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I wouldn't blame them for hating me for bringing all of this to their doorstep. Or encouraging Ethan to leave me. After all, I came close to betraying them all. I can only hope they understand that I have done it all out of fear of losing my son.
Asher, more than anyone else, is the one I must protect. Even though right now, I don't know how I will be able to do it.
After what seems like forever, Ethan finally returns. He looks worried, and the weight of the situation is drawn on his face, but he doesn't hesitate to come to my side.
“All set. At least, for now.”
“What have you done?” I ask him.
“Remind Dexter that it's not a good idea to fuck with me.”
Ethan takes off his jacket. He drapes it over me, making me aware that I'm shaking. His gaze locks with mine, a silent storm brewing in those deep brown eyes, and he takes my hand, his touch a reassuring anchor in the chaos.
“Let's get you out of here. Ready to go home?”
I nod, not knowing if he means my house or his, but I follow him.
Ethan guides me to his car and opens the door for me. I look at him as he settles into the driver's seat.
“Wait, shouldn't you stay at the club tonight to cover the event?”
“Landon will take over for me. I have a very capable team, and he's done it before.” He takes my hand over the gear shift lever and kisses it. “Are you alright?”
Ethan's gaze lingers on mine, etched with concern that seems to delve beyond the superficial. It's a look that speaks volumes of his genuine interest, a rarity I'm unaccustomed to.
The polished facade I've so carefully maintained begins to crack under the weight of Ethan's gaze. His concern is a warm hand reaching out, and I realize it's time to let him in.
“I'm managing,” I begin, my voice a rehearsed note of composure. But as I look into his eyes, a dam breaks within me. “No, that's not true. I'm far from okay, Ethan. This chaos, it's eating at me. Brandon... he's like a shadow that won't fade at dawn.”
Ethan's fingers tighten around mine, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand in a soothing rhythm.
“I feel terrible for dragging you into this mess,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. “It's like I've tainted everything around me with my past mistakes and now... now you're caught in the crossfire.”
He pulls over to the side of the road, turns off the ignition, and turns to face me fully. The intensity in his eyes pins me to my seat.
“Kristine, listen to me,” he says firmly. “You're not tainting anything. You're not responsible for Brandon's sins or Dexter's games. They chose this path, not you.”
I open my mouth to protest, but he places a finger gently over my lips.
“And as for bringing your chaos into my life,” he continues, “I don't see it that way. I see a courageous woman who's fighting for her son, for herself. You've brought passion and light into my world—something I didn't realize was missing until you showed up.”
His words envelop me like a blanket, warm and protective.
“Ethan...”
He leans closer, his forehead resting against mine.
“I care about you, Kristine,” he breathes out the words as if they are a vow. “More than I've cared about anyone in a long time. And I'm not going anywhere.”
Tears well up in my eyes—tears of relief, of gratitude.
“Thank you,” I whisper back, allowing myself to lean into his strength.
Ethan starts the car again and we resume our drive in silence—a comfortable silence filled with unspoken promises and shared burdens. Before long, I realize that we're headed to his place and not mine.
As we pull up to his building, Ethan parks the car and comes around to open my door. His actions are small but significant affirmations of his commitment.
We walk up to the building holding hands, his presence beside me a silent reassurance that whatever comes next, we'll face it as one. And in that moment, despite the turmoil surrounding us, I feel an undeniable sense of peace knowing Ethan is by my side.
