MARRIED TO MY EX FATHER IN LAW

ETHAN IS HERE

My entire body tenses automatically. Hannah notices. "It's okay," she says quietly. "He's not Ethan. You don't have to be afraid."

But four years of conditioning don't just disappear because someone says nice things. Footsteps approaching the kitchen. Ocean appears in the doorway, still in his suit from whatever meeting he was at. His eyes immediately find me, and I see relief flash across his face.

"Lola. Good, you're up." His voice is gentle. "I was worried... I'm glad Hannah is taking care of you."

"She barely ate," Hannah reports like she's tattling. "I had to force feed her."

"I didn't force..." I start, but Ocean's slight smile stops me. "Thank you, Hannah. For looking after her."

"Of course, boss."

Ocean's eyes move over my face, probably cataloging the bruises that are even more colorful today than yesterday. Something dark flickers in his expression.

"How are you feeling?" he asks.

"I'm... okay." It's not true, but what else do I say?

"Liar," Hannah mutters. I shoot her a look but she just grins. Ocean moves further into the kitchen. For a big man, he moves carefully around me. Keeping distance. Not crowding.

"I need to talk to you," he says. "About what happens next. But only if you're feeling up to it."

What happens next.

Right. Because this isn't over. Ethan is still out there. The organization still has rules. And I'm now married to the Capo, which probably means... I don't even know what it means.

"Okay," I say quietly.

"Hannah, could you give us a moment?"

"Sure thing." Hannah pats my shoulder as she passes. "I'll be around if you need me."

Then she's gone, and it's just me and Ocean in this huge kitchen.

He pulls out a chair and sits down across from me. Not too close. Respectful of my space.

"First," he says, "I want to make sure you understand the situation. You're safe here. This house is a fortress. My security team is everywhere. Ethan can't get to you." He can't get a inch near you in this house.

I nod.

"Second, I meant what I said yesterday. This marriage is for protection. Nothing more. You have your own room, your own life. I won't make any... demands on you."

My face burns but I'm grateful he's being clear about it.

"Third..." He pauses, and something in his expression shifts. Becomes more serious. "There's something you need to know. Something I found out last night."

My stomach drops. "What?"

"Ethan has been meeting with Dmitri Volkov. The head of the Russian family." Ocean's voice is carefully controlled. "They're planning something. I don't know what yet, but Daniel is investigating."

Dmitri Volkov. I've heard that name whispered at mafia events. Heard he's dangerous. Ruthless.

"What does that mean?" I whisper.

"It means Ethan isn't going to accept this marriage quietly. He's going to..."

A loud crash from outside makes us both jump.

Shouting. Men's voices raised in alarm.

Ocean is on his feet instantly, moving toward the window.

"Boss!" Ezra's voice from the hallway. "We have a situation!"

Ocean's entire demeanor changes. The gentle man from a moment ago is gone, replaced by the Capo. Hard. Commanding.

"Stay here," he tells me. Then he's striding out of the kitchen.

I sit frozen, my heart hammering.

More shouting outside. The security team mobilizing.

And then I hear it.

A voice I know too well. A voice that makes my blood run cold.

Ethan's voice.

Screaming from somewhere outside the house.

"I know she's in there! Lola! LOLA! Get out here, you b***h! This isn't over!"

Oh god.

He's here.

Ethan is here.