𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 - Mitch Rapp

Nineteen- absurd changes

Condensation from the shower began to disperse throughout the ensuite; Ava's desire for lengthy showers being the leading cause.

She had awkwardly excused herself from the room a few minutes after they had engaged in the best sex of her life- wanting to clear her head from the countless thoughts that swarmed her mind seconds later. Neither of them could deny the evident spark that seemed to flare whenever their bodies touched, or whenever they shared a glance. If anything, it was becoming more and more difficult to ignore as the days passed.

However, Ava couldn't dismiss the gut-wrenching feeling she got whenever the thought of Stan or Irene finding out came into mind. Not only would they be fired, but the chance to complete her very first case, which meant so much to her, would disappear also. Evaluating each and every outcome if they were to become involved with one another, Ava eventually turned off the water, wrapping herself in the soft towel and staring at her complexion in the mirror. In a daze-like state, Ava applied her usual skin care routine, when the bathroom door slowly swung open.

"Can we talk?", Mitch reluctantly asked, his eyes careful not to stare at her half bare physique.

Ava faintly turned her head, her eyes immediatly noticing his fully dressed attire of grey sweats and a navy hoodie. "Sure- I just need a minute to get dressed".

Mitch nodded at the latter and slipped back inside their room. He surprised himself at his ability to conjure up enough confidence to bring up the rather large elephant in the room, or what the outcome may be of the long brewing conversation. So, throwing on her already worn jeans and sweater, Ava guardedly made her way out of the ensuite. Her eyes followed the assassin as he began closing the curtains in their suite- the sun was almost down. Something about their shared room almost seemed cozy, especially now that the room was lit by a dim light from the sunset. It made Ava feel less anxious than she was fifteen minutes ago- but nevertheless, she knew their next conversation would encourage her nerves to return.

"Hungry? I was thinking of ordering room service", Mitch abruptly spoke, breaking Ava out of her day dream.

The anxious brunette nodded as she strolled toward the double bed, taking a seat against the headboard. Casually crossing her arms together, Ava subtly stared at the assassin while he flickered through the room service menu, his brows knitted together in concentration. After a minute of reading the menu, Mitch cleared his throat and glanced up at Ava, who unsubtly averted her eyes to the tv.

"Does steak and a few side orders sound good?"

"Sure"

Mitch licked his bottom lip before standing from the corner desk chair- making his way towards the brunette with the intention of cutting to the chase once and for all. Ava felt her heart race as he neared her side of the bed, his veiny hands sliding into the pockets of his trousers.

"Ava-", he paused briefly before continuing. "I think it's fair that I be honest with you from now on..about everything", he admitted with a sigh while sitting directly in front of her.

Ava knew her pupils must've quadrupled in size at the latter. It was odd to hear Mitch even speak the word truth, let alone acknowledge the context of it. "Oh, Mitch you don't have to its-"

"No, I do. I want to. But I'll start with this", he paused, abruptly grabbing hold of her chin in the process. "I care about you, Ava. With every fucking ounce of me. And I don't care if I jeopardize my job with what I'm about to say next".

The brunette couldn't breathe. All of the air in the room seemed to evaporate altogether as Mitch gazed directly into her eyes. The sincerity of his tone made her heart flutter- is he really going to say what I think he is, she pondered.