Chapter 16: Attraction 2
Ethan saw the fear flicker across Maria's face before she even spoke. Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms, his hold firm yet reassuring.
"Calm down, I'm here, am I not?" he murmured against her hair. "No one can hurt you from now on." His voice was steady, protective.
Maria took a deep breath and finally let out a relieved sigh. "Jason."
Ethan stiffened as he turned to face the man standing before them. Jason's gaze flicked between them, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Are you and Mara sharing men now?" he sneered. "Where's your husband?"
Maria's body tensed again, guilt creeping into her features. Ethan slowly loosened his hold but stayed close, his jaw tightening at Jason's words.
"Shut up, Jason. Ethan is—" Maria started, but the words got caught in her throat. She wasn't doing anything wrong, yet she couldn't shake the guilt of how happy she had felt just moments ago.
Jason let out a dry chuckle. "I must admit, the two of you make quite the sight better than my sister," he said smugly, his smirk widening. "One friend is submissive, the other is fire. A complete package."
Ethan's fists clenched at his sides, rage simmering beneath the surface. He wanted to wipe that smirk off Jason's face, but he took a deep breath, forcing himself to hold back. It wasn't worth it.
But Jason wasn't entirely wrong. Mara was fire—strong, independent, commanding. And Maria... Maria was warm, gentle yet resilient. They were nothing alike, yet both had somehow found their way into his life.
Ethan took a step forward, his voice low and deadly. "I think you need to watch what you say."