Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 42

Chapter 42 A Room Cleared on Purpose 

Cassius pinched the bridge of his nose. “Look at her. You scared the life out of her.” 

People used to joke that he could shut up a crying baby with one stare, Cassius snorted. Looks like he’s upgraded. Now he freaks out adults. 

Thank God for the Match Bureau. Without it, no sane twoman would volunteer for this. 

Mason looked at them as if they were overreacting relatives. He casually rested his arm on the back of the couch, his posture relaxed and his face unreadable. “For the record, I only spoke her name. No pressure, no dramatics, and nothing inappropriate.” 

His attention shifted back to Ava. “Ms. Morren, we’re not strangers. This isn’t our first encounter, right? I refuse to believe my face alone is enough to cause that reaction. Honestly, it’s one of my weaker features.” 

Ava stiffened. Calling him ugly would’ve been a lie even with her eyes closed. 

“My apologies,” she managed. “I spaced out. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful, Mr. Heiser.” 

Cassius stared. “You’ve met before?” 

Mason’s mouth curved slightly as he studied Ava. “She met all of us. Five, to be exact. You weren’t told?” 

Ava’s mind short–circuited as she tasted grit on her tongue. Fate seemed to have a cruel sense of humor: she had gone out to meet a friend online, had her meal paid by someone else, and somehow ended up at a table with her assigned matches. 

“That’s ridiculous!” Jane barked a laugh and gave Ava’s shoulder a playful smack. “Your luck is unreal. Capitol Planet isn’t some tiny village. Bumping into one person randomly is already rare.” 

Ava gave a dry chuckle. “How was I supposed to guess? I didn’t even know what they looked like.” 

Mason sounded amused. “Ms. Morren, you forced a pairing in place, and you still forget faces. That level of detachment is impressive.” 

Jane snapped, “Enough. Ava didn’t forget on purpose. She lost her family–anyone would be scattered after that. If you’re irritated, be direct. Drop the commentary.” 

She held his gaze without blinking, daring him to push further and making it clear she wasn’t giving him an inch. 

Cassius placed a calming hand on Jane’s arm, his look steady and grounding. She drew a slow breath, reeled in what she was about to say, then eased back. 

“Ava,” Cassius continued, steady and deliberate, “I’m taking Jane out for a short walk. Stay here and talk with Mason. We’ll be close.” 

His eyes flicked toward Mason. The warning needed no explanation. “Ava’s with you for the moment. Mind the boundaries. We’ll be back shortly.” 

Jane bristled immediately. Louis stepped in, exchanged a look with Cassius, then grabbed Jane by the arms. Together, they hauled her toward the exit. Jane protested loudly, feet skidding, curses flying, yet she still 

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Chapter 42 A Room Cleared on Purpose 

disappeared down the hall. 

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is Pents 

Ava watched, lips twitching. “Go easy on her” 

Outside, Jane broke free the second they stopped. She spat to the side. “You’re seriously leaving her alone. with him? You think that’s smart? If Ava comes out with so much as a scratch, I’ll burn bridges.” 

Cassius remained calm. “Mason won’t hurt her.” 

Jane crossed her arms. “Feels like you tossed her into a furnace and called it character building.” 

Louis smiled far too cheerfully. “Jane, this is between them. Hovering would only make it worse. Relax. Stress lines age you.” 

Jane kicked him. “Ava’s too trusting. She barely notices danger. You think she knows how to handle men like that? I see it now. Every one of them looks polished, but they’re calculating. Keith, especially. I used to think he was untouchable, but in one meeting, Ava was already pulled in. She’s never dated and never been chased. Now she’s got five watchful predators circling her. She’ll suffocate.” 

Cassius studied her, half amused. “Sounds like you’re annoyed we kept you under supervision. Watching you too closely, not letting you enjoy a little attention–is that what this is?” 

Jane shut up instantly. Her eyes darted before she leaned closer, her voice syrup–sweet. “I’m talking about my cousin. Why drag me into it? I don’t have a single man orbiting me. Want proof? Take a whiff.” 

She edged closer. 

Cassius‘ gaze darkened. “Careful. Keep pushing, and I’ll settle you tonight.” 

Jane snapped upright. “Fine. I’m done. Let’s just hope your cousin figures his situation out fast.” 

Inside the room, silence settled thick and awkward. 

Ava cleared her throat. “Mr. Heiser, formal introduction.” 

She straightened instinctively. “I’m Ava Morren, an orphan adopted by the Morren family. I’m twenty–five and will probably remain the second daughter in that household for the foreseeable future. I hope we can get along okay.” 

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The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride Chapter