Ch-18
Inside Georgie’s private study. Late night. Rain tapping softly against the windows. Ethan stands near the bookshelves, arms folded. Georgie sits on the edge of the desk, her fingers curled around a glass of whiskey.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
You didn’t touch your drink.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
Didn’t feel like dulling my instincts tonight.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
That’s new. You’re usually the one drowning out silence.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
And you’re usually not this talkative.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
Something’s off. I feel it.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
(quietly)
It’s been off since the failed ambush. Someone wanted me exposed. Badly.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
Still think it’s one of your lieutenants?
Georgie May Adler (fl)
(nods slightly)
I’ve trusted them for years. That’s what makes betrayal sting harder.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
(steps closer)
You’re not used to being vulnerable. Not even in front of yourself.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
(a sharp glance)
And you’re not used to giving a damn. So why are you still here?
Ethan Aviel (ml)
(meets her gaze evenly)
Because someone’s trying to kill you. And that pisses me off more than it should.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
(a beat, then softer)
You should’ve left after the job.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
I don’t walk away unfinished.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
And what if this doesn’t end?
Ethan Aviel (ml)
Then I guess I stay.
Silence stretches between them, heavy and electric. The rain intensifies outside.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
You’re not afraid of me, are you?
Ethan Aviel (ml)
(slow smile)
No. But I respect the damage you can do.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
And what if that damage touches you?
Ethan Aviel (ml)
Then I’ll bleed differently.
She studies him, expression unreadable. Then sets the glass down and stands.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
There’s a meeting tomorrow. Just the inner circle. I want you there. Quiet. Observing.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
Always am.
As he turns to leave, she speaks again—softer, almost reluctant.
Georgie May Adler (fl)
Ethan… if I ever have to choose—
A pause. His back still to her.
Ethan Aviel (ml)
Don’t. Not yet.
he walks out, the echo of his boots against the marble floor trailing behind.
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