Chapter 4 DANGEROUS GAME (Ethan’s POV)

“Who sent this to you?” I demanded with authority, holding the phone Demilia had left on the kitchen counter, and I couldn't believe my eyes on the type of text displayed on the screen.

It was like she never expected me to gain access to such information because she froze on the hallway, the second she saw the phone in my hand, her eyes darting from the phone to my face, maybe strategizing on how to distract me and grab it back. “Give it back to me, Ethan.”

Her tone wasn't pleasant, shaking a little, and betraying her fears, and how guilty she was. In all of that, I couldn't help it but feel disgusted. I couldn't tell which I dislike the most.

My jaw tightened as I wondered what she might be hiding from me to be this protective. “I won't hand it over not until you explain the reason someone’s warning you about a baby.”

Her expression changed to something that I can't really place my finger instantly. “It’s nothing you should bother yourself with.”

“Nothing?” I moved few inches closer to her, my voice low, but very dangerous. “Someone is somehow sending deadly threats to you, and you call it nothing?”

“I said give it back this minute.”

For a moment, we did nothing other than stare intensely at each other like two armed soldiers waiting for who would fire first. Then, just when it seemed I let my guard down, she quickly snatched the phone from my hand and the next thing, she stormed toward the elevator.

I didn’t follow her to wherever she was going. At least not immediately.

Because, the devl Adrian Knight was around, waiting for her in the lobby. He has been my worst nightmare ever since our families did business today, which was clearly my parents' fault.

I had sighted him right through the glass. As always, he was tall, sharp, and never lost that charming smile he always mislead ladies with, using it as a weapon. And when I saw him, he was leaning way too close to Demilia.

I couldn't hold back myself again. The sight alone ignited a part of me I never knew existed. I couldn't bear anyone touching what's mine to start with. Not even my brother.

I moved as fast as my legs could carry me.

“Knight,” I said the very second I got close to them, stepping between them, and I swear, my voice like a blade. “Lose your way and appeared here, or just desperate for attention as usual?”

He smiled wider than he used to do. That must be a new tactics from him. “Ethan. This will always be a pleasure. Such a beauty you've got there, I was just doing myself the honor of introducing myself to your wife. Offering… protection in the process.”

There was something offensive with the way he called her a beauty. It made me restless, admiring my woman openly like she was yours.

“I can't remember her needing protection, talk more of the one coming from you,” I said flatly.

Adrian’s gaze landed on her again, and I didn't know why I don't appreciate the look he was giving her. Like someone ready to devour her raw. “Everyone needs protection at one point or the other. Especially in your world of many uncertainties.”

Demilia just folded her arms, making matters words when she decided to talk. “Maybe I should make the decision of whose protection I really want.”

Her defiance was something to be studied, too beautiful, and yet reckless and dangerous to behold. And God, she has no idea the emotions she made me have, how she shattered my whole being the moment she challenged me in public. Something I could give anything in exchange just to watch her do it over and over again.

Her words were too sharp, more like a punch and I never saw it coming.

Adrian chuckled at her statement, though it was a low sound, but it was still infuriating. “Be careful, Blackwell. When you don’t place any value on what’s yours, you might lose it to someone else who does before you even realize it.”

I took more steps closer until we were just eye to eye. “Touch her this minute, and I promise, I will make you disappear.”

“Do I take such as threats, Ethan?” His tone coming out lazy, but his eyes held a different thing, too sharp. “You must be really worried.”

Demilia’s phone vibrated again as I suddenly developed the habit of monitoring her calls. She looked down, and I could see her face draining of color the minute she read the content. I couldn’t see the screen, not even a glimpse of the content, but I saw her hands tremble.

Adrian noticed that too. “Looks like someone somewhere is already making threatsbto get this beauty. Maybe you’re not the only danger she needs to be careful about.”

Before I could speak or ask her what the matter was, she muttered, “I need air,” and walked away, leaving us stunned.

I turned to face Adrian. “Stay the hll out of my way.”

He smirked in the most annoying way. “Can’t make such promise. She’s…too intriguing.”

By the time I finally caught up with her as hlshe was lost in deep thought on the rooftop, the city lights blazing around, giving me the feeling of still in context as always, but glancing at her side, she seemed to be in a different world, far beyond my reach.

“What’s really going on with you, Demilia?” I asked. “And don’t you dare lie to me.”

She shook her head in disapproval. “You wouldn’t understand if I tell you about it.”

“Try me this time.”

Her voice cracked, and I knew it affected her that much. But why do I care? Is it because of Adrian or is there something else? “Drake’s really in trouble. Not the regular type that he's used to, bigger trouble than you know. And right now… all they could think of is to come after me to get to him.”

Rage suddenly burned greatly in my chest. “Who are they if I may ask?”

Instantly, the predator in me, suddenly came alive, ready to completely ruin anyone who would dare harm what is mine. Recently, I had developed the habit of jumping out of my skin at the thought of Demilia on another man's arms. I know I don't believe in love, because it makes one vulnerable and weak, but I won't still permit another to claim her. I am Ethan, and I will do with hr whatever I deem fit regardless of whatever anyone thinks.

Before she could give a response to my question, the rooftop door suddenly slammed open.

Vanessa like the unwanted guest she has always been, stepped out, her lips curved mischievously into a knowing smile. “Looks like you've got a handful of problem right there, Ethan. I thought she's your wife, why are you sharing her with another man? I must tell you this for free, this isn't good for your public image.”

And then, she tossed the envelope to me to see.

On looking Inside, I saw photos. But sadly, they were of Demilia… and Adrian, all cozy and talking heartily.

I never knew they've met other than the one I saw them in my penthouse. That alone made my blood boil without control. Something in me pushing to grab her, to restrain her where I will be the only one to see her beautiful face.

So she was the one that invited him to my house, disobeying my orders.

Which of the domestic workers did she bribe to have gained access to the outskirt of the estate without my notice?

Control was my thing, my world. How did she manage to break through it effortlessly?

My stomach churned greatly, and I wondered if it was because I cares or out of anger of not being in control for a second.

Maybe it was both. Or the fact that I have refused to admit how this woman has singlehandedly begin rewriting rules I had lived by over the decades without doing much.