Page 15 of Ivory Legacy

Yeah, Dr. Ellie Harper would know exactly where Jade had gone, exactly what she was doing. I just needed to go to her apartment and interrogate her. Once I did that, everything would become clear to me and I would just go and retrieve her.

It would be easy.

It would be simple. And it would be the solution to all my problems.

I turned around, wincing at the pain.

And I was about to make my way to her place when I heard her voice.

“Moretti!” A familiar voice cut through the hum of morning chatter, and I spun on my heel to see Ellie Harper approaching, her brown eyes wide with what I assumed was concern—or maybe fear. It was hard to tell with Ellie. She always had that look about her, like she knew more than she let on.

“Where is she?” I demanded without preamble, closing the gap between us in two long strides. My voice came out harsher than I intended, every word laced with a threat. The station’s grandeur faded into the background, the towering windows and marble floors nothing but a blur as my focus narrowed to Ellie and her potential answers.

Ellie held her ground, her professional facade firmly in place. “Dante, you need to calm down. Making a scene here won’t help anyone.”

“Cut the crap, Ellie!” I snapped, my patience fraying like a worn rope. “I know you’re in contact with her. Tell me where Jade is.”

“Even if I knew, do you think I’d just hand her over to you?” Ellie’s response was steady, but I caught the slightest tremor in her voice. She was good, but not good enough to hide the truth from me.

“Damn it, Ellie! This isn’t a game,” I roared, grabbing her by the shoulders. “If she’s not here…she’s in danger, okay? As long as she’s not with me, she’s in danger.”

“Dante,” she said, looking into my eyes. “She’s in danger when she’s with you.”

“Damn it, Ellie! This isn’t a game,” I roared, grabbing her by the shoulders.

“Let go of me, Dante,” Ellie said, her tone firm despite the flicker of alarm in her eyes. She tried to shake off my grip, but I wasn’t having any of it.

“Jade’s in danger because of my world. You know that.” My words were punctuated by an involuntary wince as my wound protested the movement. “If anything happens to her...”

“Nothing will happen to Jade,” Ellie interjected quickly, perhaps too quickly. Her reassurance sounded hollow, practiced. “She can take care of herself.”

“Can she?” I challenged, releasing her with a shove that had her stumbling back a step. My chest heaved, anger and worry churning inside me like a violent storm. The air felt thick, charged with electricity as the morning light streamed in, casting long shadows across the concourse.

“I’m going to find her,” I muttered, turning away from Ellie. I couldn’t stand to look at her anymore, at her too-calm demeanor when everything inside me was chaos.

“Watch your back, Moretti,” Ellie called after me, her warning clear even amidst the noise. “Not everyone wants to see you reunited with Jade.”

The morning chill bit at my skin as I stormed out of Grand Central, every muscle in my body tight with urgency. My steps were sharp, purposeful echoes on the pavement, the city’s pulse quickening alongside mine. A thin trail of blood seeped through the hastily wrapped bandage on my side—a constant, dull reminder that time was a luxury I couldn’t squander.

Chapter Eight: Jade

Ipushed the door open, the jingle of the bell announcing my arrival more confidently than I felt. The Harbor Cove Diner embraced me with the aroma of coffee and sizzling bacon, an olfactory nudge that did little to settle my nerves. Weeks had slipped by since I’d landed in this picturesque town, a fugitive from a life too dangerous to cling to. Dante hadn’t found me yet, hadn’t turned my new haven into a hunting ground, and for that, I was silently thankful.

But I was also a little mad. I missed him. I had left everything so I wouldn’t have to turn on him.

And he wasn’t even looking for me.

But it wasn’t like I could call and ask what the hell was going on, so…I told myself to get a grip and start my work day.

“Ah, you must be Jade!” The voice shattered my momentary relief, pulling me back to the task at hand. “My wife said you came in looking for work.”

I had. Part of me was hoping I wasn’t going to get any, but the kind owner decided to give me a chance right then and there, and I needed a distraction.

I turned to see Mr. Thompson approaching, his gait steady and sure despite his age, a warm grin creasing his weathered face. Beside him stood Mrs. Thompson, her eyes crinkling in a welcoming smile. They were as much fixtures of this place as the checkered tablecloths and worn counter stools.

“Welcome to our little family,” Mrs. Thompson said, her voice as inviting as the diner itself. “We’re so glad to have you on board.”

“Thank you,” I managed, my voice steadier than I felt. My hands twisted together, betraying my composure.

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