Chapter 37: Denial
Shawn fixed a piercing glare on Ezra, who had just landed a punch squarely on his nose. Disbelief registered in his wide eyes as he tried to process what he could have done to provoke such an attack. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, using a handkerchief to dab at the blood staining his nose.
His attention shifted back to Ezra, who adjusted his sleeve and checked his wristwatch, acting as if he could simply walk away unscathed and without consequence.
As Ezra began to walk away, Shane grabbed him by the arm. "Hold up! You owe me an explanation for that hit," Shane demanded, his voice firm.
Ezra glared back, teeth clenched. "Let go of my fucking arm or you’ll take another hit that’ll do damage to your brain" he warned, his tone a low growl, eyes narrowing dangerously.
With a raised brow of curiosity, Shane released him but held his ground. "We need to have a serious conversation."
"About the fact that you’re chasing after my girl?" Ezra shot back, icy contempt lacing his words.
Shane scoffed, annoyance creeping in. "I’m not chasing Evie. We’re just friends—nothing more." He wanted to make that crystal clear.
Ezra spun to face Shane, his posture rigid. "Just friends?" he challenged, skepticism dripping from his voice. "You expect me to believe that while you’re laughing, touching her in ways that aren’t just friendly? Don’t try to be smart."
He closed the distance between him and Shane, his stare unyielding. "If we weren’t long-time friends, you’d know the extent of what I’m capable of. Keep your distance from Evie. No friendship; she’s off-limits. Do you understand me?"
Ezra’s intense gaze pierced straight through Shane’s defenses.
"And if you don’t comprehend that, there are other physical ways to make it clear," he finished coldly.
After a brief silence, Shane met his gaze with a mocking chuckle and took a step back. "Whoa, nice act you’ve got going," he taunted, clearly unfazed.
Ezra tilted his head, confusion flashing across his face. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Shane squared his shoulders. "If I were as dumb as everyone else, maybe I’d buy it. But I’m not. I see right through your performance. You don’t love her. It is nothing but a fake relationship, and after six months, y’all will go your separate ways, isn’t that right?"
Shane then took a pause, scrutinizing Ezra before adding, "You’d be a better actor than I am, for real."
Ezra’s expression turned serious. "How did you know?" he demanded.
"Did Evie spill the beans? Given your newfound closeness, it wouldn’t be a surprise," Ezra continued, suspicion heavy in his tone.
Shane raised his hand dismissively. "No, she didn’t tell me. I figured it out myself. You think I’m oblivious? I know the signs of a fake relationship when I see one."
"So why put on this tough act? If you don’t really love her, step aside for someone who does," Shane stated bluntly.
"Someone who loves her? You?" Ezra shot back, eyebrow raised and incredulous.
Shane nodded deliberately. "Absolutely."
Ezra smirked, finding amusement in Shane’s bravado. "You don’t mean that. You have flings, not girlfriends. Don’t even think about playing with her heart."
"And what if I do?" Shane countered defiantly.
Ezra’s tone sharpened as he gripped Shane’s collar and slammed him against the wall. "Back off from her. This is your final warning."
"Or what?" Shane challenged, unflinching.
Ezra leaned in closer, fury evident in his clenched jaw. "I never thought we’d end up as enemies."
With a firm grip, Shane peeled Ezra’s hand from his collar, and adjusted it. "Let’s be real here... I don’t like Evie in that way. She’s a cute girl, sure, but it’s purely platonic. We’re friends, nothing more—just as I said."
Ezra didn’t buy it for a second, his expression skeptical.
"I’m not lying. I only got close to her to provoke you, and it worked—you’re clearly agitated." Said said.
Ezra’s eyes blinked.
Shane’s laughter echoed as he watched as Ezra’s composure cracked. "And with you so possessive, calling her your woman—do you actually have feelings for her?" Shane pressed, his gaze challenging.
Ezra clenched his jaw tightly.
Shane studied him intently. "You do like her, don’t you? You’re jealous seeing me with her—that’s what this is really about, right?" he challenged.
"Shut up. I’m trying to protect her from guys like you," Ezra shot back, his glare sharp.
"Sure," Shane smirked, clearly unconvinced by Ezra’s attempt to deflect.
"But how can you not like Evie? She’s stunning and an incredible person. Honestly, how could you not be into her?" Shane pressed, a teasing lilt in his voice. "Unless, of course, you’re into men."
Ezra shot him another fierce look.
Shane raised a hand defensively. "I get it; you like women. I’m just teasing. But deep down, I know you like Evie, and that’s the truth," he insisted, his tone serious.
"I don’t," Ezra replied, feeling a lump form in his throat as he spoke.
"You most certainly do. Ezra, I know you better than anyone. You’ve realized you have feelings for her but are shutting them out because you’re afraid. You’ve never been a coward, but here you are, acting like a weakling," Shane pointed out.
Ezra glared at him again.
"Love doesn’t bite or hurt, Ezra. Embrace it when it comes," Shane continued insistently. "If you like Evie, now’s your chance to tell her. Even if I’m not with her, someone else will be."
Ezra narrowed his eyes, his mind swirling with thoughts. Did he actually like Evie? The answer remained elusive.
"And I know you wouldn’t want another man around her, so now’s the time to confess," Shane pressed, but Ezra redirected his glare.
"Enough," he muttered, his voice low but steady, no longer sharp. "Let’s head back."
"Alright," Shane agreed readily as they turned to leave the balcony.
"How’s your nose?" Ezra asked as they walked away.
"How do you think?" Shane shot back with a glare.
Broken? Certainly. Hurting? Absolutely. Ezra felt a smirk tugging at his lips.
And after a long silence between them, "Just so you know, no matter what happens, as your friend, I won’t let anything come between us—especially not a woman," Shane declared, his tone unwavering.