Chapter 121: Shadows of Doubt

As the kiss deepened, the world around Luca and Ethan faded into oblivion. It was just the two of them, lost in their own realm, where danger felt like a distant whisper. But the moment their lips parted, the reality of their situation rushed back in, crashing over them like a wave.

Luca rested his forehead against Ethan's, both of them breathing heavily, the tension still palpable in the air. "We need to stay focused," Luca reminded softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Every move counts."

Ethan nodded, the spark of determination in his eyes mingling with lingering fear. "Right," he said, though uncertainty clouded his expression. "But how do we do that? How do we keep ourselves safe when we're constantly looking over our shoulders?"

Luca felt a pang of helplessness at the question. He hated that Ethan had to live with such anxiety, that their love had turned into a battlefield. "We stick together," he said, resolving to be the rock Ethan needed. "We keep our interactions discreet. No one can suspect a thing."

Ethan's lips curled into a faint smile, but the worry behind his eyes didn't fade. "What if it's not enough?" he asked, his voice trembling with doubt. "What if he finds out? I can't bear the thought of something happening to you because of me."

The sincerity in Ethan's voice struck Luca hard, like a physical blow. "Nothing is going to happen to me," he assured firmly, cupping Ethan's face with both hands. "I'll protect you, no matter what. I promise."

Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from downstairs, jolting both of them back to reality. Luca's heart raced as he quickly stepped away from Ethan, trying to create a semblance of normalcy. "We can't be seen like this," he whispered urgently, glancing towards the door.

Ethan nodded, and they quickly composed themselves. The tension hung thick in the air, but there was an unspoken understanding that they would do whatever it took to keep each other safe.

Moments later, Ethan's phone buzzed on the table, and he reached for it, his brows furrowing as he glanced at the screen. "It's Darren," he said, panic creeping into his voice.

"Don't answer it," Luca urged, his heart racing. "Let it go to voicemail."

Ethan hesitated, his finger hovering over the screen. "But what if it's important? What if—"

"Ethan, please!" Luca pressed, his tone sharp but filled with concern. "He can't know we're together. Not yet."

Finally, Ethan dropped his hand, the phone continuing to buzz insistently. The tension between them flared, a reminder of the precariousness of their situation.

"Let's go outside," Luca suggested, desperate for some air. "We can talk more safely out there."

They slipped out through the back door, the cool night air greeting them. The garden was dimly lit, with shadows dancing around them as they moved deeper into the foliage, away from prying eyes.

Once they were concealed among the bushes, Ethan finally exhaled, the weight of their clandestine relationship pressing heavily on his shoulders. "What if we're being watched?" he murmured, glancing nervously around.

Luca stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Ethan's shoulders. "We'll be careful. And if anything feels off, we'll figure it out together," he promised, trying to reassure both Ethan and himself. "But I need you to trust me. We'll get through this."

Ethan leaned into Luca's warmth, drawing strength from their bond. "I trust you," he whispered, his eyes shimmering in the faint light. "But I need to know that we're strong enough to face whatever comes next."

Luca tilted Ethan's chin up, capturing his gaze. "We are," he vowed, his heart steadying. "And we will be together, no matter what."

End of Chapter 121

To Be Continued...