The Dangerous Attraction.

chapter 3 : into the web

Ethan couldn't escape the feeling that his life was slowly spiraling out of control. Since meeting the Romano sisters, nothing felt normal anymore. Their presence lingered like a shadow, even when they weren't around. The way Isabella had warned him, the way Valentina seemed to toy with him—it was all starting to mess with his head.It wasn't long before he found himself at a party he had no intention of attending."Come on, man, live a little!" Ethan's roommate, Alex, was already halfway out the door, urging him to join the crowd heading to one of the off-campus mansions for a big weekend party. "It's at the Romano house. You've got to see that place!"Ethan paused. The Romano house? Of course, it would be. He thought back to Isabella's warning: *"You have no idea what you're getting into."*But curiosity was gnawing at him. He had to know more—about the sisters, about why they seemed to have singled him out. Maybe this was his chance to figure it out."Alright, fine," Ethan muttered, grabbing his jacket. "Let's go."---The Romano mansion sat at the edge of campus, a sprawling estate that felt out of place among the student housing. As Ethan and Alex arrived, the party was already in full swing. Music blared from the massive speakers, and the house was packed with students, all dazzled by the luxury they rarely experienced.Ethan wasn't sure where to look first—the grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the velvet couches, or the crowd of people swarming around the dance floor."Ethan! You came!" Valentina's voice rang out from behind him, and Ethan turned to see her weaving through the crowd. She looked different tonight—more relaxed, less formal, but still captivating. She wore a sleek black dress that hugged her frame and highlighted the fiery red of her hair. Her green eyes gleamed with excitement."I didn't think you were the party type," she teased, stepping closer.Ethan shrugged, trying to act casual. "I'm not, really.""Then why come?" Valentina asked, her eyes locking onto his.Ethan hesitated. "I guess I was curious."Valentina's smile widened, but before she could respond, Isabella appeared at her side. As always, she was composed, her dark hair pulled back, and her gaze sharp. Her presence instantly made Ethan feel like he was being scrutinized."So, you decided to ignore my warning," Isabella said coolly.Ethan met her gaze, trying not to flinch. "I don't understand what's going on. Why are you both so interested in me?"Isabella's lips curved into a small, unreadable smile. "There are things you're better off not understanding."Valentina, always the playful one, looped her arm through Ethan's and tugged him away from Isabella. "Come on, Ethan. Don't let her scare you. She's all talk."Ethan let himself be led through the crowd, his mind spinning. He felt like he was in over his head, but he couldn't deny the pull Valentina had on him. Her carefree nature was a stark contrast to Isabella's cold precision, but he suspected both were dangerous in their own ways.---Hours passed in a blur of music, laughter, and drinks. Ethan tried to stay on guard, but Valentina's charm was hard to resist. She laughed easily, teased him about his awkwardness, and seemed genuinely interested in him. For a moment, he forgot about the danger, lost in the allure of her attention.But as the night wore on, Isabella reappeared, watching them from a distance with a calculating gaze. It was clear she hadn't forgotten the bigger picture, whatever that was.When the party began to wind down, Valentina led Ethan to a quiet balcony overlooking the gardens. The air was cool, and the sounds of the party faded into the background."You're different from the others," Valentina said softly, leaning on the railing beside him.Ethan frowned. "How so?""You're... real. Genuine." Valentina's eyes softened as she spoke, but there was still a hint of mischief in her tone. "Most people try too hard to impress us, or they're afraid. But you... you don't fit into our world, and I think that's why I like you."Ethan looked at her, feeling conflicted. "I'm not sure if that's a good thing."Valentina laughed, her voice light. "It's definitely not." She turned to face him, her expression serious for once. "But that's what makes you interesting. And dangerous."Before Ethan could respond, Isabella appeared once again, her face unreadable. "Valentina, that's enough."Valentina sighed but didn't argue. She gave Ethan one last glance, something unspoken lingering in her eyes, before slipping back inside the house.Ethan turned to Isabella, who stepped closer, her presence as cold and overwhelming as ever."Listen carefully, Ethan," Isabella said, her voice low. "You need to stop letting Valentina drag you into this. We're not like you. Our world will destroy someone like you."Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. "Then why keep me around?"Isabella's eyes flashed with something unreadable. "That's what I'm trying to figure out."With that, she turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Ethan alone on the balcony, more confused and entangled than ever before.**To be continued...**