As Ava tightened her grip on Ethan's arm and pulled him out of the chaotic room, her heart pounded with uncertainty.
Each step she took away from the tension inside was a silent prayer—that somehow, just maybe, Ethan wouldn't let his fury explode in her direction.
She hoped, foolishly perhaps, that the distance from the scene would help him breathe, calm down, or at least listen. But the moment they crossed the threshold of the building, her hopes were dashed.
Without warning, Ethan jerked his arm violently out of her grasp, his sudden movement making her stumble slightly.
Before she could even recover, he grabbed her shoulders and spun her around with such force that it knocked the breath out of her lungs.
Ava gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief and fear, her chest heaving as she turned her gaze up at him.
"Ethan—?" she managed to whisper, but her voice trembled and cracked.
