Chapter 5
Choosing to Help
The café faded into the background as they returned home, the door shutting behind them with a muffled click that sealed off the world. Ada inhaled, the familiar scent of coffee lingering in the air, mingling with the floral notes from her studio. She moved into the small kitchen nook, her heart racing with the crackle of tension that hung between them. Roman leaned against the wall, arms crossed, an island of stillness amidst the storm brewing in their lives.
“Do you want a drink?” she offered, trying to break the silence that felt heavier than the air outside.
“Just water,” he replied, his voice low, almost a whisper. Ada caught a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes when he’d faced his colleagues at the café, a moment that had knocked the wind out of her lungs. He wore his strength like armor, but she could see the cracks forming.
As she poured water into a glass, Ada glanced back at him, noticing how his fingers rubbed at his temples, a gesture that spoke volumes of his stress. “You seem... stressed,” she remarked, hoping her concern wouldn’t be brushed aside.
He sighed deeply, shoulders slumping as if the weight of the world was resting on them. “It’s more than just the wedding. It’s everything happening around it. I didn’t expect…” His voice trailed off, a shadow flickering across his features.
“Didn’t expect what?” she pressed, setting the glass down in front of him, her heart racing.
“Someone to get hurt. To end up in this mess.” His gaze met hers, raw and sincere, pulling her in like a tide. “I didn’t want you involved.”
Ada felt a swell of sympathy wash over her. “You didn’t choose this either,” she said softly, her heart aching for him. “But I’m here now. I can help.”
He shook his head, the sadness in his eyes deepening. “It’s dangerous.”
“Dangerous is relative,” she replied, crossing her arms defiantly, her pulse quickening. “I’ve dealt with my fair share of chaos in the floral world.”
A flicker of a smirk crossed his lips, a brief glimpse of admiration, but it faded quickly under the weight of his thoughts. “Chaos isn’t the same as a gunman.”
Before she could counter, the soft ping of a message shattered the moment. Roman’s phone buzzed ominously on the table, and he moved to check it, his expression shifting as color drained from his face. A chill washed over Ada, an icy tendril of fear creeping into her stomach.
“What is it?” she asked, stepping closer, her heart racing.
“Something’s come up,” he murmured, his voice tight, each word laced with urgency. “We need to talk.”
The gravity of his tone sent a jolt through her. “Talk about what?” she urged, her pulse quickening. She could see the tension in his jaw, the way his fists tightened at his sides.
He hesitated, staring down at the screen, his brow furrowing deeper. “It’s about the investigation… and you,” he finally said, looking up at her, eyes darkening with concern.
“What about me?” Ada felt a knot form in her stomach. “Roman, you’re scaring me.”
He ran a hand through his hair, the frustration and fear etched into his features. “They found something. Something that connects you to the case.”
Ada’s breath caught in her throat. “What do you mean? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“I know that,” he said quickly, stepping closer, his presence both comforting and terrifying. “But someone is making connections, and I don’t want you to be a target.”
“I can handle myself,” she declared, crossing her arms tight against her chest, defensive instincts kicking in. “I won’t be intimidated by this.”
“It’s not about intimidation,” he said, his voice rising slightly, desperation creeping in. “It’s about keeping you safe. There are people out there who won’t hesitate to use anyone close to me to get what they want.”
Ada’s heart raced at the implication. “What do we do?” she asked, fear lacing her words.
“We have to go somewhere safe,” he said, his voice steadying as he met her gaze. “I need you to trust me.”
“Trust you?” The words slipped out before she could catch them, but his dark eyes held hers, and she felt the weight of the moment settle around them. “What if it’s a trap?”
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he promised, his voice firm, but the uncertainty in his eyes told a different story.
Before she could respond, a loud crash echoed from outside, followed by shouts. Ada’s heart dropped as they both turned toward the window, the world outside suddenly feeling very real, very dangerous.
“Roman, what’s happening?” she whispered, fear tangling with adrenaline.
He stepped toward her, eyes scanning the street. “Stay close,” he urged, his tone sharp. “We might not be safe here.”
As adrenaline surged through her, Ada’s heart raced with uncertainty. What had she stepped into? And more importantly, would they make it out together?