Chapter 6

The bass thumped through the club like a heartbeat, reverberating in Ethan's chest as he leaned back against the sleek leather booth. Marcel sat beside him, nursing a drink, but his eyes kept flicking towards Ethan, watching.
On the stage, a male and female dancer twirled around the pole, their movements fluid and hypnotic, but Ethan wasn't focused on the performance. His gaze was distant, clouded by thoughts he didn't want to entertain.
Marcel noticed. Leaning closer, he raised his voice over the pounding music. "You good, man?"