Here's the next chapter:
Chapter 17: The Interruption
Ethan and Emily were laughing and chatting over dinner, enjoying each other's company immensely. They had just finished their main course and were waiting for dessert to arrive.
As they sat there, a tall, muscular guy with a cocky grin on his face walked up to their table. "Well, well, well," he said, his eyes fixed on Emily. "What do we have here?"
Ethan felt a surge of annoyance at the interruption, but he tried to stay calm. "Can we help you?" he asked.
The guy sneered at Ethan. "Oh, I don't think you can help me," he said. "But I think your girlfriend here might be able to."
Emily looked uncomfortable, and Ethan could tell she didn't like the guy's tone. "I'm not his girlfriend," she said. "And even if I was, I don't think I'd be interested in talking to you."
The guy laughed. "Oh, come on," he said. "Don't be like that. I'm just trying to get to know you."
Ethan had had enough. He stood up, his eyes locked on the guy. "I think it's time for you to leave," he said.
The guy sneered at Ethan. "Or what?" he said. "You'll do something about it?"
Ethan smiled, a cold, calculated smile. "Yes," he said. "I will."
With that, Ethan reached out and grabbed the guy's arm, twisting it behind his back. The guy yelped in pain as Ethan pulled him away from the table.
"Let's take this outside," Ethan said, his voice low and menacing.
The guy struggled and kicked, but Ethan was too strong. He dragged him outside, where he proceeded to beat him up nicely.
Emily watched in amazement as Ethan took down the guy with ease. She had never seen anyone move so quickly and efficiently before.
When Ethan finally returned to the table, Emily looked up at him with newfound respect. "Wow," she said. "You're really something else."
Ethan smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "I just don't like it when people bother me and my friends," he said.
Emily nodded, her eyes locked on his. "I appreciate that," she said.
As they finished their dessert and left the restaurant, Ethan could tell that Emily's opinion of him had changed. She looked at him with a newfound sense of admiration and respect.
And Ethan had to admit, he was feeling pretty good about himself too. He had stood up for Emily and defended her honor.
As they walked, Ethan reached out and took Emily's hand. She didn't pull away, and instead, she squeezed his hand gently.
Ethan smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. He knew that this was just the beginning of something special.
To be continued.