Meera

Arielle’s POV:

That moment stayed with me long after she had left to continue her work, and I was deep in thought.

Richard was right, I had to admit. This girl was not as nice as I thought she was. And I cannot believe it took Ethan’s presence for me to see it.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, before turning to the former Rogue turned protector.

“Ethan? I know you’re supposed to be guarding me and all, but can you do something for me?” I tried to word it not as an order but a request.

I wasn’t trying to treat him like a subordinate, but as my friend, after all.

“What would that be?”

“I need you to go and check on Renee. I think she might be up to something,” I added, seeing the questioning look on his face.

He relaxed, nodding and standing up from the couch. “Make sure she doesn’t see you too.”

He paused, his hand on the doorknob as he turned to look at me over his shoulder with a smirk on his face.

“She wouldn’t even know I was there,” he spoke with certainty in his voic