A blinding streak of lightning split the night sky outside.
Thunder roared moments later, shaking the windows with its fury.
Sophia Sullivan glanced at the gathering storm clouds through the glass.
"I should leave before the rain starts."
She turned to go.
A scorching hand closed around her wrist with startling heat.
Ethan Sullivan stood inches behind her, his dark eyes burning into hers.
She hadn't heard him approach.
"Wait."
His voice came out rough, almost strained.
The wind howled through the open curtains, making them snap like sails.
Something unreadable flickered in his gaze.
"It's not safe to go out in this storm."
Sophia arched a brow. "I've survived worse weather."
Raindrops the size of marbles began pelting the windows before she finished speaking.
She pressed her lips together.
Ethan's tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Stay the night." His tone brooked no argument. "My driver will take you home tomorrow."
His fingers uncurled from her wrist.
The ghost of his touch lingered on her skin.
"Since you insist, Mr. Sullivan."
Sophia acquiesced easily.
It wasn't her first time staying at the Sullivan estate.
Ethan gave a curt nod.
That simple sound vibrated through her, warm and intimate against her ear.
Her pulse stuttered.
Especially when his lips quirked upward, transforming his usually icy expression into something dangerously alluring.
The kind of temptation that begged to be explored.
"Where are Charles and Emma?" Sophia changed the subject.
Ethan fell into step beside her. "The guest house."
He pivoted suddenly. "Fresh towels and clothes are in your room. Ring if you need anything."
"Understood."
Sophia knew the way to the guest suite.
Last time she'd been here, it was to uncover secrets.
Now everything remained unchanged—even the flower arrangements.
The monochromatic decor mirrored Ethan himself.
Restrained. Controlled. Rational.
"A shower first." She pushed open the bathroom door.
Steaming water eased the tension from her muscles.
But darkness swallowed the room the moment she stepped out.
Lightning illuminated twisted tree branches clawing at the windows.
"Power outage?"
Sophia frowned.
The soundproofing muffled any noise from elsewhere in the house.
After a hesitation, she opened her door.
"Ethan?"
The hallway stretched black and silent.
Not even emergency lights glowed.
The unnatural stillness set her teeth on edge.
She remembered Ethan's reaction to darkness last time.
He'd masked it well, but not well enough.
"I'm coming in."
Footsteps approached just as she pushed his door open.
Candlelight spilled through the gap.
Ethan stood framed in the doorway, golden light softening his sharp features.
"Lightning took out the power." He stepped aside. "This is all we have."
"Better than nothing." Sophia exhaled in relief and entered.
The flickering flame cast dancing shadows across the storm-lashed windows.
She settled onto the sofa. "Called an electrician?"
"None will come in this weather." The lie came smoothly as candlelight played across his face. "We'll manage until morning."
"Safety first, I suppose."
Sophia didn't question it.
Comfortable silence settled between them.
Just as she prepared to excuse herself, Ethan spoke first.
"Would you...stay with me tonight?"
The request sounded foreign coming from him.
His steady voice betrayed nothing, but his fingers trembled around the candleholder.
"Couldn't sleep anyway." Sophia smiled knowingly. "Same rules—I get the bed, you take the floor."
"Naturally."
Ethan's mouth curved.
Sophia made up a thick pallet, tossing him an extra pillow.
Meanwhile, in the basement electrical room...
Two servants huddled together whispering.
"Master Ethan ordered us to cut power early, said it was storm precautions..."
"And we can't restore it until sunrise!"
They grumbled but obeyed.
At the Sullivan estate, no one questioned the young master's eccentric requests.