Chapter 6 - Shadows in the City
Two days later, Madison was sitting up in her hospital bed, eating a bowl of broth and teasing Claire about her "fancy new husband" who had sent a private security detail to stand guard outside her hospital door.
"Seriously, Claire, the guys out there look like they eat raw nails for breakfast," Madison laughed, though her pale cheeks held a healthier flush than they had in months. "Where did you even find a guy like Adrian?"
"It's a long story, Mads," Claire smiled evasively, adjusting the pillows behind her sister's back.
The truth—that she had sold a year of her life to a ruthless mafia boss in exchange for two million dollars and Madison's medical bills—was a secret she vowed to take to her grave. Madison had enough to worry about without knowing the dark underworld deal her sister had struck to save her life.
"Well, he clearly cares about you," Madison noted shrewdly, watching Claire fold a blanket. "The way he looked at you when he thought I was sick... that wasn't a fake husband, Claire. That was a man completely head over heels."
Claire’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced a laugh. "You're hallucinating, Mads. It's the medication."
Later that evening, Claire returned to the Tribeca penthouse.
The apartment was quiet, bathed in the dim, amber glow of the city lights stretching out below the massive floor-to-ceiling windows. She kicked off her heels, exhaling a long breath as she walked into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water.
As she turned around, she nearly dropped the glass.
Adrian was standing in the shadows by the kitchen island, nursing a glass of bourbon. He had discarded his jacket and tie, his shirt unbuttoned at the top.
"How is she?" he asked quietly.
"She's doing amazing," Claire smiled softly, leaning against the counter. "The doctor said she might even be discharged by next week. Thank you, Adrian. For everything—for coming with me, for keeping her safe."
Adrian took a slow sip of his drink, his dark eyes tracking her every movement. "I told you, what's mine is safe."
"Adrian..." Claire hesitated, her throat suddenly tight. "About what happened in the Catskills... in the cabin..."
Adrian’s expression hardened instantly, the warmth vanishing from his eyes, replaced by that cold, untouchable mask she had come to dread. "Forget it, Claire. It was a mistake born of isolation and adrenaline. The contract hasn't changed. Separate wings. No complications."
May you like
A sharp pang of disappointment pierced Claire's chest, acute and painful. She nodded slowly, forcing a tight, brittle smile. "Right. Of course. Just a mistake. I'll... I'll go to my room."
She turned and walked away, fighting back the stinging tears in her eyes, completely unaware of the dark, tormented look Adrian gave her retreating back as the heavy oak door clicked shut.
