Ethan Sullivan's breath carried the scent of alcohol.
The crimson hue hadn't faded from his eyes.
"Aren't you afraid of me?"
His voice was low and rough.
Sophia Sullivan traced the rim of the hangover remedy cup with her fingertips.
She smiled faintly.
The diamond necklace glittered against her collarbone.
"Those who fear you wouldn't stand here."
Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed.
He struggled to focus his gaze.
"Sophia Sullivan."
Her name rolled off his tongue like a warning.
Or a temptation.
"Stay away from me."
His tone was icy.
Sophia took a step forward instead.
"What a coincidence."
She pressed the cup to his lips.
"I'm not exactly a saint either."
The spoon clinked against his teeth.
Ethan didn't refuse.
The tendons in his neck strained as he swallowed.
Like a string about to snap.
Ice cubes clinked in the remedy.
Sophia watched his throat move.
Then suddenly, she was pulled into scorching arms.
A wineglass shattered on the floor.
Ethan's kiss tasted of liquor.
"You started this."
His hand cradled the back of her neck.
Fingers tangling in her hair.
Sophia tasted the chill of ice.
And the heat of his mouth.
She pushed against his chest.
Only to have her wrist pinned.
"Ethan Sullivan."
Between ragged breaths,
she bit his lower lip.
"Do you know what you're doing?"
Ethan chuckled darkly.
His lips trailed down her throat.
"Exactly."
The bedside lamp toppled over.
Darkness swallowed the lounge.
The floor was cold against Sophia's back.
Ethan's breath scorched her ear.
"...May I?"
His voice was restrained.
But his fingers interlaced with hers tightly.
Sophia covered his eyes with her palm.
Her fingertips brushed damp lashes.
"No."
The refusal was softer than a sigh.
Ethan kissed her wrist.
"Hmm."
His actions contradicted his answer.
His tie loosened.
Sophia tugged him down.
"Lower your head."
Their lips met.
Like lighting a fuse.
Ethan lifted her up.
They collided with the armrest.
Desire overflowed like tidewater.
Taboos melted into the night.
Neither yielded.
Until they drowned in each other.