Chapter 15: Dangerous Games

Aria hardly got any sleep that night because her mind was so racing. Ethan's intense fight with Ryan, Sophie's disturbing message and Sophie's frosty treatment of Ethan had made Sophie feel overwhelmed.

---.

Next morning, as Aria stepped into school, she sensed something was going to go badly wrong. Sophie meeting her with a worried pale face had confirmed her suspicion.

As they entered class, Sophie whispered "Ryan has been talking to his brother's friends.

"His brother?" Aria asked, confused.

Sophie nodded. "Apparently, they're trouble. Ryan has been saying they have his back.

Aria's stomach churned. Ryan was becoming dangerously obsessed and now seemed to be taking others into consideration in his plans.

---.

By the time lunch came, the cafeteria was tense. Ethan sat at his table, scanning the room, like a predator that becomes aware of danger.

Aria mulled over the situation before heading toward him with a tray.

"Hi," she said as she slid into the seat opposite him.

Ethan lowered his head to the floor "Hey.".

She said, lowered her voice, "I need to tell you something." Sophie revealed that Ryan was in touch with threatful people.

Ethan's jaw tightened. "What kind of people?".

"His brother's friends. I lack knowledge, but it doesn't sound good.".

Ethan sat back in his chair, his eyes dark. He's really stretching the limits, isn't he?".

"Don't do anything stupid, okay, Ethan?" Aria said, stretching out her hand and covering his at the table.

Ethan watched her hand on his, his eyes unreadable. I cannot guarantee that, Bennett. Unless he poses a danger to you.

---.

Later that day when Aria was leaving her last class, Ryan was waiting for her at the school gate.

What is it that you want now?"she asked with a tired tone."

"We need to talk," Ryan said, his voice steady but his eyes frantic.

"I have nothing to say to you," Aria said and walked past him.

Ryan seized her arm and pulled her back. Don't leave me alone!".

Stop it, Ryan! Let me go!Aria exclaimed, attempting to release herself.

Ethan came from somewhere and pushed Ryan against the wall before she could react.

"She told me to let it go", Ethan growled.

Ryan glared at him with a smirk on his lips. "How will you handle this, Carter? Beat me up again?".

Ethan's grip on Ryan's shirt tightened as he warned him that he could retract if he didn't.

"Guys, stop!"Aria begged, her voice quivering."

Ethan let Ryan go, but there was still a spark.

"It's not over," Ryan mumbled and glared at both of them before leaving.

---.

That night, Ethan came to Aria's house and climbed through her window as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

You're going to get in trouble, Aria said, swinging his legs over the window.

Sure! Here's a paraphrased version of the given text:

Ethan sat on her bed. "Yeah, well, I wasn't going to use the front door."

"Sitting next to him, Aria sighed." What about Ryan, Ethan?"".

Ethan shrugged. "Let me handle him.".

"You think that's the plan?" Aria snapped with frustration. "You can't just wade through everything by fighting."

"It's worked so far", Ethan smirked.

Aria buried her face in her hands and groaned. "This is no joke, Ethan." He's dangerous.".

Ethan's expression softened as he pulled her hands away from her face. "I know, Bennett. I'm not going to let him do anything to you. Ever.".

Aria looked up at him by feeling her heart skip a beat at the sight. Why are you interested, anyway?".

Ethan hesitated, no longer feeling cocky. Your love made me realize my worth. You are the only person who did this.

Aria was caught off guard by the vulnerability in his voice and for a moment, it felt like a charged space.

Before either of them could say much, Aria's phone buzzed. It was a text from Sophie.

Ryan's being annoying again. You must take a look.

---.

A screenshot of Ryan's most recent post was attached to the post.

"They won't understand unless you destroy the things you love. #ComingSoon".

Aria's blood ran cold.

"Things are going overboard," she told Ethan while pointing to the post.

Ethan's face darkened upon reading the message. "He's asking for it.

"

"Ethan, no," Aria said, grabbing his arm. "We need to be smart about this."

Ethan stood, his jaw clenched. "Smart doesn't work with guys like Ryan, Bennett. Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire."

As he climbed back out the window, Aria's chest tightened with fear. She had no idea what Ethan was planning, but she knew one thing for sure: the battle between him and Ryan was far from over.