ng stood clear: Ethan's determination. To protect me. From Mike's wrath. As we strategized. Ethan's apartment became. Our command ce

." "I'll keep you safe." His words. Echoed in my mind. As I fell into his arms. T

alm. Ethan's expression turned cold. "I'll handle it." He strode to th

e better. Of me. As he opened the door

id. Her voice hu

His tone neutral. But hi

?" Ethan asked. Her gaze flick

ished." Ethan's jaw clench

wn my spine. As Ethan stepped forwar

s gaze. Locked onto mine. A challenge. A warning. Before she turned

As Ethan closed the door.

he silence. Ethan's gaze. Met mine.

st." "A mistake." His v

jaw clenched. "She wants revenge." "For wha

her." The pieces fell. Into place. Rachel's moti

oxicating." Addictive." "But toxic." Poisonous." "I had to escape." To save myself." His words painted a

He'd endured. But also. For myself. For the fear. That gripped me. Was I

I searched. His eyes. For truth. For reassurance. And found it in the depths of his gaze.

rged. Ethan's expre

" "To get what she wants." His voice dripped with conviction. "I

we delved deeper into the night. And the shadows thst surrounded us. Rachel's presence Haunted me. Her smile. Her lau

onnection to him deepened. But Rachel's shadow loomed large. A constant reminder. Of the danger. That lurked. In the shadows. Waiting to strike. As the night wore on. Ethan's words. Painted a picture.

. My spine. As Ethan's eyes. Flashed with determin

me," I

surprise. Flickered in his eyes. "You want to know?" "Yes," I

domain. Where he plotted. And planned. His next moves. Against Rachel. And her allies. As I scanned. The room's contents. My

een us. "Emily," he said. "I'll shield you." From the fallout." His promise.

adows. That surrounded us. Ethan's phone buzzed. Breaking the tension. "Excuse me," he said. Answering the call. His expression darkened. Listening to the caller. A low growl. Escaped his lips.

. Determination coursed. Through my veins. Together, we began. Plotting our move. Against Rachel. Ethan's strategic

As we prepared. For battle. The night wore on. Tension built. Anticipation grew. As we awaited. The perfect moment. To strike. Ethan's