chapter 74

Ethan smiled at me, gently brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. "You need to go back home to your father, and I have to get back to work," he said.

I rolled my eyes, frustration bubbling up. "What work? Importing illegal goods and killing people who annoy you?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them. Deep down, I didn’t want Ethan returning to that life.

His smile faded, and I caught a glimpse of hurt in his eyes. "Is that really all you think I do?" he asked, his brows knitting together.

I sighed, pulling away slightly. "What else am I supposed to think?" I snapped, unable to contain my frustration. After everything I’d seen, I knew I should’ve chosen my words more carefully, but the truth was, I didn’t know what to believe anymore.

Ethan’s voice softened, his tone almost pleading. "How many times do I have to tell you, Emily? I’m not the villain you’ve made me out to be."

"But you’re not a saint either," I countered. "It doesn’t matter if those people deserved what