Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 103

Chapter 103

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Ethan’s lips curved into a slight smile as he looked at me. “I’m relieved to see you’re not overly distressed by it,” he replied smoothly.

I shrugged, watching Cloud City’s shabby buildings disappear as Connor drove us away. “Linda has always been Linda. Nothing new there.”

Ethan nodded, then suggested we stop for dinner before the long drive back to Princeton. An hour later, we were seated in a restaurant so fancy the menu didn’t even have prices listed. Max sat beside me, his face still drawn and pale from everything that had happened.

“You should try the lobster bisque,” Ethan suggested, glancing at me over his menu. “It’s excellent here.”

I nodded absently, more focused on Max than the food. He was staring blankly at his menu, clearly overwhelmed by both the options and the events of the day.

“You don’t have to order anything complicated,” I told him quietly. “Just get whatever sounds good.”

The waiter approached, and Ethan ordered for himself before looking expectantly at us. I chose a simple pasta dish, and Max mumbled something about a steak.

“Are you okay?” I asked Max once the waiter had left.

He nodded stiffly. “I’m fine.”

“I’m glad you decided to come with me,” I said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “It was the right choice.”

When our food arrived, I noticed Max wasn’t eating. He just pushed his steak around the plate with his fork.

“You need to eat something,” I said, scooping some vegetables onto his plate. “Even if you’re not hungry.”

Max sighed but speared a piece of broccoli with his fork.

Ethan ladied some soup into a bowl and passed it to me. “Try this. It might help warm you up.”

I hadn’t realized I was cold until he mentioned it. The soup was rich and creamy, warming me from the inside out. “It’s good, I admitted.

Max managed to eat about half his meal before putting his fork down. I think I’m done.”

“That’s fine,‘ I said, “We should probably get going anyway. It’s a long drive back to Princeton.”

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12:24 Mon, Sep 22

Chapter 103

The night air was cool as we walked to the car. Connor stood by the Maybach, opening the doors as we approached. Max immediately claimed the front passenger seat, leaving me to sit in the back with Ethan.

‘I can drive if you’re tired, I offered, noticing the fatigue in Connor’s eyes and the bandage still visible on his arm.

Connor looked touched by my offer, but before he could respond, Ethan spoke up.

“That won’t be necessary. I can take over if Connor needs a break.”

༢

Connor’s expression shifted to something between amusement and disbelief, as if the thought of either Ethan or me taking the wheel was equally outlandish.

“I’m fine, sir,” Connor assured him, sliding behind the wheel.

We drove in silence for the first hour. Max eventually fell asleep, his head lolling to one side. I reached forward from the back seat and gently adjusted his position so he wouldn’t wake up with a stiff neck.

Ethan watched me with interest. “You two are close,” he observed.

“He’s a good kid,” I said, sitting back. “Smart. Quiet. Sweet. He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, it’s usually worth listening to.”

“Unlike most people,” Ethan agreed with a small smile.

I nodded, staring out the window at the darkened landscape rushing by.

The rhythmic hum of the tires on pavement was hypnotic. I closed my eyes, not intending to sleep, just to rest for a moment. The car hit a bump, and I felt myself swaying sideways.

Before I could correct myself, a warm hand cupped my chin, gently guiding my head to rest against a firm shoulder. Ethan’s cologne filled my senses–subtle notes of sandalwood and something uniquely him.

“Rest,” he said softly, close to my ear. Then, in a lower voice to Connor: “Drive carefully. Mind the road conditions.”

I should have pulled away. Should have sat up straight and maintained my space. But exhaustion won out, and his shoulder was surprisingly comfortable. I let myself drift, not quite asleep but not fully awake either.

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