Chapter 135: Tensions Rising

The sight of Darren's car sent a shiver down Luca's spine, his pulse quickening as an ominous feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. The last time Darren had been this close, things had ended in bruises and threats. Now, with Ethan by his side, Luca couldn't afford to show fear, but it was hard to ignore the dread tightening his chest.

Ethan took a step closer, his expression darkening. "We should go inside," he suggested, his voice low. "If he's here to start trouble, we're not giving him an audience."

Luca nodded, glancing at the empty car once more before heading towards his front door. As they reached the porch, the creak of footsteps behind them sent a jolt of alarm through him. He turned sharply, only to find Darren emerging from the park's shadowed edge, his gaze fixed on them with a dangerous intensity.

"You've been busy, haven't you?" Darren's voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it that made Luca's skin prickle. "Thought you could just run your mouths without any consequences?"

Ethan stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of Luca, his jaw clenched. "Leave, Darren. We're not afraid of you anymore."

A bitter laugh escaped Darren's lips, his eyes narrowing as he took a few steps closer. "Is that right? Not afraid? I wonder how long that'll last."

The tension between the three of them hung thick in the air, every breath weighted with unspoken threats. The street was eerily quiet, and Luca's mind raced with thoughts of how to diffuse the situation. Darren's car parked ominously across the street felt like a trap.

"What do you want, Darren?" Luca's voice came out stronger than he expected, but his hands were clenched tightly at his sides to keep from trembling.

Darren's gaze flicked to him, a smirk playing on his lips. "What do I want?" he repeated, almost mockingly. "I want you both to understand what happens when you cross me. You think you can ruin my reputation and get away with it?"

"We didn't ruin anything," Ethan retorted. "You did that yourself. We just told the truth."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, without warning, Darren lunged forward, grabbing Ethan by the collar. The movement was so fast that Luca barely had time to react. His heart leapt into his throat as he reached for Ethan, trying to pull him away from Darren's grip.

"Get off him!" Luca shouted, his voice breaking with desperation as he shoved Darren's shoulder. The force was enough to make Darren stumble back, releasing Ethan from his grasp.

The scuffle left all three of them breathing heavily, tension crackling like static in the air. Darren's eyes were burning with anger, his chest heaving as he took a step back.

"This isn't over," Darren growled, his voice low and seething. "You're going to regret crossing me. I promise you that."

He turned on his heel and strode back towards his car, his movements stiff with barely restrained rage. The sound of the car door slamming shut echoed down the street, and within seconds, he was gone, the roar of the engine fading into the distance.

Luca let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his hands trembling as the adrenaline began to wear off. Ethan's gaze was fixed on the spot where Darren had stood, his expression a mixture of relief and lingering unease.

"We can't let our guard down," Luca said quietly, his voice hoarse. "He's not going to give up. We have to be ready."

Ethan nodded, his brow furrowing in determination. "Then we'll be ready," he replied firmly, reaching out to squeeze Luca's hand in reassurance. "We'll face whatever comes together."

End of Chapter 135

To Be Continued...