"No, it doesn't." She signaled for another round. "But it might explain why he did it. This world, what we do, who we are, it's not exactly first-date conversation material. Well, renewed first-date."
The server brought fresh drinks, and I grabbed mine immediately. "He had plenty of chances to tell me. This morning, when we were talking about his work. Yesterday, when he showed up at my apartment. Four years ago, before he ghosted me the first time."
"Would you have believed him four years ago? Listened to him or given him a chance? Or would you have turned your back on the darker world he was involved in?"
The questions stopped me cold. I thought about the Ivy from back then, waitressing at dive bars and being a damn dancer, barely scraping by, living in a crappy apartment or with crappy exes. Would that version of me have accepted that my boyfriend ran a criminal empire?
"Probably not," I admitted. "I probably wouldn't have been willing."
"And this morning, when you'd just reconnected? When everything was still fragile and new again, would you have listened and believed? Given him a chance."
I didn't answer. Couldn't answer, because Sofia had a point, and I hated that she had a point.
"I'm not saying what he did was right," Sofia continued. "But I understand it. The need to protect someone from the truth until you're sure they can handle it. Until you're sure they won't run."
"I should run," I said quietly. "Any sane person would run."
"Probably." She smiled, something sad and knowing in the expression. "But you're still sitting here, asking questions instead of cutting ties completely."
"Maybe I'm just an idiot."
"Or maybe you care about him more than you want to admit." Sofia leaned forward. "Look, I can't tell you what to do. This has to be your choice. But if you want my opinion?—"
"I do."
"Talk to him. Let him explain everything, no filters, no protection. Make him tell you exactly what his life looks like, what being with him would mean." She paused, her expression darkening. "And I mean everything. The kidnapping with Elena and Jackson? That wasn't random, and it comes as a potential risk. Being connected to someone like Eric puts a target on your back. There are enemies, rivals, people who would use you to get to him. You need to understand those risks before you decide if it's worth it."
The memory of Elena's terrified face flashed through my mind, and suddenly my chest felt tight. I hadn't just been worried about Eric's secrets, I'd been living proof of the danger that came with them.
I stared into my glass like I'd find my decision there. "What if it's not? What if I can't handle his world?"
"Then you walk away with all the information instead of just pieces. At least you'll know what you're giving up."
The music from the main club area was a constant, the bass thumping steady and insistent. Around us, the VIP section remained empty. This late, most of the serious players had already left, those who were a part of the Donatis and wanted a moment to be alone and have a drink.
"The Hales," I said slowly. "What else should I know?"
Sofia considered the question. "They're disciplined. Strategic. Not prone to the kind of emotional decisions that get people killed." She tapped her finger against her glass. "But they're also ruthless when they need to be. They didn't build what they have by being soft."
"And Eric?"
"From what I've gathered? He's respected. Maybe even feared in some circles. He took over his brother's position and didn't just maintain it, he expanded it." Sofia's expression grew serious. "He's also here, pursuing an alliance. Planning to take up business and operations here."
"What does that mean?"
She met my eyes. "That he'd be staying if this alliance goes through without a hitch. I'd also bet good money he's found another reason to make this alliance work, and it is sitting across from me right now."
I swallowed at her words. "He barely knows me anymore. We were together seven months, four years ago. That's not enough to base major business decisions on."
"Maybe not." Sofia shrugged. "But it might be enough to influence where he chooses to set up operations in this city." She studied me with knowing eyes. "Besides, a man who chases after you when you're distressed and keeps stepping in to handle situations for you? That's not someone acting out of casual interest, Ivy. That's someone who feels strongly enough to make you his priority."
14
IVY
Ileaned back against the plush cushions, processing everything Sofia had told me. The question lingered in my mind, the one I wasn't sure I wanted the answer to.
"Are they good people?" I finally asked. "The Hales, I mean. Otherwise."
