Chapter Nine
I should’ve said something.
Anything.
But I didn’t.
Because standing there, with Ethan so close, looking at me like he already knew everything I was trying to hide… words felt useless.
Pointless.
Dangerous.
So instead, I did the only thing I could.
I stepped back.
Just a little.
Just enough to breathe.
His eyes followed the movement instantly.
Of course they did.
“You’re doing it again,” he said quietly.
“Doing what?” I asked, even though I already knew.
“Running.”
I shook my head, forcing my voice to stay steady. “I’m standing right here.”
“Not really.”
My chest tightened.
God, he was impossible.
“You don’t get to decide what I’m doing,” I said, a little sharper this time.
Ethan didn’t react to the tone.
Didn’t step back.
Didn’t break eye contact.
“You
