he couldn't wait any longer. He needed to confront Jason

," he said, his voice firm.

Claire started, b

quick. I

steps. When he reached Jason, he found him leaning against

s voice steady but low.

ing from casual amusement to mild

ck. "I want you to leave Claire alone. Whatever games you're

what you think? That you can just waltz in and claim her like she's

s isn't a game, Jason. Claire deserves better than your manip

u're protecting her, but you have no idea what I know. There are things in her past t

Whatever you think you have, it doesn't matter. Cla

lso naive. Just remember, I'm not the one who's going to be blindsided h

lash out. "If you care about her at all, you'

ty. "Oh, I care. I care a lot. But you see, I'm not the one who's

er and dread as he walked back to Claire, who was chatting with a few frie

she asked, her voic

not going to back off easily. He's playing some kin

. "I told you, I can handle him. I

s. "But I can't shake the feeling that he's going to try to use yo

your concern, but I'm not going to let him dictate m

his mind. "I do trust you. I just wish I c

re said, her voice firm. "We're here to

t the atmosphere felt different to him. He kept glancing around, half-expecting Ja

a kiss, her warmth grounding him momentarily. But as they pulled away, Ethan's gaze dr

on was still a threat, and he had to find a way t

to clear his head. Claire nodded, and they slipped outside, th

id, leaning against the railing,

ocus on the moment. But the weight of Jas

said, her voice softening. "

don't want to lose you. Jason is dangerous, and I can't sh

won't lose me. I'm here, right now, with you. I chos

d I'm grateful for that. But Jason knows things about you-things that co

he crossed her arms. "What do

ly, but he hinted at it. He said there are things in your past that could c

n't let him control my life. Whatever he thinks he knows, it doe

still lingered. "I just want to make sure

concern, but I need you to trust me. I've fought hard to get to where

Okay, I'll try. But if he comes after y

all I need to hear. We're a team, remember?

ed out, his eyes locking onto them. The tension in the air t

r?" he asked, his tone

re instinctively, his body ten

e," Jason replied, feigning innocence. "I wouldn'

nce a steadying force. "We're fine, Jas

Claire, it's cute how you think you can just erase the pas

one. Whatever you think you know, it doesn

low. "You really think you can protect her? You have no id

g Ethan and Claire standing in the cold night air,

ire began, but

ed her earlier words, trying to shake off t

in her eyes. "I just wish I knew what he was

irm. "We can talk to my friends, see if they've noticed

or her resolve. "That's a good ide

ed the party, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that the night was far from over. Jason was still