chapter 15
When I saw Ethan next, it was at a charity auction full of crystal chandeliers and expensive boredom. He intercepted me between the sculptures and the champagne tower, one hand catching my wrist with a familiarity that made my stomach drop.
His touch did that to me now—turned time liquid, made old fear flood the cracks.
I pulled free before he could notice.
His jaw tightened. “You’ve been avoiding me.”
“That implies I owe you access.”
His eyes flicked over my face, searching. “What game are you playing, Nora?”
I held his gaze. “The kind where I mind my own business and you mind yours.”
He took a step closer. “You think rejecting me in public embarrassed me? You think sending flowers back made some kind of point?”
“No,” I said. “I think your ego embarrasses you enough on its own.”
For a second, anger flashed so nakedly across his face that people nearby glanced over.
Then, just as quickly, it vanished.
That was what made Ethan dangerous. Not his temper. His control of it.
He lowered his voice. “Stay away from Rose.”
I almost laughed. “Interesting. I’ve done nothing but stay away from her.”
His stare darkened. “She’s been anxious all week.”
“Then perhaps she needs a better hobby.”