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Ethan's words take me by surprise. He's told me he loves me before, but this is different.
In a way, it feels like a much more intimate, more personal confession.
“I didn't think I could love anyone the way I love you, Kristine. But I do. And that love makes me willing to do anything to bring joy back into your beautiful green eyes.”
“I don't want you to feel that way about me. Not if it puts your life at risk.” I grip his lapel, letting my forehead rest against his.
“You don't understand. Ensuring your happiness is worth it.”
“My happiness is with you. But if anything happens to you...”
“Nothing will happen to me,” Ethan promises. “But I can't let that bastard keep blackmailing you. You deserve to explore your newfound freedom with all the wonder and openness life can bring. You deserve it, and so does Asher.”
“We can find another way.”
“No, sweetheart, now is the time.”
I nod, giving Ethan my full trust and my full heart. I hold him tight, feeling the warmth of his presence as he inhales the scent of my hair.
“I promise,” he whispers.
When his lips meet mine again, I can feel his love wash over me—the soft stroke of his tongue and the gentleness of his touch. Then he pulls away.
“Call Andres if you need anything. He'll keep an eye out for you.”
I nod wordlessly as he puts on his jacket.
“I love you,” he says, kissing the top of my head and then my lips.
“I love you more,” I return.
Ethan winks at me, and my eyes follow him as he walks away and leaves me alone in his house.
I experience a sense of desolation enveloping my heart. Despite my trust in him and my hope that everything will turn out all right, a nagging doubt persists.
I can't shake this ominous feeling that something bad is about to happen, and nothing I do will prevent it.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
ETHAN
“Mr. Callahan.My name's Cody. Glad to be hookin' up with you.”
The big man approaches me. He's tall and stocky, with a shaved head. He's wearing a black suit, and I'd peg him as security. He has the hard look of a man who engages in whatever for the right price.
“What's up? You reached out. This spot's a little sketchy.” I pump fists with him as I glance sideways, surveying the deserted service alley.
“Nah, man. We're cool back here. And we can talk without eyes.” Cody flicks his gaze up, and I notice the out-of-service camera.
“In that case, why'd you call me? You work for The Vault, and Club Allure's the number one enemy.”
Cody's lips draw into a grimace. “Dexter's a fucking asshole. He has his head so far up Mr. Prescott's ass that he can’t see for shit. The club is in the tank, and I'm not sinking with him. I have a lady and kid to support.”
“To the tune of betraying Dexter? Andres said you want to work with us.”
“Yes, if the pay is right. I'm tired of workin' two and three jobs because he can't fuckin' pay me what I'm worth.”
Giggles echo from behind, and Cody melds with the darkness. My eyes follow a group of female partygoers strolling along the sidewalk, and as silence resumes, Cody steps back into view.
