Sophia Sullivan wanted to tear off Ethan Sullivan's mask of composure.
"Time to pick up the pace."
She seized control of the dance, gripping his wrist where he should have led.
They glided toward the edge of the ballroom.
In the dim, flickering light, their steps grew languid.
Her hand, once resting on his shoulder, slid lower—down to the base of his spine.
"Keep up, Mr. Sullivan."
The power shift was undeniable.
As she tilted her head back, Ethan leaned down.
Her lips nearly brushed his jaw.
The mingled scents of gardenia and camellia hung thick in the air.
Ethan blamed the alcohol.
Nothing else could explain why even his breath felt intoxicated.
Especially when her fingers grazed that sensitive spot.
His grip on her hand tightened. His chest rose and fell unevenly.
A suppressed groan lodged in his throat.
The music swelled to its crescendo.
Partner rotation began.
"Sophia, I'm here."
Ryan Lawrence materialized at the edge of the light, a phantom in black feathers.
His mask obscured half his face, but his eyes burned bright.
Ethan's fingers clenched.
The interruption sent tension coiling through them both.
Yet the danger only stoked the fire between them.
"Ryan, enough."
Ethan's voice was rough.
"Rotation's ending."
Ding—
The chime signaled the shift.
Before Ryan could react, the tide of dancers swept him away.
Ethan shielded Sophia from the younger man's lingering glare.
He spun her deeper into the shadows.
The fractured light swallowed them whole.
Then he kissed her.
His palm scorched against the small of her back.
A predator claiming his prey.
"Ethan!" She twisted away. "Have you lost your mind?"
He was pure danger now.
The kiss had been a conquest.
Her fingers dug into his wrinkled shirt.
If anyone saw them, they'd be the talk of the city tomorrow.
Her lips still tingled when they parted.
"Sophia Sullivan."
He said her full name like a verdict.
The words dissolved into the music, soft as a sigh.
"I surrender."
Dark currents churned in his gaze.
His fluttering lashes betrayed his restraint.
Every shred of reason crumbled before her.
His grip loosened. "You can still go to Ryan."
A final test.
If she hesitated even slightly—
He'd never let go.
But Sophia laughed.
"A paid dance partner sees the song through."
Her nails dug into his side.
"But you should learn when to quit, Mr. Sullivan."
The pinch would leave bruises by morning.
Ethan only chuckled and captured her hand.
Guiding it lower, over the ridges of his abdomen.
"Next time, aim here."
The defined muscles flexed beneath his shirt.
Sophia met his smoldering stare.
A beast lurked behind those eyes—ready to break free.