ONE NIGHT STAND.

Mia blinked against the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, her head pounding with the dull ache of too much alcohol and too little sleep. Her body was warm-too warm. The scent of cologne and something unmistakably masculine clung to the sheets.

Her pulse stuttered.

There was someone beside her.

Her breath hitched as she turned her head, and her stomach dropped.

A man lay sprawled across the other half of the bed, his bare chest rising and falling in steady, deep breaths. Tousled dark hair fell across his forehead, his chiseled jawline dusted with morning stubble. One strong arm rested against the sheets, the other tucked under the pillow.

Mia sat up so fast the sheet slipped from her body, exposing bare skin.

Oh. My. God.

This wasn't her apartment.

This wasn't her bed.

And she definitely didn't remember bringing a man home last night.

Think, Mia. Think.

Flashes of the previous night slammed into her mind-shots lined up at the bar, the pulsating bass of the music, the heat of someone's touch on her waist. Laughter. Lips brushing against hers.

Then darkness.

A wave of panic surged through her.

What the hell did I do?

She yanked the sheet around her body and scrambled off the bed, her bare feet hitting the cold floor. Her heart pounded as she scanned the room.

A sleek hotel suite. A suit jacket draped over a chair. A half-finished glass of whiskey on the nightstand. A silver Rolex catching the morning light.

Her stomach flipped.

Whoever he was, he wasn't some random drunk.

He was rich.

And still very much asleep.

Mia's fingers dug into the sheet wrapped around her as she tried to breathe. This wasn't her. She didn't do one-night stands. She didn't wake up in strange beds with strange men.

She needed to get out. Now.

Her dress from last night was draped over the back of the chair, her heels kicked carelessly near the door. She spotted her purse on the nightstand and lunged for it, gripping it tight as she turned toward the exit.

Then-

A voice. Deep. Rough. Laced with sleep.

"Running away already?"

Mia froze.

Slowly, she turned.

The man was awake now, propped up on one elbow, watching her with piercing blue eyes. He looked dangerous like this-sleep-tousled, shirtless, and too damn good-looking.

Mia swallowed hard. "I-uh-"

A slow, knowing smirk curled his lips. "Not even a good morning?"

Her face flamed.

She tightened her grip on the sheet. "Look, I don't... I don't usually do this."

His smirk deepened. "Is that supposed to make me feel better or worse?"

Mia scowled. "I don't even know your name."

He leaned back against the pillows, completely unbothered. "Ethan."

Her heart skipped.

Ethan.

The name sounded familiar.

She wracked her brain, but before she could place it, Ethan ran a hand through his hair and stretched, his muscles shifting beneath his skin.

Mia jerked her gaze away.

Nope. Not looking at that.

"Right. Well... this was fun," she said, forcing a casual tone. "But I should go."

Ethan arched a brow. "No breakfast? No awkward morning-after conversation?"

Mia shot him a look. "I think we covered the awkward part."

To her frustration, Ethan only grinned. "Fair enough."

She turned for the door, heart racing. But before she could take another step-

"Mia."

Her breath hitched.

She turned, her pulse skittering. "How do you know my name?"

Ethan watched her, those sharp blue eyes assessing. Too knowing.

Then, he smirked. "You told me last night."

Mia hesitated.

Had she?

Her memory was still fuzzy. But something about the way he said it sent a shiver down her spine.

Ethan swung his legs over the edge of the bed, standing in one smooth, effortless motion. He was tall. Broad shoulders. A body that looked like it had been carved from sin.

Mia took a step back.

"Relax," he murmured. "I don't bite."

She wasn't so sure.

Her fingers tightened on her purse. "Well, thanks for... whatever happened last night."

Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "You don't remember, do you?"

Mia's throat went dry. "I-"

He took a slow step toward her, then another.

Mia's pulse skyrocketed.

"I remember you," Ethan said, his voice lower now, more intense. "I remember the way you looked at me across the bar. I remember the way you pulled me in. And I remember," he paused, gaze darkening, "how much you wanted to forget something."

Mia stopped breathing.

Because he was right.

She had been running from something last night.

But she wasn't about to tell him that.

Ethan watched her for a long moment. Then, to her relief, he stepped back. "I'll let you go."

Mia nodded quickly. "Thanks."

She turned toward the door, hand on the handle.

"But Mia."

Her stomach knotted.

She turned back, and Ethan's gaze locked onto hers.

"This isn't over."

A chill ran down her spine. "Excuse me?"

Ethan smirked, but there was something dangerous in his expression now. "You'll see me again."

Mia shook her head. "I doubt that."

Ethan chuckled. "You don't believe in fate?"

Mia scoffed. "No. I believe in bad decisions. And last night was one of them."

Ethan's smirk didn't falter. "We'll see."

Mia didn't wait for him to say anything else. She yanked the door open and stepped into the hallway, her breath coming too fast.

She needed to get out of here. Away from him. Away from whatever last night had been.

But as she rushed toward the elevator, one thought refused to leave her mind.

Why did it feel like Ethan already knew her?

And why did she have the sinking feeling...

That he was right?

This wasn't over.

Mia's heels clicked against the pavement as she strode down the busy street, the morning air crisp against her skin. Her dress from last night clung uncomfortably to her body, a painful reminder of the mistake she had just walked away from.

Her mind was still racing.

Ethan.

His name echoed in her head like a warning bell. His smirk, his gaze, the way he had spoken to her like he knew something she didn't-it all unsettled her in a way she couldn't shake.

This was supposed to be a one-time thing.

A mistake she could forget.

So why did she still feel his presence lingering in her thoughts?

Mia exhaled sharply, shoving the thoughts away as she hailed a cab. She needed coffee, a shower, and to never think about last night again.

When the cab finally pulled up outside her apartment building, she hurried inside, keeping her head down to avoid the judgmental look from her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Calloway. The old woman always had a way of making her feel like a teenager sneaking in past curfew.

As soon as Mia stepped into her apartment, she locked the door behind her and exhaled in relief.

Safe.

Away from Ethan. Away from whatever weird game he was playing.

She dropped her purse onto the counter and peeled off the dress, tossing it onto the floor before stepping into the shower.

The warm water soothed her nerves, washing away the tension gripping her muscles.

Forget last night.

Forget him.

It was just one night.

By the time she was dressed in fresh clothes and curled up on her couch with coffee, her heartbeat had finally settled. She picked up her phone, scrolling through her messages-mostly work emails and one from her best friend, Olivia.

Olivia: You disappeared last night. Where did you go?

Olivia: Call me. I need details.

Mia groaned. Of course, Olivia would be dying for gossip.

She hesitated before typing back.

Mia: Got too drunk. Went home early.

A lie. But easier than explaining what had really happened.

Her phone buzzed immediately.

Olivia: Liar. You left with someone, didn't you?

Mia bit her lip, debating.

Then-

A knock at the door.

Her heart leapt into her throat.

She wasn't expecting anyone.

Slowly, she placed her coffee down and approached the door. "Who is it?"

Silence.

A bad feeling crept into her chest.

Mia's fingers hovered over the lock. She hesitated before finally pulling the door open.

And her breath caught.

Ethan.

Standing in her doorway, looking too damn smug for someone who shouldn't know where she lived.

Mia's grip on the door tightened. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Ethan leaned casually against the doorframe, his blue eyes glinting with amusement. "Told you we'd see each other again."

Mia's pulse pounded.

"How did you-" She stopped herself. "Never mind. I don't care. You need to leave."

Ethan smirked. "Not even going to invite me in?"

Mia scowled. "Absolutely not."

He sighed dramatically. "Alright, then. I'll get straight to the point."

He reached into his pocket, pulling out something small and familiar.

Mia's stomach dropped.

Her bracelet.

The delicate silver chain, the one she never took off, dangled from his fingers.

"You left this in my hotel room," Ethan said smoothly. "Thought I'd be a gentleman and return it."

Mia's breath came fast. She hadn't even noticed it was missing.

"I-" She swallowed, stepping forward to take it.

But the moment she reached for it, Ethan pulled it just out of reach.

Mia narrowed her eyes. "Really?"

Ethan grinned. "You didn't even say thank you."

Mia snatched it from his fingers, ignoring the way her skin prickled when their hands brushed. "Thanks. Now leave."

Ethan chuckled, but his expression shifted, turning more serious.

"You don't remember last night, do you?"

Mia froze.

Her grip tightened on the bracelet. "Why do you keep saying that?"

Ethan studied her for a moment, his gaze unreadable.

Then-

"You weren't just drunk, Mia."

Her breath hitched.

A chill ran down her spine. "What...?"

Ethan leaned in slightly, his voice lower now. "Someone drugged your drink."

Mia's blood ran cold.

She took a step back. "That's not- I would have-"

"I saw it happen," Ethan said, his expression dark. "Some guy slipped something into your drink when you weren't looking. You were already out of it by the time I found you."

Mia's heart pounded.

Her mind raced. The hazy memories. The missing pieces. The fact that she blacked out completely.

No.

No, this couldn't be happening.

Ethan's gaze softened slightly. "I didn't touch you, Mia. I just got you out of there before something worse happened."

Mia's stomach twisted. She wanted to deny it, to believe this was some twisted joke.

But deep down-she knew.

Something had felt wrong about last night.

Mia wrapped her arms around herself. "Who?" she whispered.

Ethan's jaw clenched. "I don't know. But I intend to find out."

Mia shook her head. "Why do you even care?"

Ethan's expression darkened. "Because this wasn't random."

Mia's breath hitched.

"What do you mean?"

Ethan hesitated, as if debating how much to say. Then-

"Whoever did this wasn't just targeting any girl at the bar." His voice was low, firm. "They were targeting you."

Mia's knees went weak.

She stared at him, her entire world tilting.

Last night wasn't a mistake.

It wasn't just some reckless decision.

It was a trap.

And now, she wasn't sure who-if anyone-she could trust.

Mia's hands trembled as she clutched the silver bracelet Ethan had returned to her. Her mind spun with the weight of his words.

They were targeting you.

It didn't make sense. Who would want to hurt her? She was just an ordinary woman, living an ordinary life.

Wasn't she?

Her voice was barely above a whisper. "You're wrong."

Ethan's expression didn't change. "I'm not."

Mia shook her head. "It was probably some random creep at the bar. That happens, right? This doesn't mean someone was specifically after me."

Ethan exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair. "I'd agree with you-except for one thing."

Mia swallowed hard. "What?"

Ethan leaned in slightly, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "Because the guy who drugged you wasn't just any random predator. He was watching you. The entire night. And when I stepped in?" His jaw tightened. "He looked like he knew me, too."

A chill ran down Mia's spine.

"I don't-I don't understand."

Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Neither do I. But what I do know is that last night wasn't an accident."

Mia's pulse raced. "You're making it sound like I have enemies or something."

Ethan's gaze darkened. "Do you?"

Mia hesitated. "No."

She wasn't lying.

At least, she didn't think she was.

Ethan studied her, his eyes searching for something beneath the surface. After a long pause, he sighed. "Alright. Let's say you don't. Then that leaves one question."

Mia's throat went dry. "What?"

His voice was low, firm. "Who do you know that does?"

Mia blinked. "What are you talking about?"

Ethan folded his arms across his chest. "People don't get targeted for no reason, Mia. Either you have enemies, or you're caught up in something bigger than you realize."

A strange unease settled in her stomach.

"I-" Mia hesitated.

And that's when it hit her.

Her father.

She sucked in a sharp breath.

Ethan noticed her reaction instantly. His eyes narrowed. "Mia."

She looked away, gripping her arms as a deep sense of dread crept in.

Her father, Daniel Hart, had died under mysterious circumstances nearly a decade ago. The official cause had been labeled a car accident.

But she'd never believed it.

She'd always suspected there was more to the story.

And now, a memory she had long buried clawed its way to the surface.

A conversation she had overheard when she was sixteen. Her father, on the phone, voice urgent, almost panicked.

"It's not safe anymore."

"If anything happens to me, she can never know."

At the time, she hadn't understood. She'd written it off as paranoia or stress from work.

But now?

Her stomach twisted.

Could it be connected?

Had she been wrong to ignore the warning signs?

Ethan's voice snapped her back to reality. "What aren't you telling me?"

Mia hesitated, her mind racing.

She had two options:

1. Tell Ethan everything and risk dragging herself deeper into something dangerous.

2. Walk away and pretend last night had been a random incident.

But deep down, she already knew-

This wasn't something she could ignore.

She met Ethan's gaze. "I think my father was hiding something before he died."

Ethan's expression didn't flicker, but something in his eyes shifted. "Go on."

Mia inhaled deeply. "He died in a car accident ten years ago. At least, that's what the police ruled it as. But... I don't think it was an accident."

Ethan watched her carefully. "Why?"

Mia hesitated before finally admitting, "Because he knew something was coming. And whatever it was... he was afraid of it."

A heavy silence filled the space between them.

Ethan was the first to speak. "Did he ever say what it was?"

Mia shook her head. "No. He never told me anything. But I remember overhearing a phone call once. He said something about it 'not being safe' and that 'I could never know.'"

Ethan exhaled slowly. "And you're just now telling me this?"

Mia glared. "I didn't think it mattered. Until now."

Ethan's jaw tensed. He glanced toward the door, then back at her. "If this is connected to your father, then we're in deeper than I thought."

Mia shivered. "We?"

Ethan smirked slightly, but there was no humor in his eyes. "I saved your life last night. Like it or not, I'm involved."

Mia swallowed. "So what now?"

Ethan's expression turned serious. "Now? We figure out who's after you."

Mia exhaled shakily. "And how do we do that?"

Ethan's smirk returned. "Simple."

Mia arched a brow. "Simple?"

Ethan leaned in, his voice low and dangerous. "We bait them."

Mia's stomach dropped.

"You can't be serious."

Ethan's smirk didn't falter. "Oh, I'm dead serious."

Mia stared at him. "You want to use me as bait for some mysterious person who may or may not have tried to drug me?"

Ethan grinned. "Now you're getting it."

Mia groaned. "This is a terrible idea."

Ethan shrugged. "Maybe. But it's the fastest way to get answers."

Mia exhaled, rubbing her temples. This was insane. Completely, utterly insane.

But then again-so was pretending this wasn't happening.

She met Ethan's gaze. "If we do this, we do it my way. No unnecessary risks."

Ethan smirked. "No promises."

Mia rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small thrill of adrenaline rushing through her veins.

For years, she had buried her suspicions about her father's death.

But now?

Now, she had a chance to finally uncover the truth.

Even if it meant trusting a stranger.

Even if it meant putting herself in danger.

And for the first time in a long time-

Mia felt like she was finally ready.