Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 216

Chapter 216 In His Room 

“No, I’m just still getting used to this.” 

Finished 

Laurent walked right up to her. He braced one hand on the desk behind her and leaned in until he was at eye level. “Ava, we’re married. You don’t have to be scared of me, okay?” 

She looked back at him but didn’t say anything. 

“I’m not gonna touch you. You can relax.” His eyes dropped slowly from her nose to her lips. His Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed hard. “When the day comes that you truly accept me, we’ll do what couples are supposed to do. 

“But right now, don’t stress yourself out.” 

His stare stayed steady. There was no heat in it. Nothing suggestive. 

Ava’s gaze darted away and she quickly looked down. 

Laurent didn’t want to force her or ruin the progress they’d made. Things were already better than he’d hoped. He had a high tolerance for waiting, especially when it came to Ava. 

“Go lie down. You’ve still got drills this afternoon. I meant what I said earlier. Tomorrow’s the start of gun training. After that, it’s survival camp. That’s the real challenge.” 

He opened a drawer and pulled out a black case. “Get some rest. I’ve got work to handle. If my stuff on the bed makes you uncomfortable, there’s a clean set in the closet. Grab it if you need to.” 

Then he walked out with the case in hand. 

After he left, Ava sat still for a minute, then got up. She washed her face, rinsed her feet, and slipped on some slippers. 

She stopped at the doorway. Her hand hovered on the frame. In front of the mirror, she lightly slapped her cheeks. Maybe she really did overthink it. Maybe she judged him too soon. 

She stood there for another moment, then went to the bed and pulled the blanket down. 

As soon as she lay down, his scent hit stronger. She thought she’d be too on edge to sleep. But she knocked out in seconds. 

When she woke up, the room was still empty. 

He never came back. 

She rubbed her eyes and rolled her neck, then sat up and fixed the blanket. It didn’t look perfect, but she gave it a try anyway. 

She rinsed her face again, ran her fingers through her hair, and threw it up in a quick bun. She made a note to borrow a comb from the girls later. 

She checked her stuff to make sure she didn’t forget anything, then headed out. 

“Noelle, Zoey, lemme borrow your combs.” 

The girls were still half–asleep when Ava walked in. They were yawning like crazy. Noelle waved toward the 

20:37 Tue, Jan 20 G. 

Chapter 216 In His Room 

sink. “Yeah, it’s over there. Just grab it.” 

公会14% 

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Finished 

Zoey squinted at her for a beat. “Wait a sec. You look kindla different. What happened? You sneak off for real food or something?” 

Ava stared at her, confused. “Food? What food? 

“I didn’t eat anything! I didn’t even buy snacks!” 

She walked over to grab the comb and started brushing her hair. Then she threw on her hat. She had no clue there was a tiny red mark just behind her ear. 

After afternoon drills ended, Ivan told them about the schedule for tomorrow. 

Firearms practice. Exactly like Laurent said. 

The next morning, Ava didn’t wait for Laurent. He’d told her the night before he wouldn’t be back. 

Ivan loaded the team onto the military truck and turned to the girls. “When we get there, follow orders. Every single one.” 

The truck ride took less than fifteen minutes. Soon, they reached the outdoor shooting range. 

They rested for a few minutes before training began. 

Ivan broke down the basics and kept hammering in the importance of safety. 

The morning flew by. It was all classroom stuff, demos, and weapon assembly. No live rounds yet. 

They didn’t head back for lunch. Everyone had a standard military meal pack, a bottle of water, and one piece of fresh fruit. 

The guys helped the instructors put up some big tents for a lunch break. 

All thirty–plus girls in Q–1–B stayed in one huge tent. The floor had a rubber lining, and each girl was given a sleeping bag. They picked a spot and laid down. 

Naomi latched onto Ava’s arm. She and Zoey were already locked in a silent stare–down, neither one ready to back off. 

Ava’s head throbbed just looking at them. Those two couldn’t be in the same room without starting something. Noelle shrugged. She didn’t even blink at it anymore. Let me know when you’re ready for the next section. 

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20:37 Tue, Jan 20 

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