Chapter 65 Playing Along
I sat frozen in the SUV, the window cracked just enough for Mia's hysterical voice to pierce through. My throat tightened as her words sank in.
"Everyone will side with me!" she screamed at Ethan, her perfect face contorted with rage. "Your father, your mother, your grandfather—they'll all turn against you for her!"
Fuck. If Ethan punished Mia for my sake, he'd incur the wrath of the entire Bennett clan. Not just his parents, but uncles, aunts, cousins—an army of powerful people who wouldn't hate him for his actions, but would certainly hate me.
The realization hit me like a sledgehammer. Even if Ethan wanted to protect me, how could he shield me from an entire family of wolves? I'd become their target, the outsider who caused their golden son to stray.
I knocked lightly on the window, catching the security guard's attention. "I need to stretch my legs," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "They're cramping."
The real reason was far less innocent. I needed to stop this situation from escalating before the Bennett family declared open season on Olivia Reed.
I approached Ethan carefully, deliberately making myself appear smaller, weaker. I gently slipped my hand around his tensed arm, feeling the coiled muscles beneath his shirt. His head snapped toward me, eyes instantly softening.
"You should be resting in the car," he said, his voice low and concerned.
"I'm okay," I whispered. "I just wanted to talk to you for a moment."
Ethan's hand found my hair, stroking it with surprising gentleness for someone who'd just brutally beaten three men. "As long as I'm alive, no one will hurt you. Do you understand?"
I smiled and touched his face, feeling the sharp line of his jaw. "Let it go, Ethan. Let today's incident go."
"Liv..."
I pressed my finger against his lips. "Don't fight the whole world because of me. It's not good for you. I don't want you to alienate everyone." I took a shaky breath. "And Mia's right—she didn't actually hurt me. Look, I'm fine, aren't I?"
Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. His large hands cupped my face, dark eyes studying me with an intensity that made my insides quiver.
"I've always doubted your feelings for me," I continued, smiling through tears. "Now I know you truly care. And because I care about you too, I don't want to see you fall from grace."
Ethan pulled me tightly against him, his arms encircling my waist. He pressed his lips to my ear, his restraint evident in the tension of his body. "Liv," he whispered hoarsely, "will you stay with me forever?"
I couldn't answer. Such a promise would be meaningless. The Bennett family would never allow Ethan to keep me forever.
Just as Mia had said, he would eventually marry someone else.
When I didn't respond, his embrace tightened, his voice growing deeper, more urgent. "If you're willing, I'll overcome every obstacle. Will you?"
I need to buy time. I need his protection for now. The calculation in my mind was cold, but necessary. For two more years, I needed to rely on Ethan. Only with him shielding me could I safely complete college without Mia making my life hell.
What had she done today? Drugged me, kidnapped me, and made me watch a rape video as a threat. If she could do that while still fearing Ethan's reaction, what would she do if I were alone, unprotected?
"Yes," I said softly, looking into his eyes. "I believe you'll take care of me, Ethan. I trust you'll protect me."
A satisfied smile curved his lips. "Always."
He walked me back to the SUV, opening the door for me to climb inside. "Wait here like a good girl. I'll be back soon."
I clutched his arm before he could turn away. "Ethan, please. Just drop this thing with Mia."
His expression hardened. "This isn't for you to decide. I have principles."
I wanted to push further, but the darkness in his eyes stopped me. Arguing now would only make things worse. I released his arm and sank back into the leather seat.
From the safety of the SUV, I watched Ethan speak quietly to a security guard. The man nodded and approached Mia, stuffing a dirty rag into her mouth while another guard bound her hands with rope.
Ethan's cold gaze settled on Mia's face. "Mia, I already made it clear that Olivia is mine. Touch her, and I get angry. Why didn't you listen?"
Mia spat out the rag, tears streaming down her face. "How can you do this to me for someone else?"
"Let me emphasize once more—she is mine." His voice dropped dangerously. "You should be grateful you didn't harm her too badly, or else..."
Mia trembled at his menacing tone, her voice shaking. "Aren't you afraid of what Aunt Ashley will say?"
"Tape her mouth shut," Ethan ordered a guard. "Leave her bound for two hours."
"Ethan, please!" Mia shrieked. "I was wrong! I won't ever do it again!"
Ethan didn't even look at her. "When you make mistakes, you face consequences." With that, he turned and walked away.
The drive back to Westwood passed in silence. I leaned against Ethan in the backseat, his hand firmly holding mine. His thumb occasionally stroked my palm in small, possessive circles.
When we arrived at the apartment building, we exited the car separately. I deliberately reached for him, softening my voice to a needy whine. "Ethan, carry me. I'm still shaken from today. My legs feel wobbly."
His mouth curved into a half-smile, his finger tapping my nose lightly. "So dramatic."
I pouted, playing the role perfectly. "I really can't walk. Will you carry me? Please?"
Ethan's smile widened as he swept me into his arms. His eyes dropped to my lips before he leaned down for a quick kiss.
"I was scared today too," he murmured against my mouth. "How will you make it up to me tonight?"