ust him. Be careful," felt like a noose tightening around her neck. Her first instinct was to call Aa

ted her from her thoughts

a small smile. "Fine

t the bar, the cool night air hitting her like a slap. The city lights blurr

our life can either build you up or tear you apart. Was he talki

at someone was watching her. She glanced over her shoulder, but the street was empty save fo

g onto the couch and went straight to her laptop. If she was going to meet Nich

cuments, her phone buzze

m about

mentioned to anyone. Her fingers trembled as she r

. The lies, the betrayal, the secrets-everything had s

pounding. Who was sending these tex

d Lana jumped, her pulse spiking. She approac

e other side, his ex

door, her mind racing. "Mr. Ste

for an invitation, his presence co

her arms. "About what? My work? Or are you

don't deal in cryptic, Miss Daniels. I deal in f

rced herself to stay composed

d with disdain. "Aaron Blake. Do you

a chill down her spine. "H

with you. He's been involved in shady deals for years. Deals th

"You're saying Aar

And now, he's trying to d

reeling. "This doesn't make sens

frowned.

d showed him the messages. His eyes darkene

e murmured, his tone col

ns?" she asked, her voic

ns Aaron is trying to manipulate you. He knows I won't tolerate

st you, but you're just as cryptic as he is! If you want me to believ

't answer. But then he stepped clos

o protect what's mine. Aaron was part of that past, and if he's resurfaced, it's not

tched. "What

ver. "The kind where trus

her, but before she could respond, ano

her stomach twisted. Aaron stood on the oth

s, panic rising in he

nt, his calm demeanor shifted into someth

ha

las repeated, his voice low

ing from Nicholas, could see the storm brewing in his eyes. When she opened

nd Lana knew she was standing between two

his tone razor-sharp.

eyes glinted with mal

at, the night sp