Chapter 6 Problem Magnet

"You know," Ethan said after setting down his glass, "I couldn't help but notice your hair earlier. That red and gold combination is striking. Really beautiful work."

Despite herself, Maya felt a small flutter of appreciation at the compliment, unknowingly tucking a strand behind her ear. "It's natural, actually. Not dyed."

Ethan's eyebrows rose slightly. "Natural? Really?"

"Really," Maya insisted, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her tone.

His expression remained skeptical, though polite. "That's... unusual."

"It's the truth," Maya said, feeling a childish pout forming on her lips.

Ethan laughed then, a warm sound that somehow didn't feel mocking. "Hey, I believe you," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just never seen anything like it before."

"Well, now you have," Maya replied, allowing herself a small smile.

"Is there a story behind it?" Ethan asked, genuine curiosity in his voice. "I mean, natural red and gold hair isn't exactly common."

Maya shrugged, running her fingers through her ponytail. "Born this way. My mom used to say it meant I was destined for something special." She gave a bitter laugh. "Still waiting to find out what that might be. But I've always been proud of it."

"What?" Maya paused, seeing how the young man was staring at her face, making her feel slightly uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry for asking, but did you have a fight with someone?" Ethan couldn't hide his curiosity anymore.

"Well, got them from a boxing fight," Maya shrugged.

"Oh, you're a boxer?"

"Got a problem with that?" Maya shot back.

"Nah," Ethan said, leaning forward slightly. "I'm genuinely happy to have met you tonight, Maya. Having a drink with someone as wonderfully beautiful as you... it feels like a perfect last feeling."

Maya's brows furrowed. "Last feeling? What do you mean by that?"

Ethan's expression shifted, the charismatic mask slipping to reveal something darker underneath. He shrugged his shoulders. "Just like you heard. This night might be my last. I'm fucked up."

"Why do you say so?" Maya leaned forward, suddenly interested, her curiosity piqued.

"That's all I'll probably have to share with you," Ethan replied, his voice lower now. "Life has consequences, and the ones I'm facing are of my own making."

"Oh, I guess you've betrayed someone and they're coming for payback?" Maya teased, thinking of her own situation with Vicky.

To her surprise, Ethan nodded solemnly, guilt flashing across his features. "Looks like you've had your own share of betrayal," he observed. "Is that why you're here drinking alone at this hour?"

Maya hesitated, then nodded as she took another sip. "It sucks," she admitted simply.

"Who was it?" Ethan asked, his eyes showing genuine interest.

"My best friend, who was more like a sister to me," Maya said, the words bringing sadness to her entire being. "She spiked my drink, and I lost a match because of it."

"Oh, that sucks double," Ethan winced sympathetically.

"Yeah, I trusted her with everything in me," Maya nodded, the pain fresh again. "So what about you? Why do you feel guilty about betraying someone? I don't want to believe that this is how my best friend is feeling right now." She locked eyes with him, searching for answers.

"Oh, you never can tell," Ethan chuckled, meeting her gaze unflinchingly. "Sometimes, betrayal works both ways. The one betraying doesn't always find it easy to do so, trust me." He took a long sip of his drink.

"Is that your case?" Maya pressed.

Ethan fell quiet, his eyes distant, lost in memories Maya couldn't see. Finally, he spoke. "In my case, I gave my all to my family... infiltrating a formidable Mafia family for information. Got busted, and my great family denied me. I'm like a government spy abandoned because his cover is blown. I'm now alone. Abandoned and alone."

"Oh, that sucks big time," Maya cringed at his story. "What will you do now?" Not that she cared, she couldn't wait to leave this table and go home.

'Oh, I'm such a problem magnet,' she hissed inwardly, as different scenarios started pumping into her head.

Ethan's expression softened as he looked at her. "Probably enjoy this beautiful night with a damsel like you, if you could permit me?"

Maya blinked confusedly, realizing the conversation was taking a turn she wasn't prepared for. Before she could respond, Ethan reached across the table and placed his hand over hers, his eyes intense as they locked with hers.

Maya laughed awkwardly, quickly pulling her hand away. "It's time for me to go home," she said, gathering her things. "I have a sick sister in the hospital, and although I'm here trying to drown my sorrows, seeing her face would give me the strength to move forward." She stood up abruptly.

"In that case, I'll only enjoy your company by escorting you to wherever you're going," Ethan offered, standing as well.

"I don't need it. I'm fine," Maya insisted, suddenly wanting distance from this handsome stranger with his troubling and dangerous life. She wouldn't want to dabble into the dark world of mafias. She could always get the experience from watching a movie anytime she wanted something of that nature. But little did she know that she was already in it.

"This is just my own happy volunteer service," Ethan said with a charming smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Don't refuse, please."

"And if I keep refusing?" Maya asked, wanting to know how far he could go with his persistence.

"Then, I will keep asking," Ethan smiled.

Maya hesitated, weighing her options. She didn't want to keep arguing with this stranger. It was late, and her body still ached from the fight so she just wanted to go home. Finally, she nodded. "Fine."

They settled their tabs and stepped out into the cool night air. Maya zipped up her hoodie against the chill, very aware of Ethan walking beside her. She couldn't deny he was attractive, the kind of man who turned heads wherever he went, but her mind was elsewhere. Between Mara's mounting hospital bills, Vicky's betrayal, and the six-month fighting ban, romance was a luxury she couldn't afford to contemplate.

They turned down an alley Maya often used as a shortcut. The street lights barely penetrated the narrow passage, their path a little dark and eerie. Maya had walked this route countless times and had never encountered trouble.

Tonight was different.

"So, your sister," Ethan began as they walked. "Is she doing okay?"

Maya was about to reply when shadows detached from the alley walls. Four men stepped into their path, while the sound of footsteps behind them confirmed they were surrounded.

"Well, well," a gravelly voice called out. "Look what we've got here. Ethan Reyes himself, and with such pretty company."

Maya tensed, her fighter's instincts kicking in despite her battered body. She shot a questioning glance at Ethan, whose expression had hardened into something cold and calculating.

"Friends of yours?" she whispered.

"Not exactly," Ethan replied, his posture shifting subtly as he stepped slightly in front of her. "Stay behind me, Maya."

The man who had spoken stepped forward into a shaft of dim light, making the not-so-friendly smile on his face visible. "Time's up, Reyes. The boss wants a word... about your recent activities."

Maya felt a chill that had nothing to do with the night air. She suddenly understood why Ethan had been so cryptic about this being his "last night." These weren't random thugs-they were here specifically for him.

And now she was caught in the middle.

While Maya was still calculating her escape route, Ethan suddenly grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently, making her shiver and look into his eyes.

Ethan leaned close and whispered, "I put you through this shit."

"Now what do we do?" Maya asked, fear evident in her voice.

"We do nothing," Ethan said, a smile on his face. "I will redeem you in my own way so you will remember me as a good guy and not just a bad guy."

"What are you planning?" Maya asked, feeling a bad premonition from his words.

"Don't ask questions. When I make a move, just make a run for it. You're a boxer, and I'm sure running is something you can handle."

"Are you sure it's the best idea?" Maya asked.

"Trust me," Ethan nodded. "They won't shoot me, they need me alive."

"Okay," Maya nodded as she positioned herself for the next action.

"Enough of the chitchat, Ethan," one of the men said.

At Ethan's signal, Maya ran with everything she had while Ethan also acted like he wanted to run, but didn't, making himself available for them to catch him.

Maya didn't stop as she heard screams from Ethan.

When she had run a distance, she suddenly heard a gunshot and paused, tears in her eyes, heart in her hand as she breathed heavily. She looked back and saw no one chasing her. That's when it dawned on her-Ethan must have been shot. This scared the hell out of her, and she resumed running, increasing her speed without looking back.