His expression hardened instantly. “That’s a terrible idea,” he said quietly.
“It’s just a conversation, Asher. It’ll be fine,” I assured.
“It won’t be,” he replied.
“You don’t know that,” I snapped, a little annoyed.
“I do,” he replied calmly.
He moved closer, not crowding me, just making sure I understood he was serious.
“Nico isn’t some guy who owns a bar,” he said. “He doesn’t meet women at night to have friendly chats.”
“I can handle myself.” I straightened my shoulders.
“I don’t doubt that,” he answered immediately. “But this isn’t about whether you’re capable. It’s about whether it’s smart.”
“I need answers,” I said softly.
His jaw tightened. “I get that,” he said. “I really do. But you walking in there alone? That’s not the way.”
“You can’t come with me,” I pointed out. “If you’re there, he won’t talk.”
He paused. “I could wait outside.”
“Look, I appreciate the concern, but a guy like that will know if I have someone waiting on me outside. I have a plan. You don’t need to worry,” I said.
“Be careful and text me when you get back,” he exhaled.
I looked at him for a second longer. I almost smiled. “Okay, Dad.”
This time his mouth twitched slightly.
“Very funny,” he said. Then his expression sobered again. “If anything feels off, you walk out. I don’t care if you don’t get answers.”
I nodded.
His eyes searched mine like he was trying to decide if he trusted me. “I mean it,” he said.
“I know.”
For a second, neither of us spoke, as his gaze raked over me. For some reason the dark look in his eyes felt dangerous. Like he liked what he saw.
“You look...” He stopped himself.
“What?” I swallowed. I almost threw myself at him the night before. Being this close to him was risky. I had never felt so attracted to someone before.
He shook his head once. “You look like you’re walking into something you shouldn’t have to.”
That wasn’t what I expected.
“I’ll be careful,” I promised again.
He stepped aside but didn’t move away completely.
“I’ll keep my phone on,” he said.
I walked past him, aware of the way his presence lingered behind me. The drive into town unsettled me now. He was right. This wasn’t smart. But it was necessary. I parked a block from the snooker bar Kammy mentioned. Checked my reflection in the mirror. The curls softened my face. The black tank made me look more confident than I felt.