Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 122

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on January 14, 2026

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Telegram

469

Finished

“Why don’t you tell me more about your concert?” Ava blurted, trying to keep him from stepping into the bedroom. She straightened her posture like she was ready to settle in for a serious talk.

“I’ve never even been to one,” Ava added, smiling shyly.

Ryan felt like something stabbed him in the chest. Just imagining her childhood made his heart sink.

“Then, I’ll save you a seat at every single one from now on. The best seat. Always.”

Before she could reply, something crashed inside the room. Her smile froze.

Ryan scowled. “Who owns that cat? No one trained it? If you really like cats, I’ll find one for you. My buddy’s cat’s pregnant. I’ll grab a cute one from the litter.”

I am not a cat, you dumb oaf! Keith thought.

Ava forced a strained laugh. “No, it’s fine. I’m not that into cats.”

“So, what kind of pet do you like? We could get one together. Something you actually love.”

Ryan looked at her like he was hoping she’d say something sweet. Then came a knock on the door.

Ava shot to her feet like she’d been shocked. She rushed toward the door without even thinking. She already had a feeling who it was. Sure enough, it was Mason. She rushed back to Ryan and whispered, “Hey, you need to hide. Now.”

Ryan glanced at the door. “Who is it?”

“Doesn’t matter. Just hide!”

His face tensed. “Where am I supposed to go? There’s nowhere to hide.”

With a look of pure desperation, she dragged him to the storage cabinet. She opened it. Completely empty. She pointed inside. “Just get in. Please, Just for a second.”

Ryan looked at her like she was nuts. He lowered his voice. “You’re seriously making me hide in a cabinet?”

He grumbled under his breath but still ducked inside.

Ava darted off like she was sprinting from a crime scene. She didn’t notice Ryan peeking

1/3

13:12 Wed, Jan 14

…

470

Chapter 122 Hidden Guys

through the carved pattern in the door. He locked eyes with Laurent in the corner.

Ava clutched her chest, took a breath, then pulled the door open.

Mason leaned against the doorway like he owned the place. His eyes swept the room before landing back on her, amused. “What took you so long, Ava?”

She tucked her hair behind her ear, clearly uneasy. “I was napping on the couch. Must’ve dozed off.”

“Really?” Mason stepped inside. “I thought maybe you were hiding someone in here.”

“Someone? Who would I be hiding?” Ava feigned confusion.

Mason smirked. “So none of them stopped by to visit?”

She hated how sharp he was. Still, no way was she admitting a thing. “Why are you so sure someone would come see me?”

“Oh? So no one did? Huh. Maybe I was wrong then.” Mason gave a little chuckle and took a seat

beside her.

Ava shifted away immediately, like she wanted to put some distance between them.

He noticed. His gaze narrowed. “You act like I’m some creepy guy. Last time you slapped me. This time you turned me down. Now you can’t even sit next to me without cringing?”

Ava said fast, “It’s not that. I just don’t like sitting too close to people.”

“But if you keep shutting everyone out like this, how are we supposed to feel? Ava, can we just talk?” Mason sat up straight, looking like he was actually trying this time.

Ava gave a little fake cough. “Sorry. I’m just not used to any of this. Don’t take it the wrong way.”

“So you

don’t hate me?” Mason pushed again. “And you didn’t mind when I kissed you? Or when I put my arm around your waist without asking?”

Ava gave him a cold stare. He was making it sound like something real had happened. But it hadn’t. That kiss didn’t even count. And now he was twisting it like they’d done more. And people were still in the d*mn apartment. She snapped, “Say what you mean. Don’t make it sound like something happened when it didn’t.”