C15 DOES HE KNOW?

“I don't understand what you're talking about,” Bailey muttered, not meeting his eyes.

“Why do you have the contact of a certain private investigator, Dimitri Volkov?”

Bailey's heart sank as he repeated the question. Had he been eavesdropping on her call?

“That's none of your business, Carlos!” She snapped in hopes of warding him off.

“You're in my house. I think it's very much my business. Who's Carla?”

Bailey froze completely at the question. She turned white with fear and it was obvious that Carlos noticed it.

“What's going on, Bailey? If it's something shady, speak up now before it's too late.” He said in a cold and harsh tone.

“It's nothing, Carlos. I would also appreciate it if you could stop eavesdropping on my conversations and phone calls.”

Carlos peered at her for some seconds before looking away.

“It's fine. Just don't get in my way.”

Turning abruptly, Bailey left the sitting room.

But Carlos made up his mind to find out her secret. He knew it was something big and he should probably wait till she opened up. But he wasn't a man to wait.

He must be in control.

***

Ava woke up that day on the wrong side of the bed. It seemed the universe was against her that morning and this was only confirmed when her car broke down, on her way to her firm.

“You cock-sucking bitch! Start will you?”

She ignited the car again, but it made a clicking sound and refused to power up.

Ava had a client to meet up with, and she had to open up Bailey's case. She needed to get the documents ready to sue the stalker.

Alighting from her sports car, she cursed again, kicking the tires.

The only option was to call a cab since her mechanic wasn't answering her calls.

She was about to book a ride when a flashy car stopped right in front of her.

“Hey, Ava!”

“Fuck off!” The last thing she needed was mockery from Miguel.

“Oops. It seems someone's in a bad mood.” He alighted and walked up to her.

“What's the problem with your baby?” He asked.

“What the fuck do you want from me? I'm already having ar issues, please don’t make things worse.”

“I'm here to help you, babe. Let me…”

“Do not call me that again.”

“Jeez! Chill, girl! Open up the hood.”

Reluctantly, Ava slid into the driver's seat and popped the hood. Miguel smirked and went to work, peering into the engine.

“You know, you could try being a little more grateful,” he said, not looking up. “I’m helping you out here.”

“I didn’t ask for your help,” Ava shot back, crossing her arms. She watched him intently, feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity. “Why are you even here?”

“Just passing by,” Miguel replied nonchalantly. “Lucky for you, I know a thing or two about cars.” He glanced up at her with a grin. “Or maybe it’s fate.”

“Spare me the fate talk,” Ava muttered, looking away. She tried to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

Miguel chuckled. “You’re still the same, Ava. Always tough on the outside.”

“And you’re still the same flirt,” she countered, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

“Can’t help it when I’m around you,” he said smoothly. “Remember that night five years ago?”

Ava stiffened, the memory flooding back. She had let her guard down with Miguel that night, something she rarely did. “I remember,” she said quietly.

Miguel looked at her, his expression softening. “I’ve missed you, you know.”

Ava didn’t respond, focusing on the car instead. “Is it fixable or not?”

“Yeah, just give me a few more minutes,” Miguel said, turning back to the engine. “So, what’s going on with you? You seem stressed.”

Ava sighed. “My car breaking down is just the cherry on top. I’ve got a big case, and I’m running late.”

“Anything I can do to help?” Miguel asked, genuinely concerned.

“You’re already doing more than enough,” Ava replied. “Thanks.”

Miguel paused and looked at her, surprised. “Did you just thank me?”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” Ava said, rolling her eyes but smiling. “So, what’s the verdict?”

“Almost done,” Miguel said, tinkering with a few more parts. “Try it now.”

Ava got back in the car and turned the key. The engine roared to life, and she let out a sigh of relief. “You did it.”

“Told you,” Miguel said, wiping his hands on a rag. “Now, about that ride…”

“What ride?” Ava asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You said you’re late. I can get you there faster,” Miguel offered. “And maybe we can catch up.”

Ava hesitated. “I don’t know…”

“Come on, Ava. I’m not that bad, am I?” Miguel said, giving her a playful look.

“Fine,” Ava said finally. “But no funny business.”

“Scout’s honor,” Miguel said, holding up his hands. “Let’s go.”

Ava locked her car and followed Miguel to his flashy sports car. As they drove off, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Maybe this day wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

“So, tell me about this case of yours,” Miguel said, glancing at her.

“It’s a stalking case,” Ava explained. “My client’s been harassed for months, and we’re finally taking it to court.”

“Sounds intense,” Miguel said. “You always did take on the tough ones.”

“Someone has to,” Ava said with a shrug. “What about you? What have you been up to?”

“Still running my business,” Miguel said. “Expanding into new areas.”

“Always ambitious,” Ava noted. “That’s one thing I liked about you.”

“Just one thing?” Miguel teased, glancing at her with a grin.

Ava laughed. “Okay, maybe a few things.”

They continued to chat and banter as Miguel drove, the tension between them easing. By the time they reached Ava’s firm, she was almost sorry the ride was over.

“Here we are,” Miguel said, pulling up in front of the building. “Hope I didn’t make you too late.”

“You saved me some time,” Ava admitted. “Thanks, Miguel.”

“Anytime, Ava,” Miguel said, his eyes lingering on her. “Maybe we can do this again sometime?”

“Maybe,” Ava said, smiling. “See you around.”

As she hurried into the building, Ava couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement.

Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all. And maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something more with Miguel.

As Ava rushed into her office, her phone buzzed in her bag. She fished it out and saw Bailey’s name flashing on the screen.

“Bailey, hey. I’m just getting to the office now,” Ava said, juggling her phone and the stack of case files.

“Ava, I’m freaking out,” Bailey’s voice trembled on the other end.

Ava stopped in her tracks. “What happened?”

“It’s Carlos,” Bailey said, her voice breaking. “He eavesdropped on my call with Dimitri.”

Ava’s heart sank. “Dimitri, the PI? The one looking into Carla?”

“Yes! He heard everything, Ava. I think he knows about Carla and... and everything.”

“Bailey, calm down. Where are you now?” Ava asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“I’m at home. I don’t know what to do. Carlos is furious. He... he confronted me, and I think he might do something drastic,” Bailey said, her breathing heavy and erratic.

Ava glanced at her watch. “Stay where you are. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Don’t do anything until I get there, okay?”

“Okay,” Bailey whispered, her voice cracking.