The Taste of Trouble

Some things don't need to be said.

Some things are felt.

And right now, I could feel it—the weight of all the things Ethan and I weren't saying.

The space between us was thick with unspoken words, unfinished confessions, and mistakes we kept making.

I should have told him about Jax.

About Tessa's warning.

But every time I opened my mouth, the words got stuck.

Because once I said them?

There would be no turning back.

Ethan sat across from me, his coffee untouched.

His fingers tapped against the table—a restless, silent rhythm.

We weren't fighting.

Not exactly.

But there was something between us now.

Something heavy.

Something that wasn't just about the past.

It was about what was coming.

I knew it.

I think he did, too.

And yet—neither of us said anything.

"You okay?" he asked, voice low.

I nodded. "Yeah."

Another lie.

Another crack between us.

Ethan watched me, like he was waiting for something.

Like he knew I was keeping something from him.

But instead of pushing, he just leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.

And somehow?

That was worse.

Because Ethan Carter didn't let things go.

Not unless he was preparing for something bigger.

I wanted to tell him.

Wanted to break the silence, tell him about Jax, tell him about the danger that was creeping closer.

But every time I tried, I thought about the last time Ethan had lost control.

The last time he had nearly gone too far.

And I knew.

If I told him, he'd go after Jax.

And this time?

I wasn't sure he'd make it back.

So, I said nothing.

And Ethan?

He let me.

Later that night, I found myself pacing in my apartment.

Checking the locks.

Staring out the window, looking for something I hoped wasn't there.

Tessa's words haunted me.

"I think Jax isn't just watching you. I think he's coming for Ethan."

I clenched my fists.

I needed to tell him.

Before it was too late.

But before I could make that choice—

My phone buzzed.

And the message that appeared on my screen?

It sent a chill straight down my spine.

Unknown Number: Time's almost up, sweetheart.

I froze.

My stomach twisted; my breath caught in my throat.

Jax.

It had to be him.

I wanted to ignore it.

Wanted to pretend like it was just another warning.

But something about it felt different.

More real.

More final.

And for the first time, I realized—

I might not have as much time as I thought.

I went to Ethan's apartment.

I didn't think.

Didn't hesitate.

I just knew—I needed to see him.

When he opened the door, his expression shifted from surprise to something unreadable.

"Liv?"

I swallowed hard, stepping inside.

I didn't know what I was going to say.

Only that I couldn't keep this from him anymore.

But before I could open my mouth—

Ethan spoke first.

"You're lying to me."

I stiffened. "What?"

His jaw clenched.

"I don't know what it is," he muttered, "but I can feel it."

His eyes locked onto mine.

"Something's wrong. And you're not telling me."

My heart skipped.

Because for the first time, I saw it—

He already knew.

I exhaled shakily.

"Ethan, I—"

He stepped closer.

His presence was all-consuming, overwhelming.

And when he spoke, his voice was low, dangerous.

"Tell me the truth, Liv."

I hesitated.

Because this was it.

This was the moment where everything changed.

The moment where I either let him in—

Or pushed him away for good.

And I didn't know which was worse.

I lifted my gaze to his.

And God, the way he looked at me.

Like he already knew I was about to say something that would ruin everything.

I took a shaky breath.

And then—

I told him.

"I got a message."

Ethan's entire body tensed.

"What kind of message?"

I swallowed. "From Jax."

His expression darkened instantly.

"What did it say?"

I hesitated.

Then—

"Time's almost up."

Silence.

Thick. Unforgiving.

And then, in a voice that sent a chill down my spine—

Ethan whispered, "He's coming."

Liv finally tells Ethan the truth about Jax.

Ethan realizes this isn't just a game anymore—Jax is making his move.

Ethan and Liv prepare for the inevitable. But is it already too late?