As Ava's eyes drifted once again over his bare chest, her gaze locked onto the tattoo that read, *"This property belongs to Ava…"* etched right above his heart. The bold letters seemed so out of place yet fitting, resting there like a silent promise. She blinked, her mind swirling with disbelief. *Could this really be permanent?* she thought, uncertainty gnawing at her.
Without even realizing it, her hand moved on its own accord, fingers gently pressing against his chest. She traced the ink with slow, deliberate strokes, her touch light, as though testing whether it was real. The memory of his past lies stung sharply in her chest, reminding her of the pain she'd endured. Trusting him now felt like stepping into a familiar fire, one that had already burned her. *Could he be playing a trick on me again?* she wondered, her heart tightening.