The note sat on the reception desk like a dark cloud...small white envelope, no stamp, just Ethan's name typed on the front. Maria found it slipped under the clinic door when she arrived to open up. She brought it straight to Ethan in his office, worry lines creasing her forehead.
"This doesn't feel right, Doctor Hayes," she said quietly. "No one saw who left it."
Ethan took the envelope with steady fingers, though his stomach twisted. He slit it open careful. Inside was a single sheet of paper, words cut from magazines like an old ransom note.
Stay away from Ramirez. Or smiles won't be the only thing you fix.
No signature. Just threat.
Ethan read it twice, blood draining from his face. The man from yesterday...now this. It was escalating.
He folded the note slow, slipping it into his pocket. "Call security. Tell them to check cameras. And Maria...don't tell the staff yet. I don't want panic."
She nodded, eyes wide. "You think it's about Alex?"
Ethan forced a calm smile. "I'll handle it."
As soon as she left, he texted Alex.
Ethan: Another threat. Note at clinic. Words cut out. Telling me to stay away.
Alex replied instant.
Alex: Coming now. Do NOT leave alone.
Ethan tried to work...saw a filling, consulted on veneers...but his mind raced. Patients noticed nothing...he kept his professional mask tight. But every shadow outside the window made him tense.
Alex showed up less than thirty minutes later...black SUV pulling right to the front, security guy in the passenger seat. Alex walked in fast, cap low, face hard. He waved off the receptionist and went straight to Ethan's office, closing the door firm.
"Show me," he said.
Ethan handed over the note. Alex read it, jaw clenching tight. Anger flashed in his eyes...dark and dangerous.
"This ends now," Alex said low. "I'm calling people. Fixing this."
Ethan touched his arm. "Alex...talk to me. Who are these guys?"
Alex sat heavy in the chair, rubbing his face. "Old rivals. From the block. When I made it big, some got jealous. Thought I owed them. Most backed off when I paid community stuff...built courts, gave jobs. But a couple never let go. Leader's name is Rico. Bad news."
Ethan listened quiet. "They hurt you before?"
Alex shook his head. "Threats. Tires slashed. Nothing big. They know better than to touch me direct...too much heat. But now with you..."
Ethan's heart ached. "I'm not scared off."
Alex looked up sharp. "You should be. I brought this to you."
Ethan moved around the desk, standing between Alex's legs. He cupped his face gentle. "You didn't bring anything. You saved me that night. And every day since. We're together. That means your past is mine too."
Alex's eyes softened. He pulled Ethan down into his lap, arms wrapping tight. "I love you. Not letting anyone hurt you."
Ethan kissed him slow. "Love you too. We'll face it together."
They stayed like that a minute...holding on, breathing each other in. Then Alex pulled out his phone, made calls. First to his manager...more security for Ethan, clinic sweeps. Then to an old friend from the neighborhood...someone clean now, but still connected.
"Find Rico," Alex said into the phone. "Tell him back off. Or it gets real."
Ethan listened, worry mixing with pride. Alex was strong...protective...willing to fight for them.
After calls, Alex looked at Ethan. "Pack a bag. You're staying with me tonight. My place has gates, cameras. Safer."
Ethan nodded. "Okay. But I have patients till five."
Alex stood. "I'm waiting. Security outside. No arguments."
The day dragged after that. Ethan finished appointments...smiled for patients, drilled careful, polished perfect. But his mind stayed on the note. On Alex waiting in the lobby, watching every person who walked in.
At five sharp, Ethan locked up. Maria hugged him tight.
"Be safe, boss. Call if you need anything."
Alex drove them to a hotel instead...fancy downtown spot, private suite booked under a fake name. "Just tonight," he said on the way. "Till I know it's clear."
The suite was huge...big windows with city views, living room, bedroom separate. Room service menu thick as a book. Alex locked the door, checked windows, set his phone to record if needed.
Ethan watched him. "You do this often?"
Alex shook his head. "Not anymore. But for you...anything."
They ordered food...steaks, wine, chocolate dessert. Ate on the couch, trying to keep it light. Talked about anything else...upcoming games, clinic plans, funny patient stories.
But tension simmered.
After plates cleared, Ethan set his wine down. He moved to Alex, straddling his lap.
"Hey," he said soft. "Look at me."
Alex did...eyes tired but fierce.
"We're safe tonight," Ethan whispered. "Together. Let me take care of you now."
He kissed Alex slow...deep...hands sliding under his shirt. Alex groaned into it, grip tightening on Ethan's hips. Clothes came off piece by piece...scattered on the floor.
Ethan pushed Alex back gentle, kissing down his body...neck, chest, abs. He took his time...mouth worshipping every inch. When he took Alex deep...slow and wet...Alex's head fell back, hands gentle in Ethan's hair.
"So good," Alex breathed.
Ethan worked him until Alex pulled him up desperate. They moved to the bedroom...big bed with soft sheets. Ethan laid back, pulling Alex over him.
"Want you inside," Ethan said. "Slow. Make me feel safe."
Alex prepped him careful...fingers first, then rolling...