Nameless [COMPLETED STORY]

CHAPTER 29

Ava was sitting on the couch where Brett had left her before he left to the gazebo where his dad had met him. Brett watched Ava sitting there, her gaze seemingly lost in thought. He approached her quietly, not wanting to startle her, and then reached out to gently touch her shoulder.

Ava got startled slightly at the sudden contact, but when she turned to look up at him, her expression softened as their eyes met. Without saying a word, Brett took a seat beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

Brett held her close, feeling the weight of her body against his. He could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest, in time with his own.

"I love you," he said softly, his voice filled with tenderness. He looked into her eyes, hoping she could see the depth of his feelings for her.

Brett silenced Ava's response with a soft kiss, his lips brushing against hers gently. He pulled away slightly, his eyes searching hers as he spoke.

"Please, stop thinking so much," he said, his voice a whisper. "I can feel the weight of your thoughts. Just let yourself feel relaxed."

Ava let out a shaky exhale, her body relaxing slightly in his arms. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking in his words. Then she opened them again, her gaze meeting his.

"I can't help it," she said quietly. "My mind just keeps spinning and spinning."

Brett's fingers lightly traced patterns on her back as he leaned in close to whisper in her ear.

"You're too young for all of this," he said, his voice filled with both protectiveness and care. "You shouldn't have to be so weighed down by all of these thoughts and worries."

Brett's expression softened as he held her close, his fingers still idly tracing patterns on her back.

"You're just in high school, graduating in a month," he said softly. "There are so many thoughts and worries occupying your mind. It's not right. You shouldn't be living and thinking like an adult already. You should be carefree, enjoying these last few months before college starts. Not carrying the weight of everything on your shoulders. Don't forget that Anne is coming back tomorrow night, I'm sure she won't be happy to see you so down”

"You're right," she said simply, her voice quiet and laced with a hint of vulnerability.

She took a deep breath and leaned her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear and they stayed in each other's arms.

****

The next morning Brett was leaving the mansion when he came across the security guard stationed at the gate. The guard recognized Brett and nodded in greeting.

"Good morning." Brett tipped his head to the guard in response and started to turn towards his car, when a voice behind him stopped him in his tracks.

"Excuse me!" The voice was deep and sounded worried, and Brett turned to see a man standing just outside the gate.

The man approached Brett and looked at him with an intense gaze. "You were with my daughter yesterday at the café, weren't you?" he asked, more as a statement than a question.

When Brett saw the man he had no doubts that it was the same man Ava had recognized as her father at the cafe the previous day. Brett turned to the security guard that was watching them. 

The security guard stepped forward to explain to Brett. "The man has been here all morning asking to speak with Miss Ava," he said quietly, casting a glance at the man who was still standing outside the gate.