Ethan Sullivan safely escorted Sophia Sullivan to the villa near The Underground City.
He rolled down the car window.
"Get some rest, Ms. Sullivan."
His voice was deep.
"It's cold outside. Don’t catch a chill."
Sophia stood under the eaves and smiled back at him.
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan. You too."
She turned to enter the house.
Ethan was about to drive away when the dashboard suddenly flickered.
He frowned and tried restarting the engine.
It sputtered weakly before dying completely.
Sophia paused at the sound.
"Car trouble?"
She walked back to the vehicle.
Ethan pulled out his phone.
"Engine failure, most likely. I’ll call my assistant."
The rain grew heavier.
Lightning split the night sky.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
Sophia watched the downpour through the window.
"It’s late. Don’t trouble your assistant."
She hesitated briefly.
"Why not come inside and wait out the storm?"
Ethan arched a brow.
"You trust me that easily, Ms. Sullivan?"
Amusement laced his tone.
"Inviting a man in—aren’t you worried about my intentions?"
Sophia chuckled.
"With your reputation, Mr. Sullivan?"
Her gaze swept over his striking profile.
"If anyone should be concerned, it’s you."
They shared a quiet laugh.
The tension eased slightly.
Ethan pushed open the car door.
"Then I’ll take you up on that."
The villa’s interior was elegantly furnished.
Ethan glanced around.
He had designed every detail himself.
Since Sophia moved in, she’d added small touches that blended surprisingly well.
"Here. Tea to warm you up."
Sophia handed him a floral-infused cup.
The fragrant steam curled between them.
Ethan accepted it.
"Excellent blend."
Outside, the rain intensified.
Camellias swayed violently in the storm.
This weather wouldn’t let up anytime soon.
Sophia rubbed her shoulder.
"I’m exhausted."
She met Ethan’s eyes.
"There are plenty of rooms here. Stay the night, if you’d like."
Ethan took a slow sip.
"An unusual thank-you gift, Ms. Sullivan."
His eyes gleamed with humor.
"If you really want to show gratitude, take me to dinner instead."
Sophia mirrored his earlier teasing tone.
"A man and woman dining alone? That doesn’t sound safe."
She blinked innocently.
"What if you try something improper?"
Ethan was momentarily speechless.
He could only shake his head in defeat.
Sophia gathered her sleepwear.
"I’ll shower first."
Ethan nodded.
The sound of running water blended with the rain.
Though muffled, his imagination supplied vivid details—
Steam clinging to her pale skin.
Hot droplets tracing delicate curves.
Ethan’s grip tightened around the teacup.
His gaze darkened.