Liam Winston clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.
He avoided Ethan Sullivan's piercing gaze, turning instead to Sophia Sullivan.
"Thank you for today," he said hoarsely.
Sophia's expression remained indifferent.
"Don't mention it. I did it for Mr. Winston Sr." She moved to leave. "Step aside."
Liam reached out to stop her.
"About what happened back then, I—"
Chloe Evans' shrill voice cut through the air.
"Liam!"
Her eyes burned with jealousy as she glared at their proximity.
Liam's arm dropped limply to his side.
Sophia fastened her helmet, her tone distant.
"Your wife is waiting for you, Mr. Winston."
She glanced at the distinguished man beside her.
"Care for an alternative ride home, Mr. Sullivan?"
Ethan's gaze swept over the crimson motorcycle.
"A Neiman Marcus limited edition. Worth over a million."
Sophia arched a brow.
"Seems you know your bikes."
Memories of their neck-and-neck race flashed through her mind.
"As thanks, want a ride?"
Ethan inclined his head.
"The honor would be mine."
Streetlights flickered on, casting a golden glow over the pair.
The engine roared, tearing through the night.
Winding mountain roads blurred past as speed climbed.
Ethan leaned closer, the crisp scent of Sophia's hair filling his senses.
Wind howled around them—wild and exhilarating.
In the rearview mirror, Liam's figure shrank into the distance.
——
At the mountain rest stop, Sophia tilted her head back, throat working as she drank.
The city lights below twinkled like a sea of stars.
"How was it?" she asked.
Ethan's windswept hair lent him a feral edge—like "Zephyr" shedding his disguise.
"Not bad," he rumbled.
Sophia smirked but said nothing.
The night was still.
As she stood, Ethan spoke suddenly.
"Just how many secrets are you hiding, Ms. Sullivan?"
"Takes one to know one."
Their eyes met in shared amusement.
That absurd yet tantalizing wager—to uncover each other's truths—hung between them.
"Every encounter reveals something new."
Ethan stepped closer.
His slightly undone collar revealed a glimpse of collarbone.
Moonlight glinted off his wristwatch.
"How many facets of you remain unseen?"
The night breeze played with Sophia's hair.
She spread her hands lazily.
"People are complex. Nothing unusual."
She advanced two steps.
Ethan actually retreated.
Their gazes locked in silent challenge.
"Take your time guessing, Mr. Sullivan. I'll be going ahead."
The engine snarled to life.
Sophia shot forward like an arrow released from its bow.
Ethan remained, a low chuckle escaping him.
Interesting.
When Ian Watson arrived, he found his boss standing alone under the stars.
"Where's Ms. Sullivan?"
Ethan leaned back with closed eyes, lips curved slightly.
Catching that rare smile in the rearview, Ian's hands jerked on the wheel.
The boss was... smiling?
A chill ran down his spine as he tightened his grip.
When Ethan Sullivan smiles, fate itself holds its breath.