couldn't help but notice your hair earlier. That red a

iation at the compliment, unknowingly tucking a stra

rose slightly.

a hint of defensiveness

skeptical, though poli

aid, feeling a childish

ocking. "Hey, I believe you," he said, raising his hands in

Maya replied, allowing

enuine curiosity in his voice. "I mean, natu

ed to say it meant I was destined for something special." She gave a bitter laugh.

young man was staring at her face, m

have a fight with someone?" Ethan c

rom a boxing figh

u're a

with that?" M

to have met you tonight, Maya. Having a drink with someone as wond

. "Last feeling? What

veal something darker underneath. He shrugged his shoulders. "J

aned forward, suddenly inter

than replied, his voice lower now. "Life has consequ

they're coming for payback?" Maya teased,

features. "Looks like you've had your own share of betrayal," he

as she took another sip. "It

asked, his eyes show

a said, the words bringing sadness to her entire being.

uble," Ethan wince

out you? Why do you feel guilty about betraying someone? I don't want to believe that this

ly. "Sometimes, betrayal works both ways. The one betraying doesn't al

ur case?" M

my all to my family... infiltrating a formidable Mafia family for information. Got busted, and my great family

ory. "What will you do now?" Not that she cared,

e hissed inwardly, as different sce

her. "Probably enjoy this beautiful night wi

asn't prepared for. Before she could respond, Ethan reached across the tabl

gathering her things. "I have a sick sister in the hospital, and although I'm here trying to dro

any by escorting you to wherever you're

and dangerous life. She wouldn't want to dabble into the dark world of mafias. She could always get the experience

" Ethan said with a charming smile that didn'

asked, wanting to know how far

keep asking,

ng with this stranger. It was late, and her body still ached from t

beside her. She couldn't deny he was attractive, the kind of man who turned heads wherever he went, but her mind was elsewhere. Between

barely penetrated the narrow passage, their path a little dark and eerie. M

was di

an began as they walke

ey walls. Four men stepped into their path, while the soun

t. "Look what we've got here. Ethan Reye

battered body. She shot a questioning glance at Ethan, whose

yours?" sh

e shifting subtly as he stepped slightly

, making the not-so-friendly smile on his face visible. "Time's

ly understood why Ethan had been so cryptic about this being his "last

was caught i

, Ethan suddenly grabbed her hand and squeezed it

d whispered, "I put y

" Maya asked, fear

. "I will redeem you in my own way so you will r

aya asked, feeling a bad p

st make a run for it. You're a boxer, and I'

t's the best id

ed. "They won't shoot

she positioned hersel

itchat, Ethan," o

while Ethan also acted like he wanted to run, but di

as she heard sc

she breathed heavily. She looked back and saw no one chasing her. That's when it dawned on her-Ethan must have