d a smirk still lingering on his face. The sight ignited a fire within Ethan, a

rough the laughter and music. Jason turned, his

on asked, a hint of

eplied, his voice steady.

shrugged. "Sure, why not? L

faded into a dull thrum, and the chatter of guests became a distant murmur. He turned to fac

Claire's feelings," Ethan said, his voice low but firm. "You may think you can just

of something else-perhaps regret or anger. "You really think I

cing about the past, and it's clear that you still have feelings for her

re about her. I want her to be happy, and if that means she's with you, then I'll respect that. But you need

I just want to protect what we have. Claire deserves someone who's

still hung up on her? You have no idea what I've been through since we broke u

t that. But you need to understand that Claire is with me no

"I don't want to jeopardize anything, Ethan. I just want to be a part of her life, even if it's as

at does that mean? What

t planning anything. But if Claire finds out about the things I've kept from her

n his spine. "What do you

's just say there are things about our relationship that Claire doesn'

ic clawing at his insid

who's threatened by me, Ethan. I'm just here to remind you that the past has

ding there, heart pounding and mind racing. The weight of Jason's words hu

chance to twist it into something that could tear them apart. As he rejoined th

impending doom. He approached her, forcing a

inute?" he asked, trying

sion shifting from joy to co

, to a quieter spot near the bar. He could feel the weight of Jas

e asked, her brow furrowing

mitted, his heart raci

lightly at the mention of

than said, choosing his words carefully. "He said some things that wor

defensiveness rising. "What d

er unnecessary distress. "He implied that there are things about your past with him

could see the gears turning in

is voice. "But he made it sound like he has some kind of leverage.

"Ethan, you can't let him get to you like this. He's just trying t

know that he's not the type to back down easily. I

ooking out for me, but I need you to trust me. I can handle Jason.

d. "I know you're strong, Claire. But I can't shake the feeling that he

rotect me from my past. I've dealt with it. I'm here with you because

him. "I promise. But if he tries anything

dn't quite reach her eyes. "Now, let's go back and enj

hake the feeling that the night was far from over. He kept a close eye on Jason,

m. He had to stay vigilant. He couldn't let Jason

p the room and how her presence made everything feel right. But every time he caugh