I’m sorry,” I stuttered, barely able to get the words out.

“No need for that,” he said, his voice unexpectedly firm. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

I took a shaky breath, letting myself press into him, needing that sense of security. I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling his even breathing, and slowly, the frantic pounding of my heart began to ease.

“Do you… want me to stay with you tonight?” he asked, his voice gentle, but tinged with uncertainty. I looked up and saw the sincerity in his eyes.

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “Please, don’t go.”

Without another word, he settled beside me. I instinctively curled up against him, my head resting on his chest, his arm around me. I felt so small, but in that moment, I was safe. Bit by bit, the fear disappeared, replaced by Liam’s comforting presence.

Just like that, I fell asleep, wrapped in the loving arms of my comforter.

*

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, nudging me from sleep. My eyes opened, still heavy, and I blinked into the soft light.

Something warm was beneath my face. It took a moment to realize—my head was sprawled across Liam’s chest. My palm brushed, just barely, over his abdomen, and suddenly the realization hit me.

Oh my goodness, I'm touching his body. It felt so good beneath my palms and taking temptation's advice, I ran my fingers along his chest, trailing them down his torso.

Oh my goodness, this guy is a piece of candy. So hot. With so much struggling, I convinced myself that it will be weird to just stick out my tongue and taste some of the delicious manliness beneath me.

Get it together, Ava.

I froze, my eyes widening. He was still asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily, and I couldn’t help but stare for a second longer.

He looked different in the morning light, softer, younger. I caught myself, jerked my hand away, and tried to move without waking him.

But of course, he stirred, his eyes fluttering open just as I was inching away.

“Morning,” he mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep. That was so hot, I thought, as heat rushed to my cheeks.

“Um…morning,” I replied, my cheeks burning. I slipped off the bed quickly, trying to pretend like nothing had happened.

“Where are you off to?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

“Bathroom!” I was already halfway to the door, avoiding his gaze. I thought I heard a quiet chuckle as I fled.

I had to flee or else I'd have probably jumped his bones this morning.

Once in the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to snap myself out of it. It was just Liam, just the same Liam who had been there for me after that horrible nightmare. No reason to turn into a fumbling mess now.

When I came back out, he was stretching, his shirt riding up just enough to show a glimpse of his toned stomach. I forced myself to look away.

Why did he even wear a shirt?

“I was thinking we could grab breakfast on the way to your work,” he said, catching my eye with a casual smile.

“Breakfast sounds good,” I mumbled, trying to gather my composure.

“Perfect.” He smiled, that easy smile that always did something strange to my heart. “Get ready and let’s go.”

We ended up at a cozy café—one of those places with the hottest coffee and the fluffiest croissants. Liam ordered for us, somehow getting my order exactly right, the way he always seemed to. It made me smile, even if I tried to hide it.

We sat by the window, and he passed me my coffee. I murmured a soft “thank you,” fingers brushing his as I took the cup. I gulped.

“You know, you don’t have to drive me to work every day,” I said, trying to sound casual.

Liam’s expression turned serious, and he met my eyes. “I want to. I need to know you’re safe, Ava. Just… let me do this.”

There was something so sincere, so unshakeable in his voice that I couldn’t bring myself to argue. I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“Alright, fine. I’ll let you play the hero,” I said, rolling my eyes with a hint of a smile.

The rest of the drive was easy, full of laughter and music he let me pick. By the time we reached my workplace, I almost wished the drive could last just a little longer.

“Have a good day,” he said, waving, that familiar smile lighting up his face.

“You too,” I replied, lingering for a heartbeat longer before stepping out.

As I walked toward the building, I felt a warmth lingering in my chest. I tried to brush it off—I had work to focus on, after all—but it stayed, soft and persistent.

Maybe, just maybe, this feeling was something I could get used to. Maybe I could figure out how to hold onto it without losing myself in the process.