Chapter 5 A DANGEROUS CHOICE

Sebastian's mind raced, the weight of the message still heavy in his chest. Scarlett was in danger-Scarlett. His thoughts shifted like sand, each grain turning over in a frantic attempt to make sense of what was happening. He had never felt so helpless.

Damien was still standing by the fireplace, watching him closely, sensing the tension in the air. "What are you going to do?" he asked quietly, his voice filled with an unspoken understanding.

Sebastian turned toward him, his jaw clenched tight, the usual coldness in his eyes replaced by something raw-something vulnerable. "I'll make sure she's safe. I won't let Ethan touch her." His voice was low but filled with determination.

Damien raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You're willing to risk everything for her? After everything?"

Sebastian's gaze hardened. "There's no 'everything' without her, Damien. I can't let him destroy her. I've built my empire with one rule-never let anyone in. But Scarlett..." His voice trailed off, his gaze distant as he struggled to find the right words. "She's different."

Damien didn't respond immediately. He knew better than to argue with Sebastian when his mind was made up. But his silence carried a heavy message: You're walking a dangerous line, Sebastian. Don't let her destroy you.

Without another word, Sebastian grabbed his coat and strode toward the door. "I'll handle it. Make sure the team is on standby. If Ethan makes a move, we hit back harder."

Damien nodded solemnly, but there was something in his eyes that Sebastian couldn't quite place. Something that felt like a warning.

---

The ride to Scarlett's apartment felt like an eternity. The familiar hum of the city outside the car window did nothing to calm the storm swirling inside Sebastian. He had never felt so conflicted in his entire life. Was it weakness to care about her? Was he putting everything he'd worked for at risk over a woman who had, at most, only just entered his life?

But as he thought about the last few days-her laughter, her intelligence, her warmth-he knew. He knew that whatever had sparked between them was real. And he was willing to face whatever came next if it meant keeping her safe.

When the car finally pulled up outside Scarlett's building, Sebastian didn't hesitate. He threw open the door and walked toward the entrance, his steps quick and determined. But as he entered the lobby, he noticed something that immediately sent a chill down his spine: the lights were flickering.

No. Not now.

He quickened his pace, ignoring the receptionist's startled glance as he made his way toward the elevator. He had to get to her. Had to.

As the elevator doors closed, his fingers gripped the railing. The message on his phone had been clear-Ethan was coming for her. He was already in the building.

The elevator stopped on the top floor, and Sebastian rushed out, heading straight for Scarlett's apartment door. He could hear muffled voices from inside-Scarlett's, pleading, and then a male voice he didn't recognize.

His heart skipped a beat. It's him.

He didn't knock. He didn't announce himself. He kicked the door open with force, and what he saw made his blood run cold.

Scarlett stood near the window, her arms crossed tightly, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and defiance. But standing in front of her, his back to Sebastian, was Ethan Voss.

Sebastian's breath caught in his throat, the need to protect Scarlett surging through him like fire. Ethan turned slowly, a cold smirk on his face as he recognized Sebastian.

"Well, well," Ethan said, his voice smooth and mocking. "The mighty Sebastian Hale, coming to the rescue of the little girl. How touching."

Sebastian's eyes darkened. "Stay away from her, Voss," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Ethan chuckled. "Oh, I'm not here to hurt her. Not yet, anyway. I'm just... having a conversation. You know how it is, Sebastian. You'll understand soon enough."

Sebastian took a step forward, his every instinct telling him to strike, to put an end to Ethan's games. But Scarlett's voice stopped him.

"Sebastian, wait," she said, her voice trembling. "Please. He's not the threat-he's just trying to-"

"No, Scarlett," Sebastian interrupted, his eyes burning with intensity. "He's always been a threat. He's been playing you from the start, just like he played me. Don't trust him."

Scarlett flinched, but before she could respond, Ethan interrupted, stepping toward her, a look of amusement on his face. "You think I'm the villain here, Sebastian? You don't know anything. All I want is what's rightfully mine. And if you think Scarlett will be your salvation, you're gravely mistaken."

Sebastian felt his blood boil. He had no time for Ethan's games, not now-not when Scarlett was in the middle of it all.

"Get out," Sebastian commanded, his voice low and lethal.

Ethan smirked again, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "This isn't over. You can't protect her forever. And one day, you'll have to choose. Power... or love."

With one final glance at Scarlett, Ethan turned and walked toward the door, leaving Sebastian and Scarlett alone.

---

As the door slammed shut behind him, the weight of the moment pressed down on both of them. Sebastian stood there, his heart racing, as he turned to Scarlett. She was shaking, her face pale, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion.

"Are you alright?" Sebastian's voice was softer than he intended, his walls cracking as he reached for her.

"I-I'm fine," Scarlett stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you shouldn't have come here. He could've-"

"I won't let him hurt you," Sebastian cut in, his hand gently brushing her cheek. "I promised you that."

Scarlett met his gaze, searching his eyes for something-anything-that might assure her she wasn't alone in this.

But as he looked at her, his own heart twisted with guilt and uncertainty. Ethan had been right. The time was coming when he would have to choose: the life he had built, or the woman who had unexpectedly stolen his heart.

And he didn't know if he was ready to make that choice.