Page 46 of Throne of Secrets

Ethan turned to her, amused. “Your brain … amazes me.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you teasing me?”

He shook his head, lips twitching. “No. You jump from one thought to another, but it’s brilliant. I’m still catching up. Honestly, your brain’s miraculous.”

“Good answer.” Her smile softened.

Ethan’s tone sobered. “No, I haven’t figured out why they’re here. But there has to be a reason.”

“I can ask Pam if she’s seen them. Got a picture?”

Ethan shot her a sharp look. “No. You’re not investigating this.”

She pouted. “That’s not fair. I mean, I can help.”

His voice was firm. “No. You can’t help in the investigation.”

“Why not?”

“Mafia,” he replied dryly. “You recorded them—possibly planning a hit. What do you think they'll do if they catch wind you’re asking questions?”

Star’s face fell as reality settled over her. “They’d … think I heard everything or at least something.”

Ethan’s voice dropped to steel. “Exactly. And their next move?”

Her throat felt tight. “They’d want me … gone.”

“So, what did we learn from this?” Ethan asked, his tone amused.

Star rolled her eyes. “No investigation. None.”

“See? You can be taught.”

She smirked. “I’m a good student. Very smart.”

Ethan shot her a quick glance. “No doubt. Smart people think through the consequences—not just jump into the middle. I’m not losing you before I get to know you better.”

“Because we’re dating.” Her smile softened.

“We are.”

She met his gaze. “How about I make you that dinner tonight, not tomorrow? I really don’t want to be alone. Not right now.”

“I’d love that.”

“And I’m definitely drinking that wine tonight.”

Ethan smiled, his hand flicking on the blinker as he merged into traffic. “Authorized.”

* * *

The kitchen was filledwith rich aromas as Star sampled the sauce, her eyes rolling heavenward. “Perfection.” She finished shaping the meatballs, ready to drop them into the simmering sauce—her father’s recipe, passed down from his Italian mother. The flavors were divine, steeped in tradition. If time had allowed, she’d have made fresh pasta, but today, she’d use the pasta she’d picked up from the market.

Thor watched her. Ears perked, tail thumping, hopefully.

She chuckled. “No, you big baby. Nothing for you. I don’t know when your daddy feeds you, but you’re not getting anything without his permission on my watch.” She ruffled his ears, earning a disappointed tail thump on the floor.

“Are you two having a good conversation?” Ethan’s voice carried from the stairwell as he emerged from his downstairs office.

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