Page 23 of Duty Unbound

“I’ll try,” I said softly.

“That’s not good enough.” His tone was gentle but firm. “Your safety matters too, Mel.”

Something about the way he said it—like he truly meant it, like it wasn’t just about the job—made my throat tighten.

“Okay,” I managed. “I’ll do better.”

He nodded, seemingly satisfied. “My team will be at the estate tomorrow morning to begin the security upgrade. We’ll need Nova present for a briefing.”

“She’ll be there.”

“Good.” He picked up the folder and drive. “I’ll have Jace, our tech specialist, analyze these, see if there’s a pattern we can identify. Sometimes these stalkers leave breadcrumbs they don’t even realize.”

I stood, smoothing my skirt. “Thank you, Ethan. I know we’re not what you typically look for in clients.”

“No,” he agreed, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “But sometimes the most challenging assignments turn out to be the most worthwhile.”

Our eyes met again, and that strange connection flickered between us. For a moment, I wondered if he felt it too—this inexplicable pull that made no logical sense.

Then my phone chimed once more, breaking the spell.

“You should get that,” he said, turning away. “I’ll walk you out.”

As we reached the door, I paused. “I meant what I said about Nova. She’ll cooperate.”

“I believe you.” He opened the door but then hesitated. “That bruise—you should heat it. Icing is good the first couple days, but at this point, heat will help improve blood flow. Ibuprofen for pain.”

The fact that he was still thinking about my injury sent an unexpected warmth through me. “Okay, I will.”

“And, Mel?” His voice dropped slightly. “Next time you get hurt, don’t hide it.”

With that, he stepped back, allowing me to exit. As I walked toward the elevator, I could feel his eyes on me, watching until I was safely inside.

It wasn’t until the doors closed that I allowed myself to exhale. Ethan Cross was going to protect Nova. He was going to help us.

But the way my heart raced whenever he looked at me? That was a complication I hadn’t anticipated—and definitely couldn’t afford.

My phone buzzed again.

Did he say yes??? Tell me he said yes!!!

I smiled and typed back:

He said yes. But you have to follow EVERY rule. No exceptions.

Three dots appeared immediately, then:

I’ll be a perfect angel I swear!!!

As the elevator descended, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d just made things better or worse. Nova would be safer withEthan’s team protecting her. But having him around constantly, seeing him every day…

That wasn’t part of the plan. And it definitely wasn’t part of what I’d promised my mother—to always put Nova’s career first, to make sure all her sacrifices weren’t in vain.

I needed to remember why I was doing this. For Nova. For Mom.

Not for the unexpected flutter in my chest whenever Ethan Cross looked at me like I was worth protecting too.

Chapter 8