Carver shifted uncomfortably in his seat, while Ava studied him closely, a trace of concern evident in her eyes. "Peyton seemed really upset by your... visits. Why?" Ava asked, tilting her head slightly. Taking a deep breath, Carver replied, "The one time I took him with me, I... I didn't prepare him. I didn't warn him about what he was about to witness. It was wrong of me. He had to see me in that vulnerable state, being subjected to such... intensity." A flicker of regret passed his eyes. "After that day, seeing how it affected him, I tried to avoid Esmerelda's. But sometimes, the weight of my demons pushes me back there." Ava leaned in, "How many times have you gone back since Peyton expressed his concerns?" Carver hesitated, eyes darting to the floor. "Three or four times." She raised an eyebrow, a look of disbelief clouding her features. "You remember every detail of every contract you've ever signed, every financial transaction, every minute of every meeting... but you can'

The door opened, and in strode a woman that epitomized the term "dominating presence." She towered over everyone, her statuesque frame exuding raw power and authority. Her jet-black hair, pulled back tightly into a high ponytail, contrasted sharply with her pale skin. Her crimson lips seemed to smirk in perpetual amusement. Attired in a fitted leather corset that emphasized the strength of her chest and torso, she wore thigh-high leather boots that clicked authoritatively against the floor. Even her immaculate nails, painted a deep shade of red, seemed to hint at danger. Everything about her, from her chiseled jaw to her piercing icy blue eyes, screamed dominance. As she began to circle Carver, the room felt electric with tension. "Oh, how rare it is to see you two days in a row," she purred. Without warning, she swung the cane switch she held, delivering a swift, stinging blow to the bottom of Carver's feet. His reaction was immediate; a sharp cry escaped his lips as he doubled ov

The atmosphere in the bath was filled with serenity and peace, contrasting deeply with the restlessness of emotions from earlier. Peyton watched over Carver for over an hour, ensuring his comfort as the warm water cradled his battered body. The gentle hum of the bathroom fan and the distant city sounds created a soft symphony, amplifying the tranquility.After what felt like hours, Carver's eyes blinked open, registering his surroundings. "Has it been long? I can't believe I drifted off," he mumbled, his voice still heavy with sleep.Sitting on the bath edge, Peyton looked down and smiled gently at Ava, who had also surrendered to sleep, her fingers firmly intertwined with Carver's. "You both needed it," he replied softly, noting the peaceful expression still on her face.Glancing around the spacious suite through the open door, Carver said, "I noticed you rearranged the beds."Peyton shifted his gaze back to Carver. "I thought... with everything that's happened, you might want a litt

Ava's heart raced as she met Peyton at the doorway, shielding the scene behind her as best she could. Her face, a canvas of worry and uncertainty, met his questioning gaze. The gravity of Peyton's entrance and subsequent question brought a rush of insecurity and second-guessing to Ava. Had she crossed a line? "I've seen the feeds," Peyton began, his voice carrying a hint of reproach, but more of genuine concern. "Ava, what are you trying to achieve here?" Ava took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I'm not exactly sure. I just thought... I thought it might help him. It seemed to be working, at least until now." Peyton's gaze slid past her to the figure on the bed. Tied and blindfolded, Carver appeared peaceful, starkly contrasting to the tormented soul they had seen the previous night. "Carver never lets anyone tie him up outside Esmerelda's," Peyton said slowly, his voice tinged with awe. "And especially not with ties that aren't designed for quick release. Do you understand

The world was a dizzying swirl as Carver effortlessly hoisted Ava onto his shoulder. Her laughter bubbled up, a mix of surprise and exhilaration, and she squirmed, her feet kicking into the warm South Carolina air. Carver's chuckles vibrated against her, the deep, resonant sound warming her even more than the South Carolina air. "No taking it back now!" he teased, adjusting his grip on her. Through her playful struggles, she heard the gentle splash of water and turned her head to see Peyton on the dock. He met her gaze, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, amusement evident in his eyes. He grabbed his phone, seemingly checking something before resuming his fishing. Once inside, Carver's steps were purposeful, leading them straight to the bedroom. As he lowered her onto the mattress, she felt the cool silk of the ties wrapping around her wrists. "Interesting choice," she remarked with a smirk, recalling how she'd used those very ties on him earlier. "They've become favorite