Page 53 of Petals and Fangs

“It means we have to be even more careful. Every step we take, every document we release, all must be flawless. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

“But what if they find out the truth about your products? About whom they’re really for?”

“Truth?” Ethan glances at me, his eyes dark with concern.

“You've been talking about nothing but specific needs. Maybe the nature of your clientele is suspicious.”

“I am working on it,” he says, slightly chuckling.

“Well, I hope they don't find out any dark truths.”

Ethan laughs, and it sounds so natural. It is music to my ears.

“Dark truths,” he says, shaking his head.

“It's the truth, and it isn't funny. If they find out that your clients are special, literally, or not, you will be in a lot of trouble.”

“That’s what I need to prevent at all costs. If the FDA discovers the true nature of our clientele, it could mean the end for me. Not just the company, but everything I have built, everything I have worked for.”

“It won't be that easy,” I chuckle as I shake my head.

“Meaning?”

“They can't easily demolish such a persuasive man as you.”

“I am not sure what you mean by that, Lily.”

“Don't play coy with me, Ethan. You know what I am talking about. You are good at what you do, and you will not give up easily. That is a fact.”

“I appreciate the support, but I can't help but feel anxious.”

“Anxious how?”

“If the FDA finds out, it will destroy the company and everything I have.”

“Well, you made it clear to me yesterday that you are not going against the law, so why are you worried?”

“Yes. True that,” he says, his voice low.

The rest of the drive is spent in silence, and Ethan pulls into the underground parking lot at the office building. I get out and wait for him, but instead of walking inside, he grabs my hand and leads me to the elevator.

“Where are we going?” I ask, my heart racing. It is not fear, but excitement.

“To the basement. I need to show you something.”

“Ethan, I really must get to work. Can't it wait until later? I still need to plan for the rest of the offices.”

“No, it can't,” he says as we walk into the elevator. He presses the button for the basement, and the door closes.

“I'm not sure why you're being so secretive,” I say.

“Am I being secretive? I just thought you might be interested in seeing the storage unit for the products.”

“Okay. I guess it won't hurt.”

We walk out of the elevator and down a hallway, Ethan stops at a metal door. He unlocks the door and leads me inside. It is dimly lit, but I can see rows of shelves lined with boxes and various equipment. Ethan stops at a table, opens a laptop, and then begins typing.

“This is the storage unit,” he explains, pointing to the shelves.

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