Page 169 of When Hearts Remember

He’s wearing a pained smile on his face. “Ethan’s a good friend. Sometimes, when I look at him, it almost seems like I’m looking in the mirror. I want him to be happy.”

Elias’s words are nonsensical, like he doesn’t believe he himself can be happy. It’s rather sad.

“Anyway, I’m helping him with his investigation. Ethan’s concerned about your safety because of the case he’s working on. I thought I’d talk to you—get your perspective. Like I said, I believe in women’s intuition.”

I scrutinize the man. I believe in gut feelings, and perhaps it’s the small sliver of vulnerability he’s just shown me or how Ethan, my siblings, and my friends all seem to trust him, but I decide to take a leap of faith.

“Is this about Dayton?”

“Yes. I’m helping Ethan run things down and I want to do my due diligence.”

My fingers twitch at my sides. “Everything’s been normal. Dayton texted a few times to check in after the cruise, but I’ve brushed him off. Nothing strange.”

“Hm. Interesting. Have you had any more visions or memories?”

I shake my head, the unease winding around my gut in tighter and tighter circles. What is this random line of questioning?

“You know something, don’t you?”

“Not definitive. Just a hunch. The evidence tells me one thing, but it makes little sense.”

He steps into my vision, a lock of dark hair draping over his forehead, and hands me a thick business card. “Here’s my info. Call me if anything comes up. Anytime. I’m glad things are okay for you.”

Without waiting for my response, he slips away, soon blending with the dark shadows in the club. Frowning, I eye the simple black card with gold lettering.

Elias Kent and his phone number.

“What’s that?” Ethan asks, and I jump.

“Dammit, you and Elias should be twins. You guys walk with no sound.”

“Elias?”

“He asked if I felt safe and if I remembered anything. It was strange. Then he gave me his card and said to call him if anything came up.” I show him the card before slipping it inside my clutch.

“I swear I don’t know what goes on in that guy’s head,” Ethan murmurs, staring at Dayton and Trey in the distance. “But I’m glad he’s looking out for you. Elias has helped our family a few times. He may be dangerous, but he’s good to us.”

Suddenly, Dayton and Trey laugh before they clink their glasses together. Then Trey looks up and catches Ethan’s eyes. I see him dip his head in a brief nod before striding off.

Ethan relaxes and tugs me flushed against him.

The lighting dims in the club, and I gasp at the sudden display of twinkling lights on the walls and around the stage.

“They’re constellations.” Ethan presses his lips against my ear. “People pay for out of the box experiences at The Orchid.”

Three spotlight turn on, illuminating the center stage and the surrounding floating stages. The music changes into a new sultry beat.

The opening burlesque show is starting.

Ethan takes my hand and pulls me inside the closest circular pod.

He winks. “I reserved a pod for us. Ready for your first Rose floor experience?”

Chapter 52

Ethan closes the glassdoor behind us, but the speakers still pipe in the music. His eyes glow with dark intentions as he takes a seat on the sofa, his legs sprawled. Ethan’s eyes scan my body from top to bottom, his lips parting. A throbbing pulse batters against his temple.

My body heats under his perusal.

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