Nadine’s POV
“The police chief says you need to come to the station to identify the intruder.”
My body tenses, and I turn to face Ethan. He’s looking around the room like a cornered animal, his eyes darting everywhere except at me. I can see the unease written all over his face.
“Are you alright?” I ask, my brow furrowed in concern. But before he can answer,
Logan’s voice cuts in, with frustration. “What’s going on, Ethan? You’re acting like you’re guilty.” I can feel Logan’s anger, but I won’t let him take over. I step in.
“Logan, stop. This isn’t the time.” I turn back to Ethan, my eyes locked on his.
“Ethan, what’s going on? Why are you so nervous?” I demand, with an insistent voice.
Ethan’s eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a fear. But then, his mask slips back into place, and he forces a smile. “I’m fine, Nadine. Just a little… surprised.”
I’m not buying it. I know he’s hiding something. And Logan’s not helping. He’s still seething, with anger. I can feel his eyes on me, willing me to confront Ethan.
Then I face Logan. “You will watch your tongue around my boyfriend.”
Logan’s eyes widen in shock, and he takes a step back. “Your boyfriend?” he repeats.
I nod. “Do I need to spell it out for you? Or do I need to narrate our four-year history of… fucking him for four years?” I ask, my eyes not leaving Logan’s face.
I turn to Ethan, and he’s smiling. But my attention is on Logan, whose jaw is clenched, his hands formed into fists.
His ears are red, and I can almost see the steam blowing out of them. And I know I’ve hit a nerve.
“You can’t stand the fact that I’ve been with him, can you?” I ask.
Logan’s eyes flash with anger, but he says nothing. He just stands there, seething, his eyes burning with a fire that makes my skin prickle.
“You don’t know who you’re in bed with,” he spits, with a venomous voice. “And I’m sure he’ll drag you to hell.”
He takes a step closer, “But one thing I want is for my son to stay away from him.”
“I’d gladly go to hell than be with you,” I shoot back, with emotion. “And as for my son, Ethan has been his rock. He’s the only father figure he knows.”
Logan’s gaze between me and Ethan, his expression murderous whenever he looks at him. I can see the urge to lash out at Ethan.
But I’m not ready to let that happen. I won’t risk my life by letting Logan’s temper get the better of him.
“Please leave.”
Logan’s eyes lock onto mine, and I can see a storm of emotions brewing.
He wants to say so many things, but I’ve built a wall around myself. I can see the longing to break through my defenses.
“I’d rather die than watch you claim my son as yours,” he says, with a pained voice. “I know I’ve been too lenient with you regarding our son. I was trying to bide my time, but I won’t make the same mistake again.”
His words are laced with a deep-seated hurt, but I’m not ready to offer him empathy.
“The police chief is waiting,” he says, his hand tucked into his pocket, and turns to leave.
I turn to Ethan, forcing a smile onto my face. He looks at me, trying to read my emotions, but I’ve built walls around myself, blocking him out.
My heart, however, betrays me, pounding hard in my chest as I think about uncovering the secrets that lie hidden.
Ethan steps closer, his eyes filled with concern. “Do you think you’re in the right frame of mind to go to the police station?”
My head rests on his chest, and I can feel his heart pounding hard.
I’m not alone in my emotions, and I don’t want to give away my hesitation. So, I looked up at him. “Ethan, I don’t know what to do. What do you think I should do?”
I search Ethan’s eyes, trying to read between the lines, but he’s a master of concealing his emotions.
But I detect a hint of something else – secrets he is holding on to. I can sense his relief when I don’t push to go to the station, his shoulders relaxing a bit, with a softening gaze.
Ethan’s lips part, but I interrupt, my words tumbling out in a rush. “Don’t you think I should go to the station to get closure about yesterday?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“Of course, you’ll come with me,” I added.
Ethan’s eyes narrow, searching mine for a glimmer of doubt. “Are you sure you’re fine with this?” he asks, his voice laced with concern.
I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. “As long as you’re with me, I’ll be fine,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. I lean in, my lips brushing against his, and kiss him softly.
Ethan’s eyes flutter closed, and his expression is twisted with pain and longing.
He kisses me back, his lips hesitant, as if he’s torn between revealing a secret and keeping it buried.
Ethan slowly pulls away, his eyes locking onto mine with an intense gaze.
“Boyfriend, hmm?” he teases, a sly smile spreading across his face. “I like how it sounds coming from your mouth.” He chuckles.
“And I can only imagine the reaction you got from Logan when you said ‘fucking for four years’.”
I feel a flush rise to my cheeks, and I’m not ready to encourage Ethan’s playful banter. I nervously fidget with the buttons on his chest.
Ethan notices my discomfort and playfully smacks my hand away. “Hey, don’t be shy,” he says, his voice low and husky. “I like seeing you flustered.”
I swat at him again, trying to maintain a playful facade, but my heart races with excitement.
“Ouch!” Ethan exclaims in mock pain, “You hurt me, Nadine!” I roll my eyes, laughing, as I turn to grab my bags, ready to head to the station.
But Ethan’s grip on my hand stops me, drawing me back to him. I slowly turn, and my body collides with his chest. His eyes lock onto mine, and I’m struck by the depth of emotion in them. They’re wounded, vulnerable, and searching.
For a moment, we just stare at each other, the tension between us palpable. I can feel his heart beating against mine, and my pulse racing in response.
I’m unable to form words, my mind a jumble of emotions, when Ethan’s next words leave me stunned.