AVA AND AXEL

Chapter 12: Freedom's Price

Axel's release day arrived with a mixture of anticipation and nerves that hadn't left him all week. The steel prison gates opened, and for the first time in two years, he breathed in crisp, unsupervised air. His heart pounded as he spotted Ava standing by her car, her figure glowing in the early morning sunlight, her face a blend of relief, excitement, and something he couldn't quite name yet.

Ava wrapped her arms around him as soon as he stepped outside. "You're really here," she whispered, her voice cracking just slightly. "It doesn't feel real."

"It's real," Axel murmured, holding her tightly. "God, I missed you."

They stood in silence for a moment, wrapped up in each other, a sense of peace settling over them. Axel felt like he was waking up from a long, restless dream, finally returning to where he belonged.

As they drove toward home, the reality of life outside prison slowly sunk in. Axel's hands gripped the steering wheel, his mind flashing back to the mundane, everyday things he'd missed—choosing a song, grabbing a coffee, seeing Detroit's skyline in the distance. Ava glanced over at him, sensing his tension.

"Nervous?" she asked.

He gave her a sidelong glance. "A bit. It's... different. I mean, I've been waiting for this, but I didn't think it'd hit me like this."

"Well, one thing hasn't changed," Ava grinned. "Philip insisted you keep your position. In fact, he's already got a stack of deals waiting for you to close."

Axel laughed, shaking his head. "That old bastard. Probably just doesn't want to lose his top salesman."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Ava teased, arching an eyebrow. "You've got competition. The dealership's been booming since you left."

Axel's jaw dropped in mock horror. "You're saying someone might be coming for my title?"

"Maybe," Ava teased. "Think you're up for the challenge?"

Axel smirked. "I was born ready."

When they finally pulled into their driveway, Axel felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Home. It felt surreal. Inside, he spotted the small things Ava had added to their space: fresh plants by the windows, photos of them during happier times, and a cozy blanket on the couch. Theo, their tabby cat, gave him a lazy glance before jumping off the chair and sauntering over, rubbing his head against Axel's leg in a casual "welcome home."

"Looks like Theo missed me," Axel laughed, scratching behind the cat's ears.

"Yeah, he's been keeping me company. You know, when he's not judging me," Ava chuckled. "He's just preparing for you to start judging me again for leaving mugs around or... I don't know, breathing too loudly."

Axel snorted. "I can't judge, babe. I've been in a place where leaving mugs around gets you shanked."

They shared a laugh, the tension easing as they settled back into their old rhythm. That night, as they lay in bed, Axel's hand found Ava's, intertwining their fingers.

"I want this, Ava," he said quietly. "I want us. I'm done with the mistakes and the mess. I'm here, with you, and I'm not going anywhere."

Ava squeezed his hand, her voice soft. "Then let's make this work. Together."

Returning to Luxe Street Riders the next day was both a trip down memory lane and a new beginning. The sleek cars, the obnoxious clients, the high-energy atmosphere, it was like he'd never left. But this time, Axel felt different, more grounded. He wasn't just here to rake in commissions or make his name. He was here to rebuild his life and prove that he'd changed.

Conner greeted him with a smirk, clapping him on the shoulder. "Thought you'd be too soft for this place now, Rivers. I mean, the toughest thing you've dealt with lately is probably some oversized bunkie, right?"

Axel shot him a look. "That bunkie could break you in half, Conner."

Conner laughed. "Sounds like you've got stories. Let's save those for happy hour, your welcome-back drinks are on me. And trust me, Morgan's planning a party to make up for the year we lost."

Axel's grin widened. "I think I can handle that."

Settling back into his role was like riding a bike. By noon, Axel had already closed two deals, smoothly convincing clients that Luxe Street Riders was the only place they'd find what they were looking for. But it was more than that. Every sale, every conversation felt like a small victory, a reminder that he was reclaiming his life.

Over the next few weeks, Axel and Ava found themselves rediscovering each other. They spent quiet evenings cooking together, laughing over burnt pasta and Ava's inability to boil an egg, and weekends exploring the city. They started a new routine, one built on open conversations and shared goals.

Ava's promotion to manager brought new challenges, but she tackled them with the same determination that had gotten her through those dark months without Axel. She felt proud, stronger than ever, and Axel couldn't help but admire her resilience.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day at work, Axel walked in to find Ava on the couch, paperwork sprawled out around her. She looked up with a sigh, her eyes weary.

"Rough day?" he asked, flopping down beside her.

She groaned, tossing a stack of papers onto the coffee table. "I swear, managing people is like herding cats. No offense to Theo."

Axel laughed. "Welcome to my world, Mrs. Carter. Think you can handle it?"

Ava shot him a mock glare. "Watch me."

They settled into a comfortable silence, the weight of their journey sitting between them, but it felt different now, lighter, more manageable. They were on the other side, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like they were moving forward, together.

One Friday night, as they lay in bed, Ava turned to Axel, a soft smile playing on her lips. "So, what's next for us, Mr. Top Salesman?"

Axel smirked. "Well, I was thinking maybe a kid... you know, give Theo some competition for 'Most Judgy Family Member.'"

Ava laughed, but her eyes sparkled with something more. "Yeah. Maybe we're ready for that."

They lay there, holding each other, a quiet promise hanging in the air.