"You shouldn't be here," Ethan's voice was low, but the tension between them was palpable. Avery stood just a few feet away, her heart hammering in her chest. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting shadows on Ethan's sharp features.
"I had to come," she replied, her voice trembling but determined. "There's something I need to tell you—"
"Avery," Ethan interrupted, stepping closer, his eyes locked on hers. "It's too dangerous. You're putting yourself at risk every time you come near me."
"I'm not afraid," Avery shot back, her pulse quickening as his gaze softened.
Ethan shook his head, frustration mingling with something deeper in his expression. "You should be. With Liam out there, I can't protect you like I want to. This... whatever this is between us, it's dangerous."
Avery's throat tightened, but she held her ground. "I don't care about the danger, Ethan. I care about you."
