felt more inadequate than when I was getting ready for a dinner with Raymond. The idea of dressing up for him, after everyth

dress, eyeing me from across the room. "It's se

. Is it too much? I mean, it's just dinner. I

pping through a magazine, chimed in. "Girl, you better lo

all over the place. "Yeah, but I don't want to give hi

him. It's about you feeling confident and in control.

right. This wasn't about Raymond. This was about me. And

ped it on, the smooth fabric hugging my curve

tting up. "Now let's do s

******

yled in loose waves, and my makeup was subtle but sharp. I wasn't

s. I glanced at Sophie and Jenna, who gave me

the time i get back" I whi

you girl" They e

black suit, his expression softening whe

, nodding in tha

toward his c

ved, the waiter led us to a private table in the back. It was intimate, candlelit, the kind

us were placed in front of us. But neither of us reached for them. I co

n thinking a lot about what you said. About everything. And I know I don't

folding my arms. "And how

ou never feel like you're in the dark again. And by proving to

e this easy for him. "You hurt me, Raymond. In more ways than one.

ion earnest. "I'll do whatever it takes, Ava. I j

bout what I wanted-what I needed-from him. And this wasn't going to

s," I said slowly, w

e said withou

ant

d, confus

, my voice steady. "And I don't mean you

tiffening. "Ava... you don

ot stupid. I know the risks. But if we're going to do this-if I'm going to give you another chance-

age. "Ava, it's not safe. That life... it's dangerous. I've

ve to let me into your world. I can't sit on the sidelines anymore, Ra

don't understand. The people I deal with... they're ruthles