Ciro and his guys were more visible, and Max, Toby, and Atlas were looking a little too serious for my liking. Something was up.
By the end of the night I was exhausted, but the adrenaline was pumping through my veins full force.
“Let’s celebrate,” Ziggy said as he sat at the now empty bar. “Max, do you have any champagne?”
Max’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, but he nodded and pulled out a chilled bottle and three flutes. “I was all ready for you guys.”
“Where’s Shane?” I asked, looking around but not seeing even a shock of red hair.
“In Atlas’s office. I was told when you had time Atlas needed to talk to you.” Max’s gaze darted to mine, and I absolutely knew something was wrong now.
“Yeah, sure. Trin and Ziggy are heading to the hotel; they have to leave early tomorrow, well, today actually now.”
“We will be doing this again soon, though.” Ziggy held his glass up, and the three of us clinked together. “Haven Hart has a certain kind of magic to it.”
I didn’t say anything in response, just sipped my champagne. I wasn’t so sure magic would be the word I’d use to describe Haven Hart, but I wasn’t going to burst his bubble.
After we finished our drinks, Ziggy announced it was time to go. I walked them out to where their Uber was waiting. Ziggy said he’d be in touch soon and got in, leaving me with Trinity.
“Ledger, I’m sorry I was such a bitch. I had a great time tonight and—”
“How about we pretend it never happened, okay? We’re friends, and that’s how I want it to stay. It’s fine, really.”
She smiled, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Don’t be a stranger, Ledger, okay?”
“I promise.”
I watched them until the car was out of sight, and went back into the club. When I opened the door, Ciro was standing there.
“Were you creeping on me?” I asked.
He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, that’s me, a big old creep. Come on, Atlas needs to talk to you.”
I was planning on going to Atlas’s office anyway, but the way Ciro was watching everything around him gave me goose bumps.
“What’s going on, Ciro?”
He looked over his shoulder, eyes dark and endless. “It’s gonna be fine,” was all he said before opening the door to Atlas’s office.
When I stepped inside I noticed two things: Shane was sitting there, and on Atlas’s desk was a box and a flower. Then I realized Max, Toby, and Atlas were all in here as well.
“We need to have a chat, Ledger.” Atlas gestured to the seat next to Shane. “Shane reluctantly told me what’s been going on. And while I’m glad you said something to Ciro, clearly they’re escalating.” He tapped the box.
“Look, I don’t consider gifts as escalating, Atlas. It’s likely an overzealous fan. When I was at the con, it was the first time in a long time I’d been out at a function. I’m sure by next month, they’ll move on and the gifts will stop.” I really wanted to believe that.
“Right, because here in Haven Hart, the easiest and least threatening thing is always what it is.” Max’s sarcastic reply was followed by a roll of his eyes.
“Not helping, Max,” Atlas snapped. “Let’s see what’s in the box, shall we?”
I went to reach for it, but Ciro beat me to it. “Hey.”
“You have no idea what’s in here. If it’s something that can hurt you or—”
“But it hurting you is okay?” I argued and went for the box, but Ciro was faster and I backed away.
“I don’t hurt so easily.” I was about to say more, but before I could argue further, Ciro opened the box and there was silence.
“What is it?” Shane asked.
Ciro took out what was in the box. “A USB drive.”
“Like last time.” Shane looked over at me. “Another song?”
“Right, Shane filled us in. The first gift was the song ‘Creep’ by Radiohead, correct?” Atlas took the USB drive from Ciro.
“There’s something else.” Ciro took out a small piece of paper that was in the box and opened it. “I believe it’s meant to be, darling. I watch you when you are sleeping, you belong with me. Do you feel the same?”
“Those are lyrics,” Shane said, and he was right.
“ ‘Eternal Flame’ by the Bangles.” I gestured to Atlas. “Play it.” Sure enough, the song began to play.
I watched everyone: There was worry on Toby’s face. Max’s was hardened, no doubt angry. Ciro was placid in the way