“Nico Mercier.”
Her reaction was immediate. Harmony’s gaze flicked away, jaw tightening. She stood abruptly and crossed to the small window, arms folding across her chest. “I wondered when you’d get to him,” she said.
“You know him,” I said quietly.
She let out a humorless laugh. “We dated in high school. Briefly.”
“And now?”
She turned back to face me, eyes guarded. “He’s running things while my father keeps a low profile.”
I nodded slowly.
Harmony studied me for a long moment. “You need to be careful.”
“I know.”
“No,” she said firmly. “You really do. Nico doesn’t like people asking questions. Especially outsiders.”
“I’m not trying to cause trouble,” I said.
She softened slightly. “I believe you.”
There was a pause, then she glanced at the clock on the wall. “Are you going to the fight tonight?”
“Yes,” I said. “Jonah’s driving.”
She smiled faintly. “I’ll be staying in town. Eric’s on call with the fire department.”
She moved toward the door, then stopped. “For what it’s worth… I’m glad you’re here. Just be careful.”
After she left, I sat there for a long moment before finally closing my laptop.
Then I stood and turned toward my closet. Getting ready took longer than it should have. I changed outfits twice. Then a third time. Too casual. Too much. Too obvious. Too careful.
Finally, I settled on dark jeans and a fitted black top and paired it with sneakers. Nothing that screamed trying, but nothing that hid me either. I blew out my hair, watching my reflection as it fell into soft waves around my shoulders.
“You’re going to watch a fight,” I told myself. “Not a date.” Still, my pulse said otherwise. When I stepped outside, Jonah was already leaning against his car, keys in hand.
He looked up and whistled. “Damn, Claire you clean up nice.”
I laughed. “You’ve only seen me covered in dirt.”
“That’s still a look,” he said.
I was about to reply when footsteps sounded behind us. Asher crossed the path toward his truck, duffel slung over his shoulder. He glanced up and stopped for a second. Then his jaw tightened and he looked away.
“Just waiting on Elise and Soleil. Marc isn’t coming,” Jonah stated.
“Cool,” I said, my heart suddenly racing.
Elise and Soleil showed up moments later.
“You both look amazing,” I said to them.
“Look who’s talking,” Soleil joked.
“You’re going to make Asher lose focus,” Elise said, laughing.