Riley's POV

Ethan stayed on his knees, his hands braced against the floor as if that was the only thing keeping him upright. His chest rising too fast, but he forced himself to look at me. 

There was fear in his eyes, but it wasn't the only thing there. He was thinking. Calculating. Searching for something that could still work.

"Riley... listen to me," he said, his voice strained but urgent.

I didn't respond. I didn't move. I just watched him.

He swallowed and pushed himself a little straighter, like he was trying to regain some control over how he looked.

"You really don't have to do this," he continued....