Page 21 of Duty Unbound

Something inside me softened. It wasn’t about the money—Nova could certainly afford it—but the principle. The fact that he’d refunded the fee without being asked spoke volumes about his character.

“I’m asking you to keep it,” I said, perching on the edge of a leather armchair. “And to reconsider taking the job.”

Ethan remained standing, arms crossed. “Nothing’s changed. If Nova doesn’t take her safety seriously?—”

“She will,” I interrupted. “I spoke with her last night. She’ll do whatever is asked of her. Whatever security protocols you implement.” When he raised a skeptical eyebrow, I added, “I know how it looked yesterday. But she was scared and hiding it behind attitude.”

“That doesn’t inspire confidence.”

“People react to fear differently. Nova performs. It’s what she’s always done.” I leaned forward. “Please. At least consider it.”

Ethan studied me for a long moment. Then, without warning, he stepped forward and gently took my left arm. Before I could react, he pushed up my sleeve, revealing the large purple bruise that had blossomed across my forearm.

“From the serving cart,” he said softly. “The night of the break-in.”

I stared at him, stunned. How had he known? I’d been careful to keep my sleeve down yesterday.

“Nova shouldn’t have to be talked into anything,” he continued, his thumb brushing lightly over the edge of the bruise. “Not when her sister is getting hurt.”

My skin tingled where he touched me. “She didn’t realize. No one did.”

“I did.” His eyes met mine, intense and unwavering. “I noticed.”

Something passed between us in that moment—an understanding, a connection that caught me completely off guard. His fingers were warm against my skin, his touch careful as if he thought I might break. For a man who exuded such hardness, he exhibited unexpected gentleness in his contact.

Then, as if suddenly aware of our proximity, he released my arm and stepped back.

“I apologize for how bluntly I spoke to you both yesterday,” he said, his voice resuming its professional tone. “But I still believe you might be better served by another security firm. I can recommend several that would be a better fit for Nova’s lifestyle.”

“I don’t want another firm. I want Citadel Solutions.”

My phone chimed with an incoming text. Then another. And another. Nova’s morning anxiety spiral had begun right on schedule.

Ethan’s gaze dropped to my phone. “That’s another reason we might not be a good fit. Situational awareness is key to personal security. Being glued to your phone creates vulnerability.”

I pulled the device from my pocket and showed him the screen.

Mel the dancers are fighting about the routine again

Should I change the setlist for Denver???

What if the altitude affects my voice

What if I’m not ready

His expression shifted subtly as he read the messages. “This is what you were doing yesterday? During the site survey?”

“Nova gets like this when she’s stressed. She has since we were kids. She needs constant reassurance, and I’m the only one who can give it to her.” I set the phone down. “I’m not addicted to my phone, if that’s what you were thinking. I’m just…the person who keeps everything from falling apart.”

Something in his eyes softened. “Have you considered hiring an assistant?”

“For what? To answer Nova’s texts? She wouldn’t accept responses from anyone else.” I shook my head. “This is just how it is.”

Ethan ran a hand through his short, dark hair. “Look, Mel?—”

“I brought something else.” I reached into my bag and pulled out a thick folder. “These are threats Nova has received over the past three months. The ones I’ve managed to intercept before they reached her.”

I set the folder on the coffee table along with a small flash drive.

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