Only Love Can Hurt Like This

2

⚠️ Trigger warning - mention of domestic abuse and panic attacks ⚠️

Ava's pov

I wake up just after 6am wrapped between the sheets and Sebastians arms, I slip my fingers in between Sebs stroking his knuckles, he nuzzles his head against my hair sighing. I lay there for a while looking out the window at the sun rising between the tall buildings.

I slip out of bed making sure I don't wake Sebastian as I collect my clothes from the beside table and make my way out the room and down the hallway towards the bathroom. I slip off Sebastians tshirt and my underwear before climing into the shower and rinsing my body. 5 minutes later I was out and getting myself dry and into last nights clothes. I check on Sebastian before leaving the apartment and climbing into my car.

I pull my phone out checking to see if I have any messages or missed calls

1 missed call - Jake
1 text message - Jake
3 text messages - Hugo (Starbucks)

I open the texts from Hugo first reading the messages asking if I could pick up an extra shift because there's been a sick call. I don't bother opening the text message from Jake instead I text Sebastian telling him that i've left the apartment keys on the kitchen counter.

I make my way into the city, parking my car and grabbing my extra work clothes from the back seat, I always keep spares for occasionals like this. I make my way into Time Square strolling through the crowds to work.

A couple of hours passed and I was in my own little world, taking orders when a familiar face is infront of me.

I smile softly at Sebastian knowing his order off by heart not bothering to ask.
"Hey Seb"

"Hey Ava, missed you this morning sorry I was so tired you should of woke me up before leaving"

"Sorry I never wanted to wake you figured you'd have a little bit of jet lag, listen I finish in 5 minutes if you want we can grab a coffee and go round the city to catch up properly?"

Sebastian nods before collecting his coffee and sitting by the window. I make myself a coffee before finishing work. I see a couple of people speaking to Seb and taking picture, I smile before catching eye contact with him nodding towards the door.

Sebastian nods back finishing taking photos before we head into the busy street.

We walk for a while catching up before someone grabs my arm, turning round i'm faced with Jake who looks furious.

"What the fuck are you doing? You don't come home last night, you don't appear this morning then I find you both strolling around town as if you don't have a care in the world!! I told you I didn't want you being around him when he got back and what is the first thing you do? Collect him from the airport and don't come home or even contact me!"

Ava tries to pull her arm away yelping at the tight grip Jake has on her. Sebastian pushes Jake away standing in front of Ava, her little body hidden behind his muscular figure.

"You touch her again and i'll kill you with my bare hands. You've been hitting her haven't you? I've seen the bruises on her back!!". Sebastian pushes Jake again with more force this time at the thought of him hurting his bestfriend in any way. Jake falls to the ground but quickly bounces back onto his feet.

"Get home right now. You'll pay for this later!". Jake balls at Ava before reaching to grab her again.

Sebastian wraps his arm around Ava, Jake takes a step back and laughs. "Ah I see how it is, you're sleeping with him huh? I'm not good enough for you so you run to the big shot hollywood actor?".

Sebastian narrows his eyes at Jake before taking Ava back to his car and heading for Ava's apartment. Ava could tell Sebastian was pissed because his driving was more erratic than usual.

"Seb, what are we doing here?"

"We're packing your stuff and you're moving back in with me, i'm not having him near you another second longer. I can't believe you never told me about him hitting you! How long has this been going on?!".

Ava flinches looking down at her lap with tears streaming down her face. "Y-Y-You're scaring me....". Ava brings her hands up to her face and begins sobbing uncontrollably.

Sebastian leans over pulling Ava into his chest stroking her hair. "I'm sorry little one I never meant to scare you or raise my voice i'm furious that he thinks he can do that to you."

Ava starts to have trouble breathing due to uncontrollable sobbing.

"Ava, Ava listen to me. Breath, it's ok just breath. I'm here little one please take deep breaths it'll be ok i'll keep you safe, he'll never lay a finger on you again I promise i'll keep you safe."