Shadows.

•9•

Ava.

Pacing around in my father's office, I twisted my fingers as they twitched, my own emotions threatened to spill out.

I stopped mid-step, analysing my movement before continuing in the other direction. My breathing failed for a couple seconds, it's like I forgot to breathe as everything clicked into place.

I raised my eyebrows, blowing hard, untangling my fingers, I raised my hand, swiftly grabbing my hair and pulling it into a ponytail.

"Ava....."

I mumbled quietly, soft enough for me to hear myself.

"No, you're not going to kill him."

My hand reached out, grabbing the arm that was about to grab mine.

Even under my dazed state, I still am, very much alert.

Grabbing his throat, I pulled him close, furrowing my eyebrows as I felt his breathing quicken.

"Don't." I warned, chucking him away.

Avery winced, backing away from me with his hands up in surrender.

"Babe..." A groan made it's way pass my throat, I didn't need him here to help me.

My patience was wearing the longer my father took to arrive.

I turned, flipped Tarick off and sat down in one of the many recliners.

It was 2:09pm when I heard loud footsteps just beyond the door of my father's huge office.

I turned my head, the lock twisting sharply before the door was pushed open.

My father walked with such an aura, he walked with confidence and power.

"You. Get the hell out."he addressed, pointing to Tarick.

I stood, ready to intervene as my father stalked towards Tarick.

"Father, he's needed for information."I said, my facade hardens just like I was taught.

My father continues to glared at Tarick, only setting me off even more.

Tarick stood his guard. He wasn't going to back down but I knew that he knew it was a bad idea to compete with my father, especially in his own home.

"He knows who Anastasia Volkroft is."I said, pushing Tarick to the side.

I turned to my father, his eyes flicked to the man on the side.

He nodded towards him, then seconds later, his eyes met mine.

"He's dead the minute he's alone. Figured we'd need Avery for bait."I said, smiling inwardly as Avery gulped. A confused look casts his face as my father nodded and walked towards his desk, pulled his chair out and sat down, adjusting himself until he was satisfied.