Chapter 25: A Dangerous Game

The tension in the air was suffocating. Ethan hadn't spoken much since confronting Ryan the night before, but Aria could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface. His protective nature had intensified—he barely let her out of his sight, his arm always finding its way around her, his gaze constantly scanning the surroundings for any sign of Ryan.

Aria appreciated his concern, but she could also sense the storm brewing inside him. He wasn't just protecting her—he was planning something.

"Ethan," she said softly as they walked down the hallway, his grip on her hand firm. "Talk to me."

He exhaled sharply, his jaw clenched. "There's nothing to talk about."

She tugged at his hand, stopping him. "Don't shut me out. I know you confronted Ryan last night."

Ethan's eyes darkened. "I had to."

"I get that," she said, stepping closer. "But I need you to be careful. I don't want you getting hurt because of me."

His fingers brushed against her cheek, his touch both possessive and gentle. "You think I care about that? He's not going to stop unless I make him."

She shivered at the intensity in his voice. "Then we stop him together. But not like this."

His eyes searched hers, the turmoil evident. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. But if he tries anything else, I won't hold back."

---

The school day passed uneventfully—too uneventfully. Ryan was nowhere to be seen, which only made Ethan more suspicious.

By the time lunch rolled around, Aria was laughing with Mia and Liam at their usual table, trying to act normal. But Ethan sat beside her, barely touching his food, his mind elsewhere.

"Dude, you're acting like a bodyguard," Liam joked, nudging him. "Relax."

Ethan shot him a glare. "Not until Ryan's out of the picture."

Mia leaned in. "Speaking of Ryan, he hasn't been around today. Maybe he finally got the message?"

Aria wanted to believe that, but something about Ryan's silence unsettled her. "I doubt it."

Just as the words left her mouth, a commotion erupted near the cafeteria entrance. Students whispered and turned toward the doors.

Ethan stiffened instantly. "What the hell—"

Then they saw it.

A massive banner hung in the middle of the cafeteria, bold black letters written across the fabric:

"ARIA, DOES ETHAN KNOW YOUR SECRET?"

The blood drained from Aria's face. Whispers exploded around them, eyes darting between her and Ethan.

Ethan shot to his feet, rage flashing in his dark eyes. "What the f**k is this?"

Liam swore under his breath. "Ryan. This has his name written all over it."

Aria's hands trembled as she stared at the banner, her mind racing. What secret? What is he trying to do?

Before she could process, Ethan turned, ready to storm out.

"Ethan, wait!" she grabbed his arm, panic in her voice.

He turned to her, his jaw tight. "I swear to God, Aria, I'm done playing his games. I'm going to end this right now."

She shook her head desperately. "That's what he wants! He's baiting you!"

"Then he got what he wanted," Ethan growled. "Because I'm about to tear him apart."

He turned and stormed out, Liam right behind him.

Aria felt frozen, every eye in the cafeteria still on her. Then, her phone buzzed.

A message from an unknown number.

"Tell Ethan the truth, or I will."

Her heart stopped.

Ryan wasn't just playing games anymore. He was out for blood.

And if she didn't stop him soon, he was going to destroy everything.