Page 20 of Duty Unbound

Because there was something about Ethan Cross that got under my skin. The intensity in his blue-gray eyes. The commanding presence that filled every room. The way he assessed everything with military precision.

And yes, fine, the broad shoulders and strong jawline didn’t hurt either.

But my inappropriate attraction to the man wasn’t going to help convince him to provide security for Nova. If anything, it would just cloud my judgment and make me more nervous around him.

I cleaned up my barely touched dinner and headed back to my suite, my mind racing with potential arguments I could make. I could appeal to his professionalism. I could promise Nova’s cooperation. I could emphasize the severity of the threat.

But something told me Ethan had heard all those arguments before, from clients far more cooperative than Nova.

As I passed my easel on the way to bed, I paused, looking at the half-finished painting of the mountains. Something about the stark landscape reminded me of the unreadable expression I’d glimpsed on Ethan’s face when I’d mentioned the break-in.

For just a moment, his professional mask had slipped, revealing something that looked almost like concern. Not just for our security situation, but for us. For me.

Maybe that was my angle. Maybe beneath that hardened exterior was a man who genuinely cared about protecting people. Not just as a job, but as a calling.

I climbed into bed, setting my phone on the nightstand as it buzzed with another text from Nova.

What if the Citadel guys still say no?

They won’t. I’ll make sure of it.

For Nova, and for our safety, I’d find a way to convince Ethan Cross to take us on. Even if that meant swallowing my pride and admitting he’d been right about everything.

Because the alternative—waiting for whoever left those flowers to make their next move—wasn’t an option I was willing to consider.

Chapter 7

Mel

I stared up at the gleaming high-rise hotel, the afternoon sun glinting off its glass exterior. Of course Ethan Cross would be staying here. The Plaza Royale was the most expensive hotel in Dallas, where rooms started at five hundred dollars a night.

My heels clicked across the marble lobby as I made my way to the elevator, smoothing down my navy pencil skirt. I’d dressed in my most professional outfit today—a tailored blazer over a silk blouse, my hair pulled back in a sleek bun. No room for Ethan Cross to criticize my “inappropriate” attire this time.

The elevator ascended smoothly to the twenty-third floor. I’d emailed Ethan last night, asking to meet with him before he left Dallas. His reply had been brief but polite: “Room 2312. 2 p.m.”

Now, as I approached his door, I tried to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. This wasn’t about me. This was about Nova’s safety.

I knocked firmly.

The door swung open almost immediately. Ethan stood there in dark jeans and a fitted gray Henley that did nothing to hide his impressive build. His expression remained neutral as he stepped aside.

“Mel.”

“Ethan.” I nodded. His face was all sharp angles and intensity, from the strong jawline to the penetrating blue-gray eyes that seemed to catalog every detail they encountered. “Thank you for seeing me.”

I stepped into the suite and nearly stopped short. The place was twice the size of my first apartment, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. A sleek conference table occupied one side of the main room, while plush seating surrounded a gas fireplace on the other. Two doors led to what I assumed were separate bedrooms.

“One-afternoon site surveys must pay really well,” I said before I could stop myself. “Do you scam potential clients often?”

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “That was unfair. I’m just…” I exhaled. “Frustrated.”

“Understandable.” He gestured toward the seating area. “And for what it’s worth, if you check with your accountant, you’ll find Citadel Solutions has already refunded the consultation fee.”

I blinked. “What?”

“I didn’t feel right keeping it, contract or not.”