Ethan stood in the shadows.
He wasn't sure if he should confess.
Those secrets buried deep in his heart.
In the end, he chose honesty.
"It's something I enjoy."
His voice came out hoarse.
His eyes held restrained emotion.
Ethan knew exactly how abnormal he was.
He needed certain unconventional methods.
To release his inner turmoil.
These hidden desires.
Were never meant for outsiders to know.
To the media, he was a business prodigy.
The untouchable CEO of Sullivan Group.
This side of him must remain in darkness.
Yet today, it had been exposed.
Before Sophia Sullivan.
"If you find this disgusting."
"And want to stay away."
"That would be understandable."
Ethan spoke calmly.
But inside, it felt like being cut by knives.
He knew hiding wasn't the solution.
Better to confess himself.
Sophia suddenly countered.
"Why are you telling me this, Mr. Sullivan?"
Ethan froze.
He expected to see revulsion in her eyes.
But Sophia only frowned slightly.
As if this revelation didn't bother her.
There was even a hint of curiosity.
"Because we're friends."
Ethan couldn't fully explain it himself.
Perhaps it was her eyes.
That made him want no deception between them.
Neither his polished facade.
Nor his darker inclinations.
He wanted complete honesty with her.
"I don't want to lie to you."
Sophia never showed disgust.
Instead, she smiled faintly.
"That's right, we're friends."
If not for the awkward situation.
She'd love to savor this moment.
The supposedly cold and abstinent CEO.
Actually enjoyed being dominated in private.
This contrast thrilled her.
Especially remembering that night.
When Ethan lost control in her hands.
It was truly addictive.
That kiss in the elevator.
Had been mutual attraction.
"You're overthinking it, Mr. Sullivan."
"Everyone has their quirks these days."
Sophia collected her thoughts.
Finding it somewhat amusing.
Did Ethan think her naive?
She was no innocent flower.
"Besides, I enjoy seeing people cry."
"Watching them break down in tears."
"It's quite entertaining."
"Is that so?"
Ethan suddenly stepped forward.
Towering over Sophia.
His proximity radiated intensity.
His bare torso showed defined muscles.
The abs and v-line particularly enticing.
Sophia scrambled for an excuse.
To explain why she'd barged in.
Distracted, she stepped back.
Her back hit the cold wall.
Her fingers secretly reached for a hidden dagger.
"Planning to silence me, Mr. Sullivan?"
She couldn't read his thoughts.
He trapped her expressionlessly.
Exuding dangerous energy.
He'd been fine moments ago.
Why the sudden aggression?
Sophia wouldn't go down without a fight.
Just as she prepared to act.
Ethan lowered his head.
His warm breath brushed her ear.
"If that's what you enjoy."
"I'd gladly suffer at your hands."
The distance was intimate.
Close enough to count his lashes.
His eyes were bottomless pools.
Sophia released the dagger.
Meeting his gaze.
His words sounded too sincere.
Not discussing preferences.
But making a promise.
Their bodies nearly touched.
Sophia's hand unconsciously rested on his waist.
Fingertips burning from his heat.
Ethan's body bore many old scars.
Far from ugly.
They exuded raw masculinity.
Sophia looked up.
"What exactly do you enjoy, Mr. Sullivan?"
The air grew thick.
Tension crackled between them.