Chapter 59 Ethan
Ethan
“No.”
The word comes out before she finishes.
Ava doesn’t even flinch.
“We don’t have another option.”
“We always have another option.”
“Not one that saves me.”
The room goes still.
Ronan shifts back.
Aaron goes quiet.
Jonah pretends to check something on the screen.
Because this isn’t the mission anymore.
This is us.
I step closer.
Lower my voice.
“You’re not walking into a trap.”
Her eyes lock on mine.
Steady.
Certain.
“I already am.”
My jaw tightens.
“No.”
“Yes.”
Her voice softens—just a fraction.
Not weaker.
Just… honest.
“He built this for me, Ethan.”
I know.
That’s what makes it worse.
“That means I go with you.”
Immediate.
Non-negotiable.
“That’s not what I—”
“Not optional.”
She hesitates.
Just a second.
Good.
Because I’m not moving on this.
“You don’t do this alone,” I add.
Her breath catches.
Then—
“Fine,” she says. “But you follow my lead.”
A faint smirk pulls at my mouth.
“Always do.”
Aaron snorts from the corner.
“Still not true.”
I don’t even look at him.