Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Keres, Ace, and Romeo ride I-90 and stop at a diner, where Ace finally reveals they are headed to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to speak to someone. The stopover ignites intense sexual tension and antagonism, underscoring volatile loyalties. No fresh intel emerges, but the destination sets the next investigative step.
Summary
After hours riding I-90, Keres, Ace, and Romeo stop at a diner near Fremont. Frustrated by the secrecy, Keres demands answers. Ace finally says they are heading to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to talk to someone, but offers no details.
They take a booth. Keres needles them about being forced together, and Romeo mockingly nicknames her Fuck-up. Banter turns heated as Romeo leans in and graphically reminds Keres of their previous night, provoking both her anger and unwanted arousal. Ace watches but keeps distant.
Waitress Bethany arrives. Ace and Romeo flirt and place orders; Keres orders a meatball sub. Ace insists Keres is on a separate tab and implies they are not together, a deliberate jab to provoke her. The men continue baiting her with crude innuendo, while Keres tries to dismiss the pull as just good sex. Bethany returns with drinks, and the charged stalemate holds as they prepare to continue toward Harrisburg.
Who Appears
- KeresProtagonist; frustrated by secrecy, learns they’re headed to Harrisburg; struggles with anger and lingering desire toward Ace and Romeo.
- Romeo MorettiProvocative enforcer; taunts Keres, rekindles sexual tension, and asserts inevitable attraction while keeping details about the mission vague.
- Ace MorettiControlled and curt; finally reveals Harrisburg as destination, flirts with the waitress, and distances Keres with a separate check.
- BethanyYoung waitress at the diner; takes orders, becomes an unwitting prop in Ace and Romeo’s needling of Keres.