The coffee shop smelled of cinnamon and fresh espresso, a warmth that wrapped around Emily the moment they stepped inside. She half-expected Ethan to pick some dark, exclusive place where only men in suits whispered over shady deals — but this was… cozy. Students hunched over laptops, couples laughed over shared pastries, and the barista had bright pink hair.
Ethan didn't seem to belong here at all. Yet every head still turned when they walked in.
He led her to a booth in the corner, sliding into the seat where he could see the entire room. Emily noticed it instantly. "You always sit like that?"
"Like what?"
"Like you're guarding a castle."
His mouth twitched, but he didn't answer. Instead, he glanced at the menu without opening it. "What do you want?"
She hesitated. "A latte… please."
When the drinks came, Ethan barely touched his coffee. He scanned the room casually, but Emily could see it wasn't casual at all — his gaze flickered to the door, the windows, the people by the counter. Like he was waiting for something. Or someone.
She took a sip and decided to break the silence. "Why am I here?"
"You needed a break from campus." His eyes returned to hers, sharp now. "And I needed certain people to see you with me."
Emily set her cup down. "That sounds… ominous."
"It's safer this way," he said simply.
"Safer from what?"
He leaned forward slightly. "From asking the wrong questions. From talking to the wrong people."
Her fingers tightened around the warm mug. "You make it sound like I'm in danger."
Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "You are. You just don't know it yet."
Emily swallowed hard, unsure whether to push for more or retreat. And then, as if sensing her thoughts, he leaned back, letting the tension ease just enough for her to breathe again.
"Finish your coffee, angel," he murmured. "Then I'll take you back."
But Emily had the distinct feeling she wouldn't be returning to campus the same way she'd left.
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