t. The sun had set, and the parking lot was bathed in the orange glow

etached itself from the shadows, leaning

as M

d out, his voice loud enough to m

intimacy that would make it harder for me to reject him. The o

t

unreadable. I made sure my voice was ju

ll me tha

his fake sm

each word, "is Ava Miller. We are

iosity piqued by the unfolding drama. Mark's f

hat has gotten into you? This isn't you, Ava. You told

ge, Mark," I

er. He grabbed my arm, hi

. I have prospects. Women would kill to be in your position. If you walk away now

then back up at his furious face. I f

sound. It was sharp and hum

arm from his grasp. "Let me be perfectly c

opping to a low, intense level, but s

y days washing your father's bedpans and my nights worrying about your

ed, but no s

ne. "I'm a professional nurse. I get paid for that kind of work. If you need a servant

a subtle nod of approval. Mark stood frozen, his face a mottled canvas of rage and public

rumble. Without another word, he turned, practically ran to his car, fumb

sment was over, at least for now. I had drawn a line in the sand, not with a quiet

home under the streetlights, not looking back. I had severed another tie to m