Chapter 11 #2
"Well, you're trying to build a reputation here, aren't you? Possibly even establish yourself as a reliable consultant?" His eyes glitter with malice disguised as concern. "It would be such a shame if word got around about your... difficulties with client relationships."
The threat is clear, even wrapped in polite language. He's going to destroy my reputation here the same way he did in Seattle. Make sure I can never build anything in Willowbridge.
"I think you should leave." Mrs. Henderson's voice cuts through the tension, sharp with disapproval. "Maya's a good girl. Whatever trouble you're trying to cause, we don't want it here."
"Oh, I'm not causing trouble," Evan says smoothly. "I'm just concerned. Maya and I have a very... intimate working relationship. Don't we, Maya?"
The way he says "intimate" makes my skin crawl, and I see several customers shift uncomfortably. Mr. Peterson looks like he wants to say something. Jake's hand has moved to something under the bar that I suspect isn't a towel.
"You need to leave," I repeat, but Evan just smiles wider.
"I don't think I do. This is a public establishment, and I'm a paying customer." He signals to Jake. "I'll have a coffee, please. Black."
Jake doesn't move. "We're closed."
"Your sign says open."
"Sign's wrong."
The standoff stretches taut as a wire, and I realize this is exactly what Evan wanted. To create a scene. To make me look like the problem. To demonstrate that he can reach me anywhere.
"Maya," he says quietly, leaning closer. "We really do need to talk. Privately."
And that's when Lucas appears beside our table like a storm cloud given human form.
"Problem here?" Lucas's voice is deceptively calm, but there's steel underneath that makes everyone in the immediate vicinity go quiet.
Evan looks at him with that same calculated smile, extending his hand like they're about to become best friends. "Evan Pierce. I was just catching up with my former associate."
Lucas doesn't take the offered handshake. Instead, he positions himself between Evan and me, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his body. "Maya's not interested in catching up."
"I think Maya can speak for herself." Evan's smile falters slightly. "This is a private conversation."
"Not in my bar, it's not." Lucas crosses his arms, and the movement makes his shoulders look even broader than usual. "And from where I'm standing, it looks like harassment."
"Harassment?" Evan laughs, but there's no humor in it. "That's a strong word for a business discussion between professionals."
"Is that what this is?" Lucas glances around the room, taking in the tense faces of his customers. "Because it looks like you're making my regulars uncomfortable. And Maya asked you to leave."
"She did indeed." Mrs. Henderson's voice carries clearly across the restaurant. "Twice."
"Three times," Jake adds from behind the bar. "I was counting."
I watch this unfold with a mixture of terror and amazement. My quiet, gruff bartender has transformed into something protective and dangerous, and the entire community is backing him up. This is what Harper meant about small towns protecting their own.
"Gentlemen, ladies," Evan says, spreading his hands in false reasonableness. "I think there's been a misunderstanding. Maya and I have unfinished business—"
"No." Lucas's voice cuts through Evan's explanation like a blade. "You have no business here. And if you continue bothering Maya, we're going to have a problem."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm explaining the situation." Lucas takes a step closer to Evan, and even though Evan is taller, Lucas somehow seems to take up more space. "Maya is under my protection. She's part of this community. And we take care of our own."
The words send a thrill through me that has nothing to do with fear and everything to do with the way Lucas is claiming my place here.
Evan's mask slips for just a moment, revealing the cold anger underneath. But he's smart enough to recognize when he's outnumbered.
"Of course," he says smoothly, stepping back. "I wouldn't want to cause any trouble. Perhaps Maya and I can continue our conversation elsewhere."
"No," I find my voice finally, stronger than before. "There's nothing to discuss. Leave me alone, Evan."
He looks at me for a long moment, and I see the promise of retribution in his eyes.
"I'll be in touch," he says quietly, then turns and walks out without another word.
The door closes behind him, but the tension in the room doesn't dissipate. If anything, it gets worse.
Because we all know he's not done with me yet.
The adrenaline crash hits me ten minutes later, leaving me shaky and nauseous. The bar has returned to normal. Conversations resuming, customers finishing their lunches. But I can't stop replaying Evan's cold smile and that final promise.
"I need some air," I announce, standing up too quickly and nearly knocking over my water glass.
"Maya, wait—" Lucas starts, but I'm already moving toward the side door.
"I'll just be outside for a minute. I need to think."
The afternoon air hits my face like a slap, cool and sharp after the warm stuffiness of the crowded bar. I lean against the brick wall beside the side entrance, trying to slow my racing heart and figure out what the hell I'm supposed to do now.
Evan walked into my safe space, threatened my new life, and made it clear he's not going away. How long before he escalates? How long before—
"Catching some air?"
I spin around, and Evan is standing at the corner of the building, moving closer now. Having appeared as silently as a shadow. Up close, without the audience of the bar, his mask has completely dropped. There's nothing charming or professional about his expression now.
"Stay away from me." I take a step toward the door, but he moves to block my path.
"We're not done talking, Maya." His hand shoots out and grabs my arm, fingers digging in hard enough to bruise. "You embarrassed me in there. Made me look like the bad guy."
"You are the bad guy." I try to pull away, but his grip tightens.
"No, sweetheart. I'm the guy who made your career.
I'm the guy who gave you opportunities you never would have had otherwise.
" His face is inches from mine now, and I can smell his expensive cologne mixed with something sour underneath.
"And I'm the guy who can destroy everything you're trying to build here. "
Fear floods my system, real and immediate. This isn't psychological games anymore. This is physical intimidation, and we're alone on a side street where no one from the bar can see us.
"Let go of me," I whisper.
"You can't hide from me forever, Maya." His grip tightens until I gasp. "Sooner or later, you're going to have to face the consequences of your choices."