Maybe

Chapter 66 The Void Is Filled

Everything about Aiden had finally been resolved. 

He had been shot—thanks to her—but thankfully, not dead. He was taken into custody, and justice would take its course. His crimes, his lies, his manipulations… all of it was over. The weight of him, the constant fear, the tension that had coiled in her chest for so long—it was gone. 

And for the first time in what felt like forever, she could breathe. 

Ethan’s family had moved to the city, settling into their new home like they had always belonged there. It was strange seeing them so close, knowing that he was just a few streets away. Not that she had seen much of him lately—he had vanished for two days, who knows where. Could be some work, or maybe he was just avoiding her. She wasn’t sure. 

Nina leaned back against the couch, exhaling. Her mother’s house was full of noise, warmth—her family talking in the kitchen, the sound of laughter blending with the occasional clatter of dishes. Ethan’s family was here, too, everyone mingling like this was normal. Like they hadn’t all just survived the kind of chaos most people only saw in movies. 

Everything was falling into place. Aiden was gone. Ethan’s family was safe. She had even finally gotten the lock on her apartment door fixed—no more jamming her key into it like a maniac just to get inside. 

And yet… 

Nina’s fingers tapped against the side of her mug, her gaze drifting to the doorway. 

He wasn’t here. 

Ethan could do whatever he wanted. He was probably just busy. But she missed him.

Nina walked down the hallway, her fingers still curled around the handle of her now-empty mug. She had been lost in thought, barely noticing the way the noise from the living room faded behind her. The air was cooler here, quieter, giving her a moment of much-needed peace. 

Until she felt it. 

A sudden pull—strong, urgent—yanking her off course. A sharp gasp left her lips as she stumbled, only for a firm grip to steady her, pressing her back against the cool surface of a closed door. Her heart slammed into her ribs as she looked up. 

Ethan...?

Before she could even process the sharp intensity in his gaze, before she could demand where the hell he had been for two days, his lips crashed against hers. 

Heat. 

That was the first thing she felt, burning through her veins, stealing the breath from her lungs. His hands cupped her face, tilting her up to him, deepening the kiss like he had been starving for it. For her. 

Nina’s mind spun, her fingers gripping his shirt instinctively before reality slammed into her like a freight train. 

Their parents were here. 

She shoved against his chest, breathless, her voice barely above a whisper. “Ethan—our parents are literally in the next room!” 

He barely flinched, his hands still resting on either side of her, caging her in. His lips hovered just over hers, his breath warm, his expression utterly unfazed. “I don’t care.” 

Nina’s pulse stuttered. “You should care!” she hissed, glaring up at him. “They’ll kill us if they find out-” 

Ethan just smirked. That damn smirk. The one that made her stomach twist, made her forget every logical thought in her head. 

“Let them,” he murmured, his fingers brushing down her arm, sending shivers racing through her skin. “Not like it’ll stop me.” 

Her breath hitched, but before she could protest, he leaned in again—slower this time, deliberate—like he knew she wasn’t going to push him away again. And damn it, he was right.