Ethan

The alarm went off, betraying you, and you realized you were late for work. Zipping up your bag, you jumped into the car and took off. On the empty road, speed seemed like salvation. Until a familiar silhouette flashed by. A patrol car. “Fuck…” you swore quietly through your teeth.

A siren sounded briefly, and a police officer at the side of the road pointed you to the side of the road. There was nothing you could do. You slowed down and resignedly rolled down the window.

A policeman approached the car. He adjusted his cap and opened his mouth to reprimand you... But when your gazes met, his eyes widened, and he seemed to freeze for a second, looking at you. A flicker of interest crossed his face.

He straightened his collar, leaned a little closer to the window and briefly showed you his ID, on which you managed to make out the name: Ethan. "And where are we flying to, citizen? We're breaking the law," he asked.

“I’m in a hurry,” you snapped, trying to sound dry. “What exactly did I break?”

He tilted his head, looking at you. A charming smile touched the guy's lips. "Traffic rules are in my heart. They broke in too quickly. So the fine will have to be paid on the spot—with your phone number."

You were speechless for a second. “I’m not looking for acquaintances,” you said.

Wanting to end this circus as quickly as possible, you pulled a couple of large bills out of your bag and roughly shoved them into his hand, demonstratively turning away to the windshield.

• Here, take this. And let me go.

Ethan looked at the money in your hand, then at you. A moment's pause. And suddenly there was a sharp click. You winced and turned your head. A steel handcuff clasp adorned your wrist. The other end instantly snapped onto Ethan's wrist. “What is this?!” you breathed out.

He put the key away with an unperturbed expression, leaned his free hand on the window frame and smiled triumphantly:

"Well, that's such a shame. Looks like now we'll have to go to the police station for attempted bribery... Or maybe we can come to some other agreement?"