**Chapter 10: Reckoning**

The silence that followed Alex's ominous warning was oppressive, weighing heavily on the crowd that had gathered around the booth. Maya's hand still rested on Sean's arm, her fingers digging deep into his muscle as she tried to keep him from exploding. Jake, sensing the tension, took a step forward, his eyes locked on Alex. "Alex, I'm warning you," Jake said, his voice low and even. "Leave now, before things escalate." Alex's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I don't think so, Jake. I've come too far, and I'm not leaving until I've made my point." Sean's eyes flashed with anger, his jaw clenched in a silent fury. Maya could feel the tension coiling in his muscles, his body rigid with restraint. She knew that he was fighting to keep his cool, but for how long? The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as the crowd waited with bated breath to see what would happen next. Maya's heart pounded in her chest, her senses on high alert as she scanned the room, searching for an escape route, just in case. Suddenly, the doors to The Guild burst open, and a tall, imposing figure strode in, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on the group. Maya's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the newcomer - Ryker, Sean's older brother, and the Guild's most feared enforcer. Ryker's eyes locked onto Alex, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he just stood there, his gaze burning with an intensity that made Maya shiver. Then, with a curt nod, he strode over to the group, his movements fluid and menacing. "Alex," Ryker said, his voice low and deadly. "I see you're still causing trouble." Alex's smile faltered for a moment, before she regained her composure. "Ryker, always a pleasure," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Ryker's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "You're not welcome here, Alex. Leave now, before I have to escort you out." The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the two former lovers locked eyes, the history between them palpable. Maya could sense the animosity, the anger, and the hurt that simmered just below the surface. Sean's eyes flicked to Ryker, a silent question in his gaze. Ryker's expression remained neutral, but Maya could sense a message in his eyes - he had this. With a quiet nod, Sean relaxed, his muscles releasing the tension that had been building. Maya's grip on his arm loosened, her eyes never leaving Ryker's face. The game had changed, and Maya had a feeling that the stakes were about to get a lot higher.