#Chapter 11 – Pawns

Olivia's POV Ethan and I sat outside the restaurant, wrapping up the final details of our wedding announcement. It surprised me we were on the same page with a lot of things and could agree on things pretty quickly. Our conversation had been quick and efficient, all business. “That should cover everything,” I said, trying to keep my voice light. Ethan nodded, his gaze lingering a little too long. As we stood near the entrance, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows, I couldn’t stop thinking about Aiden’s words. His first mate rejected him for a reason. A part of me wanted to ask Ethan about it right there, like he had asked. I started to, but what would that accomplish? Our relationship was nothing more than a contract. Digging into his past, especially about something so personal, would only complicate things. Just when I thought we’d part ways, he leaned in slightly. “Anything else on your mind?” His tone was casual, but there was an intensity beneath it that mad