Before she could reply, her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:
“Stop digging or you’ll regret it.”
Harper’s stomach dropped. She looked at Ethan, who caught her gaze and gave a firm nod.“See? This isn’t a joke. We need to figure out who’s behind this — and fast.”
For the first time, Harper realized that danger could be thrilling. And more terrifying — and exciting — was the way her heart pounded whenever Ethan was near. The night was dark, the city silent, and the stakes were higher than she had ever imagined.
One thing was clear: Harper Lane’s life had become a puzzle of secrets, danger, and undeniable attraction — and she had just stepped into the middle of it.
Chapter 3:
First Lead
The rain had slowed to a drizzle by the time Harper and Ethan slipped into his car. The streets of Eastbrook were slick, reflecting neon signs like fractured glass. Harper clutched her coat tight, glancing nervously at Ethan as he drove.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“There’s a small gallery downtown,” Ethan replied.“Someone connected to the exhibition has ties there. If anyone knows who’s after you, it’s them.”
Harper’s stomach knotted.“This feels dangerous.”
Ethan glanced at her, eyes serious but soft.“It is. But I won’t let anything happen to you.”
The words sent a shiver down Harper’s spine, a mixture of fear and something else she couldn’t name. His voice carried a promise, a protective warmth that contrasted sharply with the danger surrounding them.
When they arrived, the gallery was shuttered and dim, shadows stretching across the walls. Ethan led Harper inside quietly, his hand brushing against hers as he opened the door. Harper’s pulse jumped — the contact, subtle yet intentional, sent warmth through her chest.
They moved through the room cautiously, scanning every painting, every corner. A sudden noise made Harper freeze — a soft click from the back office.
“Stay here,” Ethan whispered, moving toward the sound. Harper’s heart pounded as she watched him disappear into the shadows.
Moments later, he returned with a small envelope in hand.“Found this slipped under the door,” he said, handing it to her.
Harper opened it carefully. Inside were photographs of the painting from the gallery opening… and a note:
“You’re too close. Stop now.”
Her hands trembled.“They’re serious. They’re watching everything.”
Ethan stepped closer, his presence both grounding and electrifying.“I know,” he said softly.“But that doesn’t mean we stop. Not now. Not ever.”
As their fingers brushed again while he handed her the envelope, Harper realized that fear and attraction were weaving together in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Danger was thrilling, and being near Ethan — close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him — was more intoxicating than she cared to admit.
Outside, the city hummed with indifferent life, but inside that shadowed gallery, Harper Lane and Ethan were caught in a game of secrets, pursuit, and the first sparks of a dangerous, undeniable romance.
Chapter 4:
The First Threat
The night had grown colder, and Eastbrook’s empty streets were slick with rain. Harper shivered, pulling her coat tighter as Ethan led her down a narrow alley behind the gallery.
“This way,” he murmured, checking over his shoulder.“The person we’re looking for might still be nearby.”
Harper’s heart raced — part fear, part exhilaration. Her hand brushed against Ethan’s as they moved through the shadows. She didn’t pull away. Somehow, his nearness made the danger feel… manageable, even thrilling.
A sudden noise — a metallic scrape — echoed from the alley’s far end. Harper froze. Ethan’s eyes narrowed.“Stay behind me,” he whispered.
They rounded a corner and froze. A figure stepped from the shadows, blocking their path. Tall, broad-shouldered, face hidden beneath a hood. Harper’s pulse surged, fear tightening in her chest.
