Chapter 4
Forced Intimacy
The hum of conversation filled the upscale café as Ada and Roman stepped inside, a world of soft lighting and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wrapping around them. The rhythmic clinking of porcelain cups mingled with bursts of laughter, but Ada's heart raced. Roman's hand was warm against the small of her back, a gesture that felt simultaneously possessive and protective. The absurdity of their situation weighed heavily on her. One errant bullet had shattered the glasshouse, creating a bond forged in fear, but trust was a fragile thing, and her mind wrestled with uncertainty.
“Just act natural,” Roman murmured, his voice low and steady, a soothing anchor in the chaos of her thoughts. “We need to seem like a couple.”
“Right, because that’s just so easy,” Ada replied, forcing a smile as they approached a table occupied by several of Roman’s colleagues. The men were sharply dressed, their tailored suits accentuating their polished demeanor. As they caught sight of her, their eyes glided over her with a mix of intrigue and judgment, making her feel like an exhibit rather than a person.
“Roman, good to see you,” one of them said, his gaze sliding over Ada with a hint of condescension. “And who’s this?”
“This is Ada, my—” Roman hesitated, the word “wife” hanging uncomfortably between them. “My partner in a project.”
“Ada Monroe,” she said, extending her hand with a confident smile, fighting the urge to pull back. “Floral designer.”
“Ah, the one who makes the magic happen at Vale Events,” another man chimed in, his tone light yet scrutinizing. “Might have to hire you for my daughter’s wedding.”
As they spoke, Roman kept his arm around her shoulders, the warmth of his body a stark contrast to the coolness of the room. Every touch was electric with tension, a reminder of the precarious situation they found themselves in. She could feel his muscles taut beneath his tailored shirt, and the intimacy felt forced, like they were actors in a play neither of them had auditioned for.
“Everything okay?” she asked, leaning in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper, concern lacing her words.
“Just… stay close,” he replied, his eyes narrowing as they flickered toward the entrance.
Ada followed his gaze, her heart racing. A figure lingered just beyond the threshold, half-shadowed and indistinct, but it sent a chill skimming down her spine. Roman’s grip on her waist tightened, a silent message that danger was closer than it seemed.
“Smile,” he urged, his tone soothing but urgent. The warmth in his voice felt like a thin veil over the tension swirling around them, a storm cloud ready to unleash its fury.
The men continued their banter, but Ada felt herself disconnecting from the conversation. She could sense Roman’s focus shifting, his body rigid beside her. The café, once a haven of warmth, now felt like a stage set for something sinister. Ada's mind raced. Who was that person? What did they want?
“Is everything alright?” one of Roman's colleagues asked, noticing the sudden shift in atmosphere.
“Just a little tight in here,” Roman replied smoothly, his gaze still locked on the entrance. He shifted slightly, angling himself to shield Ada, a protective barrier against whatever threat lurked outside.
She leaned into him, seeking comfort and strength. “Roman, who is that?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Just someone I didn’t want to see us,” he said, but the edge in his voice betrayed him. “Focus on me, Ada. Keep smiling.”
The world around them faded, the chatter of the café becoming a distant murmur. She could feel his breath against her hair, steady and warm, anchoring her in a moment that felt both surreal and terrifying.
Suddenly, the figure at the entrance stepped forward, revealing a face she recognized—a face that sent a jolt of fear through her. “Roman,” she breathed, panic rising. “It’s—”
Before she could finish, the door swung open fully, letting in a blast of cold air that sent a shiver through her. The figure stood poised, an unsettling grin spreading across his face. “Well, well, if it isn’t the power couple,” he drawled, his eyes glinting with malice.
Roman’s body tensed beside her, and Ada’s heart thudded in her chest. The atmosphere shifted, the warmth of the café now feeling like a trap.
“Smile, Ada,” Roman whispered, his grip tightening as he faced the newcomer. “Things are about to get complicated.”