𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑴𝑬𝑹 || 18+

Chapter 7

As they sat down, one of the clients introduced Ethan to Willa.

"Miss Harrington, meet Mr. Blackwood. He is very sharp-minded and has been helping us for a long time," the client said.

Ethan gave Willa a smile that felt more like a smirk. "Hello, Miss Harrington," he said.

She returned the smile, but it was forced. "Hello, Mr. Blackwood. Nice to meet you."

Both of them were full of questions but kept silent as the meeting went on. After two long hours, the discussion ended. The clients said their goodbyes and left. Ethan’s eyes stayed on Willa.

As soon as they were alone, Ethan grabbed her hand and pulled her to the top deck of the cruise. Ryan tried to stop him, but Willa signaled that she was okay.

Once they were on the top deck, away from everyone, Ethan’s face was full of anger. "Willa, will you explain why you’re here? Wait... wasn’t your uncle sick? Is he fine now? Or is Italy your hometown?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Willa felt uneasy but tried to stay calm. "Why are you here, Ethan? Why do you look so angry?" she asked, surprised by his behavior.

He took a deep breath and spoke sharply. "You answer first."

Willa stayed quiet for a moment.

"Willa!" he shouted, demanding an answer.

She took a deep breath and looked away. "I am the daughter of the late Orien Harrington. The cruel mafia boss."

Ethan’s face showed shock. He struggled to respond. "That means you’re not safe," he said, his voice softening as he looked at her. "You’re my family’s enemy."

Willa’s eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Ethan stared into the night. "My family does the same thing. And our families are enemies."

Willa’s eyes widened. "Ethan, you come from a mafia family too. Does that mean Nate—"

He cut her off quickly. "No. I kept her out of this. This is why we don’t live with our parents," he said firmly.

------

They stood silently, looking out at the endless sea under the moonlight. The air was heavy with unspoken words.

Willa let out a bitter laugh. "So, all this time, I was living with my family’s enemy," she said, shaking her head at the cruel twist of fate.

Ethan almost smiled at the irony. "It is strange, isn’t it?" But then he turned serious, his eyes locking onto hers. "But how did you end up with us in New York?"

She hesitated, struggling to get the words out. "I watched my parents being killed in front of me three years ago," she said, her voice low and shaky. The painful memory surfaced, making her take a deep breath. "After that, I left Italy. One of my father’s most trusted men helped me start a new life in New York. I never wanted this life where you need bodyguards just to feel safe."

Ethan nodded, understanding. "I know what you mean. I never wanted it either, but my family always calls me back," he said, shaking his head. "I’m happiest when I’m at my clinic, being called ‘Psycho’ by my patients," he added with a teasing grin.

Willa laughed softly. "Ethan!"

He turned to her, his expression serious again. "Listen, stay away from my family while you’re on this cruise. And, please, just go back to New York. It’s safer for you there."

"I know," she said, but then added, "But even if I wanted to, I—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Ethan stepped forward and gently pulled her closer holding her waist, cutting her off with a kiss.