Nicholas POV

I stood at the window of my study and watched the street below.

A black van sped past the gate, its tires screeched. It missed Ava by inches.

She stumbled back, hand on her chest, and her eyes widened with shock.

My heart slammed hard against my ribs.

Then I remembered the leak that destroyed everything I had built.

The pain in my chest turned cold. I told myself I did not care if she lived or died. I was never this soft.

Minutes later I heard the front door open and close. ...