Bonds

Chapter 76

-Maya’s POV-

Sarah’s eyes darted back and forth between Adrian and us, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Hold on,” she finally blurted, her voice laced with concern. “Do you guys know him?”

Before I could even consider a response, Adrian swaggered over, a sly smile plastered acro

his face that sent shivers down my spine.

“Amaya, Natalia,” he greeted us in a voice that oozed with false charm, “What a stunning coincidence running into you lovely ladies here.”

Natalia’s gaze narrowed to icy slits. Gone was the playful demeanor she’d worn moments ago, replaced by a steely glare, “Oh, cut the crap out, Adrian. Are you seriously following us? Are you really that pathetic?”

Adrian chuckled, a hollow sound devoid of any genuine humor. “Following? Now, wouldn’t that be a bit dramatic, Natalia?” He leaned back in his chair, his gaze flitting between us like a predator sizing up its prey.

The sight of him made a wave of nausea roll through my stomach. It wasn’t just his smug expression or the way he casually inserted himself into our space. It was the memories he brought with him, a tangled mess of betrayal and anger that threatened to unravel the fragile peace I’d built. It was him. The pictures, I could still picture him sprawled on the bed behind me. Everything had started with him.

Across the counter, Riley, who’d been quietly observing the scene unfold, slammed a glass down with a force that made us all jump. “Uh–uh,” she said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of weariness. “No fighting here today. I had to pull some serious strings just to get Amaya back in after the last little… incident.” Her eyes, sharp locked on mine for a fleeting moment before flicking back to Adrian.

“Okay, what the hell is going on here?” Sarah demanded, her voice a mix of annoyance and confusion. Everything had been light and fun just moments ago, and now the atmosphere felt thick with animosity, a stark contrast to the cheerful chatter of the other patrons.

Natalia, her voice dripping with venom, spat back, “What’s going on is that this charming gentleman here” – she gestured sarcastically at Adrian – “is an absolute jerk who’s been stalking us ever since he got out of prison.”

“Stalking?” Adrian scoffed, throwing his hands up in mock defense. “Come on now, Natalia, that’s a bit of a strong word, wouldn’t you say?”

boil over. “Explain to Sarah then, “Adrian,” why you decided to ask her out on a date. Unless of course, it

flicker of annoyance crossing his features. He cleared his throat and straightened in his chair, as if trying to regain composure. “Well, Amaya,” he began, his voice taking on a patronizing tone that made me want to roll my eyes, “let’s just say I saw an opportunity to reconnect with some old

out a snort of derision, a harsh sound that echoed in the small bar. “Genuine interest? Please, Adrian. Spare us the act. We all know you’re just playing some kind of

a mask of indifference. “Is that what you truly

laced

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Chapter 76

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only by the murmur of conversations from other patrons of the bar. Sarah, still bewildered

What is going on? How does everyone know each other?” Her question hung in the air, demanding an explanation, and I knew I couldn’t

Alex’s best friend.” The words came out

reason I was in jail in the first place was because Alex, my supposed best friend and your ex,

of everything he had because he believed we had an affair. Something that never happened. As much as I hated to admit it, Adrian had every right to be angry. He’d lost his freedom, his livelihood. But revenge? Using Sarah, an innocent bystander, as a pawn? That

a shaky sigh, I met his gaze head–on. “Whatever this elaborate plan of yours is, Adrian,” I said, my voice low and steady, “whatever you’re hoping to

A sardonic smirk just grew on

let out a sharp scoff, her eyes narrowing at Adrian with a newfound intensity. “Did you ask me out because

for a moment, a flicker of unease crossing his features. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a

room for argument. The tension in the room was palpable, a storm brewing

the surface.

with you,” I finally blurted

annoyance crossing his features. But it was quickly masked by a practiced indifference. “And who exactly are you to speak for her, Amaya?”

He seemed to revel in

to your second choice, Natalia?” he