The ride back to her apartment was quiet, but not uncomfortable. There was an unspoken understanding between them, something lingering in the air like the last note of a song that neither of them wanted to end.
When the car pulled up to her building, Ed stepped out first, rounding the vehicle to open her door. Liv slipped out, the cool night air brushing against her exposed skin, sending a shiver down her spine. He walked her to the front entrance, lingering just a little too close.
She knew this part of the night well, the hesitation, the silent question hanging between them. She shifted, toying with the keys in her hand. Kissing him was inevitable. She had to sell the illusion, as much as she didn't want him to think she was taken by him, she didn't want him to think she wasn't interested.
She knew where she drew the line, and she figured a kiss was she leaned in, it was subtle, tentative, but Ed met her halfway. The moment their lips touched, something inside her dipped, not quite breaking, but bending in a way she hadn't expected. His hand found her waist, warm and steady, pulling her just a fraction closer. She let herself melt, just for a second, before reality slammed back into her like a freight train.
She pulled away, forcing herself to breathe.
Ed's lips curved into a soft smile crossed as he pushed the hair away from her face.
"I had this whole bit planned about asking to kiss you…"
"You'll have to save it for some other unexpecting girl."
He scoffed, and toher surprise, he didn't push. He didn't ask to come up, didn't even give her that knowing smirk. Instead, he gave had waist a squeeze and leaned in, whispering in her ear.
"Sweet dreams, Livvy."
And without hesitation, he turned on his heeland strode back to the hovered at the top of the stairs, waiting for him to glance back, but he didn't.
The black car pulled away from the curb, disappearing down the street, leaving her standing there, dumbfounded at how the night had one thing was sure, if anyone asked, he kissed her first.
Liv floated into her apartment on a cloud of champagne and flicked on the lightand shrieked, jumping back at the sight of Elliot lounging on her couch.
"El! What the hell are you doing here?"
He stood slowly, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.
"I can't get used to you as a blonde."
Liv exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest. "Me either,I keep catching myself in the mirror wondering who the hell is staring back at me."
She watched as Elliot gave her another once-over, then another
"Can you not?" she huffed, shoving him playfully.
He smirked. "I mean… he has good taste, at least."
Liv sighed, running a hand down the silky material of her dress.
"I know. If he doesn't ask for it back, I could probably pay two months' rent with this thing."
He followedher into the kitchen, leaning over the bench.
"So, did you eat caviar and sip champagne in a helicopter and laugh at the poor?"
Liv ignored his dig and poured them both a nightcap. He followed her back into the lounge, she flopped onto the couch, kicking off her heels.
"Actually, he took me to Per Se."
Elliot scoffed. "Predictable…"
He placed himself next to her, she knew he'd only tease her further by divulging all the details, but she couldn't help herself.
"He booked the whole restaurant out for us…"
Elliot didn't have any come backs, he wouldn't have thought she would have been impressed by the flashiness of Ed's plans, but then again, she wasn't the Liv he knew right now.
"Anyway, did you find out anything useful?"Elliot's voice was clipped, laced with impatience.
His arms were crossed, tension radiating from his eyes as he studied Olivia's flinched feeling her phone vibrate in her hand, she glanced at the screen, it was Ed.
Elliot impatiently waved his hand in her face. "Hello?"
She placed her phone on the table, face down.
"El, I spent four hours with him. You really think he's going to spill details about his criminal empire over appetizers and a bottle of wine?"Her tone was dry, edged with frustration, but beneath it, there was something else—a flicker of exhaustion.
Elliot exhaled through his nose, jaw tightening. He knew she was right, but the thought of Liv spending any more time with that bastard than absolutely necessary made his stomach ran a hand over his face, trying to tamp down the gnawing irritation.
"I just don't likeit,him."
Her eyes softened for a fraction of a second before she masked it with a smirk.
"Well lucky you're not the one dating him then."
The next morning she awoke to a text message from Ed.
Ed: ignoring me already, brutal!
She had forgotten to reply to the message he had sent her while Elliot was busy interrogating her the night before. She hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard, knowing she had to play it cool.
Liv: Didn't want to seem to eager, I hear mystery is attractive.
Ed: So you didn't think of me at all after our date?
Liv: Maybe, for like three seconds while brushing my teeth.
Ed: I'll take it, that's three more seconds than I thought I'd get.
She tossed the phone onto the bed with a smug little grin, then collapsed beside it, arms stretched wide, her smirk lingering like perfume in the air. Satisfaction pulsed quietly in her chest, he was hooked, and she was just getting started.
By late afternoon, cabin fever crept in. The sun was too nice to waste behind glass. She grabbed her bag, sunglasses, and the faintest hint of guilt, and headed out into the city.
A café patio caught her eye, busy enough to disappear in, quiet enough to think. She ordered a coffee, slipped into a corner seat, and let her eyes drift across the street. People moved in fragments: conversations, laughter, hands brushing over tables. She was still sipping her drink when her phone buzzed on the table.
Ed: Starting to think I peaked with the teeth-brushing moment…
She smiled behind her was trying not to chase, but the bait had been taken. Still, she needed to make him want the line reeled back in. Cool, calm, untouchable, that's what he liked, right?
Without a second thought, she dropped the phone back into her bag and leaned into the sunlight, letting it warm her face while her coffee cooled beside her.
Hours later, after a long walk weaving through Central Park's golden haze, Liv finally let herself unlock her apartment door. Her phone had buzzed more than once during the stroll, but she'd kept it tucked away. Let him wonder.
Kicking off her shoes with a soft groan, she sank into the corner of the couch, pulling her knees up and curling into herself like a secret. Then, casually, like it was an afterthought, she retrieved her phone.
Two unread texts.
Ed:I'm not great at guessing games, but I'm guessing either:
A)You're busy saving the world.
B)B) You're ghosting me.
C) You're pretending to ghost me to stay mysterious.
D) All of the above.
Five minutes later:
Ed:Or E) You're so overwhelmed by that kiss you physically can't reply.
She stared at the screen, her lips twitching despite herself.
Liv pondered his last message for a moment longer, then typed with the kind of grin that came from knowing she had him exactly where she wanted him.
Liv:
F) You wish it was the kiss.
G) I was just out… avoiding giving you an ego boost.
H) …but clearly, that didn't work.
She hit send, tossed the phone onto the couch cushion beside her, and stretched out like a cat, knowing it wouldn't take long.
It didn't, her phone buzzed a minute later.
Ed:I'm not reading any denial, so you admit it was the kiss?
She smirked, replying quickly.
Liv:I admit nothing. Except that your desperation is very entertaining.
Ed:I prefer "charmingly persistent."
Liv:You keep telling yourself that.
Ed:Can I at least tempt you with another night out?
Liv read the message twice. He was disarming, persistent, but not pushy. The kind of man who knew his power but didn't wield it recklessly. It made her job harder, it made everything harder.
She took a breath and replied.
Liv:Maybe. If you behave.
Ed:Define "behave."
She rolled her eyes, chuckled, and let the screen fade to black.
Ed: Wednesday, I'll send a car. Be ready at six.
Liv: On a school night?
Ed: I'll write you asicknotefor Thursday if you need it…
She arched a brow, intrigued but wary. Typical Ed, confident, in control. Always a step ahead.
Liv: Dress code?
Three little dots appeared on her screen, signalling that he was typing. Then, suddenly, they vanished. No reply.
Her smirk faltered slightly, a flicker of unease creeping in before a sharp knock at the door stole her attention. Pushing herself up with a sigh, she padded over and swung it open, her breath catching slightly at the sight before her.
A package, just like last time. Large, wrapped meticulously in crisp white paper and tied with a deep red satin bow.A smile ghosted across her lips before she could stop phone buzzed in her hand.
Ed: Open it.
Chuckling, she tossed her phone onto the tableand carried the package over to the couch and sat it on her lap. She slid her fingers under the silky ribbon, slowly unraveling it before peeling back the delicate layers of tissue paper. A soft gasp escaped her lips as her fingertips grazed the cool, smooth fabric beneath.
A black satin dress.
She lifted it carefully, letting the luxurious material slip through her fingers, the shimmer of the fabric catching the light. The silhouette was breathtaking, elegant yet daring, the back dipping scandalously low. Her gaze flicked to the label inside, Dolce & Gabbana.
Exhaling slowly, she shook her head. This was too much, even for him.
She reached for her phone.
Liv: You don't have to buy me a new dress for every date!
Ed: I know I don't have to…
Ed: Just one more thing… does this mean you like me now?
A warmth spread through her chest, one she wasn't entirely comfortable with.
Holding the dress against her body, she stepped in front of the mirror, tilting her head as she took in the way it hugged her curves, the way the silky material draped over her skin like liquid. She twirled once, the hem whispering around her thighs.
Her phone buzzed again.
Ed: I'm taking your silence as a yes…. Sweet Dreams, Livvy.
Liv: Good night, Ed.
She chucked her phone on to the bed still admiring the dress on the mirror. A normal girl could get used to this, but she wouldn't, she couldn' this wasn't real.
Apartment of Olivia Martin
Upper West Side
Wednesday May 14th
Liv couldn't remember the last time she'd slept in, no alarm, no stretched, rolling over to hug her pillow, relishing the rare moment of peace. The soft hum of her phone vibrating on the nightstand broke the stillness. With a sleepy groan, she reached for it, squinting at the screen.
Ed:Good morning, gorgeous. I know I'm gonna lose some brownie points, but I have to postpone our date tonight. I have to meet a client up state, I'll probably be gone for a few days. I promise I'll make it up to you!
Liv sighed, tossing the phone onto the bed beside her. She wasn't entirely disappointed. Sure, she was curious about where he planned to take her, but the idea of not having to play mental Jenga so soon after her last undercover stint? That was a relief.
Her phone buzzed again.
Ed:In the meantime, I booked a room for you at The Oriental—spa afternoon and dinner. Put everything on my account, feel free to take a (girl)friend. Frank will pick you up at 2 p.m. Relax and enjoy. X
She smirked. Typical Ed. He never left room for objections. And honestly? The Oriental was rumoured to be thebest spa in the country. Would it be wrong to want this?
She scrolled through her contacts, tapped a name, and hit call.
"Hey, it's me. Think you can sneak out for the afternoon? Pack an overnight bag and be at mine by 2. Trust me, you don't want to miss this."
At precisely 1:55p.m., a knock sounded at her door. Liv swung it open with a grin.
Amanda bounced on her heels. "What's the big secret?"
Liv grabbed her bag, steering her toward the elevator.
"Liv, seriously," Amanda pressed as they stepped onto the sidewalk. "You knowI suck at waiting."
As if on cue, a sleek black limo pulled up. Amanda's jaw stepped out, giving a nod as he opened the passenger door. "Good afternoon, Ms. Martin."
Liv smiled. "Hey, Frank. This is my friend Amanda."
He tipped his head. "Ms. Amanda, a pleasure."
They slid inside, the scent of leather and luxury surrounding them. Frank adjusted the rearview mirror, catching their eyes.
"Champagne's chilled. Glasses are to your left."
Liv and Amanda exchanged a look before pulling out a bottle of Dom and two crystal flutes.
"Is this your new normal?" Amanda whispered, wide-eyed.
Liv popped the cork, pouring them each a glass. "We've been on one date…"
They clinked glasses. Amanda took a sip, then a larger one, groaning in delight
"Oh my God. This is what realchampagne tastes like? How am I ever supposed to go back?"
Liv laughed. "Aren't you glad you took an early afternoon?"
Amanda nodded, eyes flicking to the window as she tried to guess their destination.
"So… do you actually know where we're going?"
Liv smirked, taking a slow sip. This must be what Ed felt like on all his dates, the thrill of knowing something the other person didn't.
Another glass of champagne later, the limo pulled up to The Oriental. Frank exited first, opening the door with practiced precision.
"Have a lovely evening, ladies."
"Thanks, Frank," they said in unison.
Amanda's eyes widened as she took in the towering glass-fronted hotel.
"No. No way.Liv, thisis where we're staying?"
Liv grinned, looping an arm through hers. "Come on."
At the front desk, she wondered whose name Ed had used for the reservation. Before she could ask, the receptionist's face lit up.
"Ms. Martin, we've been expecting you. Welcome to The Oriental."
Liv blinked. "Oh. Uh, thank you. This is my friend Amanda."
The woman gave Amanda a warm, professional smile. "Everything has been taken care of. Here are your keys."
She handed them over in a sleek envelope. "There's a spa menu in your suite—please take your time choosing your treatments. Mr. Walsh has arranged for the spa to be exclusively yours this afternoon. You're welcome to dine in the restaurant or enjoy 24-hour room service. If you need anything, my name is Rachel."
Liv took the keys, stunned. "Wow. Uh, thanks."
Amanda nudged her as they headed to the elevator. "So, how rich is this guy exactly?"
Liv rolled her eyes, pulling out the key card. "Skyline Suite," she read aloud.
They stepped into the room and -to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking view of Central Park. The lounge was all sleek marble and plush furniture. Amanda let out a very undignified squeal and ran into one of the bedrooms, throwing herself onto the massive bed. She stroked the covers with exaggerated reverence.
"What is this? Ten-thousand-thread count?"
Liv laughed, shaking her head.
Amanda reappeared in the living area, taking in the view. "Okay, hear me out, what if you just marriedthe guy?"
Liv scoffed. "Amanda. Have you forgotten he's the head of an organised crime syndicate?"
"I know," Amanda groaned. "But imagine living like this everyday…"
Later, they lounged on reclining spa chairs, their faces covered in cooling clay masks, skin tingling from earlier facials. The scent of eucalyptus drifted through the air, mingling with the soft sound of a trickling fountain nearby.
They both held delicate champagne flutes, condensation beading down the crystal as they sipped slowly.
Amanda let out a long, contented sigh, her voice muffled slightly by the mask."I mean, you'd make a hot mobster wife."
Liv snorted, nearly spilling her champagne. "Oh, shut up," she said, swatting Amanda's arm with the back of her hand.
Amanda grinned behind her mask. "I'm just saying. You've got the whole look down. Designer heels, mysterious aura, man wrapped around your finger…"
Liv turned her head, giving Amanda a sideways glance. "You're enjoying this way too much."
Amanda nodded with satisfaction. "So, tell me about this date…"
Liv recounted the night to Amanda in pieces, her voice calm at first, measured, like she was giving a report. But as the details poured out, her face started to shift. Her eyes lit up when she described the restaurant, how Ed had booked out the entire place, how the staff had treated them like royalty, how the wine kept coming, each glass smoother than the last.
Amanda watched with quiet amusement, sipping her sparkling water as Liv talked. The way her friend's lips curved just slightly when she mentioned the view from the private dining room? Noted. The subtle rise in her voice when she described the way Ed listened, reallylistened, to her stories. Also something was 's words painted a perfect picture, all surface and scenery, every detail pristine. But it was toopristine. Too carefully curated.
Shaking her head Amanda took another sip of champagne.
"Liv. I need you to just sitwith this for a second. A crime boss took you to Per Se and booked out the whole restaurant so he could haveone-on-one timewith you. That's not a date, that's the plot of a damn romance spy thriller."
Liv sighed, tilting her head back against the recliner. "It wasn't like that."
Amanda scoffed. "Oh no? What was it like, then?"
Liv hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "He's… careful. He doesn't like distractions. He said if he was going to take me out, he wanted it to be just us."
Amanda stared at her for a long moment before letting out a low whistle.
"Okay, first of all, sooo romantic, second of all, giant red flag... That is insanecontrol freak behavior. I mean, sure, it's got that whole 'mystery billionaire' vibe, but let's be real, he didn't do that for you. He did it for him. To make sure he was the only thing you were paying attention to."
Liv opened her mouth to argue, but Amanda held up a hand.
"I'm not saying you likedit, I'm just saying I hope you noticedit."
Liv exhaled, swirling the last of her champagne in the glass. "Of course I noticed, and he's a target, Amanda, not my boyfriend so all your red flags, they don't count."
Amanda leaned forward. "So? What's your read on him?"
Liv took a beat before answering. "He's disciplined. He doesn't let anything rattle him. And he watches everything, the people, the environment, even me. Like he's constantly calculating."
Amanda raised an eyebrow. "And you're sure he doesn't suspect anything?"
Liv shook her head. "No. If he did, I wouldn't be sitting here right now."
Amanda hummed, mulling that over. "Alright, so you're still in. That's good. But I gotta ask…" She smirked.
"Even though he's the bad guy, even though you're working, you're kinda loving it, aren't you?"
Liv groaned. "Amanda."
"I mean, come on, Liv. He's rich, he's powerful, and, admit it, he's not exactly hard on the eyes."
Liv shot her a sharp look. "He's the target."
Amanda held up her hands. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But you're undercover, not blind."
Liv didn't answer right away. She didn't wantto admit that Ed was… compelling. It was more than just his money or the effortless confidence. He had this way of making her feel like she was the only person in the room, probably because he designed it that that's what made him dangerous.
She sighed, shaking her head. "It's a job, Amanda. That's all it is."
"So, how did the night end?"
"He had a car waiting," Liv said, her tone breezy. "Driver opened the door, we said goodnight, and that was it."
Amanda raised an eyebrow. "That was it, huh?"
Liv met her gaze, unflinching. "Yeah."
"Uh-huh." Amanda leaned back, her expression skeptical but amused. "So, let me get this straight. The guy drops what must've been four figures on dinner, closes down one of the fanciest restaurants in Manhattan, stares at you like you're the only woman on Earth for four hours… and that was it?"
Liv shrugged. "He's a gentleman."
Amanda smirked. "Right. And I'm the queen of England."
There was a beat. Liv looked away, just for a second too long.
Amanda narrowed her eyes, grinning now. "You left something out."
"No, I didn't."
"Yes, you did. You're giving me everything excepthow you felt. And I know you, Liv. You don't get animated likethis unless something in you moved."
Liv was quiet, her fingers absently brushing a napkin on the table. "It's undercover work. I have to sell it."
Amanda tilted her head. "Sure. But maybe… just maybe… he's not the only one buying the act."
Liv let out a low breath, the kind that carried too much weight for the moment. But she didn't deny it, she just reached for her drink instead.
Amanda smirked, one more attempt at the truth. "Mmhmm. And when he kissed you at the end of the night?"
Liv stilled for half a second, half a second too long.
Amanda's eyes widened. "Oh my God, I knew it, you kissed him."
Liv pinched the bridge of her nose. "Amanda…"
"No, no, no—don't 'Amanda' me. This is major. What kind of kiss are we talking? Gentlemanly? Steamy? Criminally seductive?"
Liv groaned, reaching for the champagne bottle. "I hateyou."
Amanda cackled. "No you don't. Now tell me everything."
The next morning, Liv had just returned to her apartment. She set her bag down when her phone rang.
"Hello…"
"Don't you sound relaxed?
She sighed, sinking onto the couch. "It was… relaxing, thank you."
She didn't want to admit it had been one of the most indulgent days of her life, that, for a moment, she'd feltlike royalty. And maybe, just maybe, she'd liked it.
"And did your friend have a good time?"
"Yeah, but she's also mad at you for introducing her to Dom Pérignon.
He chuckled. "Remind me to send her a case as a thank-you for being my backup."
There was a beat of silence before he continued, his voice smooth as ever. "So, I already have a plan to make this up to you. No pressure, of course…"
Liv hesitated. She already knew he liked control, that he was unpredictable.
"Okay…"
"What would you say to a night away? No pressure, I swear. There'd only be one bed, but I promise, I can build a pillow fort between us."
She let out an unexpected giggle. She never imagined the words pillow fortcoming from his lips.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing."She smirked. "And sure, a night away sounds… nice."
He let out a low chuckle. "Nice? Alright…"
"What's wrong with nice?"
"Nothing… I just would have said, romantic."
"Pillow forts are romantic in your book?"
"Okay, you got me."His tone was lazy, teasing. "Anyway, you got much planned this week, besides sitting on your couch with a bottle of wine, thinking about me?"
She rolled her eyes. He was so sure of himself. She appreciated a man with confidence, but overconfidence?
Never a good look. She wasn't about to let him think he had the upper hand.
"How do you know you're not just one of many well-dressed finance guys I'm dating?"
There was a pause, just long enough for her to think she might have thrown him off.
Then, smoothly, he countered. "I don't. But I do know I'm the only one who could book out an entire restaurant just for you."
Damn it. He was good.
"Fine,"she huffed.
He let out a low, satisfied chuckle. "Victory sounds so sweet."
She exhaled sharply, but she couldn't help the small smile pulling at her lips.
He continued "For the record, you're also the only one I've done that for."
"Yeah, I remember your chef buddy backing you up…"
She shook her head, biting back another smile. He was impossible.
"I've got a meeting I need to prep for. I'll give you a call when I'm back in town."
She hung up before he could say anything else—before he could get another win.
She hadn't realized how much she'd gotten used to the constant contact, his name lighting up her phone at odd
hours, the cheeky morning texts, the quiet goodnights. A rhythm had formed without her even noticing. It wasn't just a routine, it was a tether.
And now, two days of silence.
Ed had been away for over a week, some vague story about a business trip. She hadn't pressed him too hard, after all, he was just a finance guy. But even while traveling, he usually found a way to check in. A text here, a voice note there. Something to let her know she was on his now, nothing.
She sat cross-legged on her bed, her phone balanced in her palm, screen dark and stubbornly blank. She didn't like how it made her feel. Not just the waiting. The worry.
Liv:Do finance guys usually vanish for 48 hours?
The three dots appeared almost immediately. She stared at them like they might give something away.
Ed:You worried about me?
She rolled her eyes, but her shoulders relaxed slightly.
Liv:I'm just trying to figure out how many secret Swiss bank accounts you're hiding.
Ed:Only one, for emergencies only… wait, you're not a cop are you?
Her stomach tightened. The words made her fingers pause above the keyboard. She swallowed it down, forced herself to stay in character.
Liv:I mean I do have cuffs…
A pause. Longer this time. Then:
Ed:We have more in common than I thought…
Her breath caught. She bit her 's joking, probably.
Later that night, Liv had finally settled in. The apartment was dim, the glow of a single lamp casting soft light over the room. A half-full glass of wine rested on the side table, her book open in her lap. She'd read the same paragraph three eyes flicked to her phone no new that she was waiting.
She took a sip of wine, leaned back, tried to focus. The main character in the book was making a questionable decision with a man she clearly shouldn't trust. Liv smirked, funny how fiction sometimes mirrored real life a little too phone blinked. Reached for it, trying to look casual, even though no one was there to witness it.
Ed:Bet you're watching something dramatic and pretending not to think about me.
She laughed quietly, setting the wine down.
Liv:You're incredibly full of yourself.And for your information, reading not watching…
Ed:Interesting… title?
Liv:It's called "Little Fires Everywhere."
Ed:Hmmm, yeah that sounds about right…
Liv: What's that supposed to mean?
Ed: Well, you are the kind of womanwho likes the thrill of mystery and secrets.
Liv: What makes you say that?
Ed: Because you like me…
She hesitated, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of a response, then her phone lit up again.
Ed: I like you too, Livvy…
Liv stared at text a little to long, it was straightforward, no undertone. Just honest.
She started to type a reply.
Paused.
Deleted it.
Typed again.
Liv:Get some sleep, Ed.
Ed:Only if you say goodnight properly.
She rolled her eyes, but her smile was soft now.
Liv:Goodnight, Ed.
Ed:Sweet dreams, Liv.
She set her phone down, picked up her wine again—but the book was forgotten now.
And somewhere across the country, Ed was still smiling at his screen.