“Can you please bring me the bill?”
The server smiles at Ethan. “Your bill has been taken care of.”
Ethan and I exchange a glance before he asks, “By whom?”
The server gestures toward the large table. “The gentleman sitting with the mayor.” My stomach plummets as I stare at Cyan MacBrady.
Glasz eyes watch me, and my pulse hammers. For months, I convinced myself he was gone, that he just enjoyed playing mind games. He lifts his glass, a silent toast. A slow, deliberate reminder: I never left. Then, he moves, rising from his seat, tall, and commanding. Every step brings him closer. My fingers tighten around the napkin in my lap. I want to run. But I force myself to stay still.
“Hello, Aria. It’s nice to see you again.”
I force myself to breathe and take a quick glance at Ethan, his mouth slightly ajar as he looks up at Cyan.
I tear my eyes from Ethan to Cyan. “Hello, Mr. MacBrady. I’m surprised to see you here.” My voice is steady, controlled. But inside, I’m unraveling.
He tilts his head, studying me before turning to Ethan. “Cyan MacBrady.”
Ethan snaps his mouth shut, his jaw tightening. He squares his shoulders, his entire posture shifting. “Detective Ethan Knight.” Detective? My stomach drops. He’s in law enforcement? Shit. I’m dead… so dead. The phrase loops through my mind like a broken record.
“I know who you are, Mr. MacBrady, and while I appreciate your generosity, I cannot accept.” I stiffen. For a moment, a heavy silence lingers.
Then Cyan smirks. “I know exactly who you are. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Officer Ethan.”
As if Ethan doesn’t exist, Cyan turns back to me. “See you around, Aria.” Just like that, he’s walking away, not acknowledging Ethan’s rejection of his paying the bill. My entire body sags as I watch him walk away. The sound of Ethan pushing his chair back has me looking towards him.
“I’ll be right back.” I nod dumbly. My hands tremble under the table. A cop and a mobster. I officially hold the Guinness World Record for the worst taste in men. Or maybe... I’m the problem;a curse, always magnet for danger.My life is one poor decision away from a news headline. I drag my hands along my upper arms. The ghost of his intense stare is still burning into my skin. “Ready to go?” Ethan’s voice startles me.
“Huh? Yes.” I stand quickly, mind the shambles; I’m not thinking straight. My legs are shaky as we leave, Ethan’s hand settles against the middle of my back. A steadying touch that does nothing to stop the heaviness, boring into my back as we leave. As we wait for the valet to bring Ethan’s car, my mind races. I just want to go home. Finally, Ethan’s car shows up, and we get in. If I’m lucky, Ethan will act as if the entire Cyan conversation didn’t happen. It’s wishful thinking. We are about a block away when Ethan pulls to the curb.
“You really think it’s wise to associate with someone like him?” I’m desperate to avoid this conversation. I turn to face him. This isn’t the same charming, easygoing Ethan I laughed with earlier. The detective in him is front and center. His gaze is no longer warm; it’s sharp, he’s searching. The streetlight casts harsh shadows over his face. “Aria… how the hell do you know the Capo boss of Boston?”
“I... Ethan, it’s complicated,” I stammer and pull closer to the door, needing space.
“Complicated? You’ve got to be kidding me, Aria. The man’s a mobster!” As if I don’t already know. Frustration claws at my chest. I hate the way he’s talking to me, like I’m some naïve fool who purposely stumbled into this mess. “Aria. You understand that he’s fucking dangerous, don’t you?” His voice is laced with distrust. Like I’m already guilty of something.
I exhale, choosing my words carefully. “I met him some months ago at a festival where I live.”
“Then why the hell was he looking at you like that?” Ethan shouts.
I flinch. “I don’t have an answer.” Or rather, I have one, but saying it out loud would make it real, and Ethan already sees too much.
“You need to stay the hell away from that guy. He’s a criminal.”
My irritation rises. “You failed to mention you’re a cop. Are you even a teacher, or was that a lie too?”
His brows knit together. “I didn’t lie, Aria. I omitted it.”
“Semantics.” I snap.
“Aria, I said… one of my jobs. If you had asked, I would’ve told you. But you know what happens when women find out I’m a cop? They judge me before getting to know me.”
My jaw tightens; that’s rich. He’s judging me right now. I cross my arms. “Take me home, Ethan.”
“Hold on. I have more questions.” He touches my shoulder.
“Nope.” I yank away and turn to open the car door and unbuckle my seat belt. “Never mind, I’ll call a taxi.” I pull out my phone and open the app. I’m done. One of my feet is already out of the car.
“Aria, wait.” Ethan, sounding less like a detective and more like the man I had dinner with. “Let me drive you home. It’s late, and I can’t shake the feeling that you’d be safer with me.”
