Sophia Sullivan's body tensed abruptly.
Hot breath coiled around her ear.
Like sparks igniting dry grass.
Employees were just outside the door.
A forbidden sensation spread through her.
Dangerous yet intoxicating.
Female laughter drifted in from the hallway.
"Don't misunderstand, Ms. Sullivan. I used to ship you and Mr. Sullivan!"
Sophia's fingers trembled.
Warm lips brushed against her neck.
Electric tingles shot down her spine.
Her earlobe was gently captured between teeth.
Her most sensitive spot.
An arm around her waist steadied her weakening knees.
Footsteps gradually faded away.
"See you tomorrow, Ms. Sullivan."
Silence reclaimed the confined space.
Sophia whirled around, pinning Ethan Sullivan against the door.
The impact echoed through the small room.
"Have you lost your mind?"
She shoved his hand away.
"If photos get leaked, the entire corporation will be affected."
Her icy tone barely contained her fury.
A red mark still lingered on her collarbone.
"Remember clause one of our agreement? Mutual benefits, no crossing boundaries."
The words sounded more like a reminder to herself.
It was time to pull back.
Dark currents swirled in Ethan's eyes.
"Call me insane then."
His fingertip traced the mark on her neck.
"For wanting to claim you as mine."
Violence and tenderness warred within him.
He wanted to crush her into his bones.
Yet feared breaking the delicate treasure in his arms.
Finally, he stepped back.
"The Laurent family saved my grandmother's life."
His Adam's apple bobbed as he explained.
"The engagement was an old joke between elders. I never acknowledged it."
His voice dropped like midnight fog.
"She's not my fiancée."
Sophia turned on the faucet.
Running water washed away the lingering tension.
"There's no difference between her and me."
Their reflections stared back from the mirror.
"You'll return to the Sullivan family eventually. And I must find my mother."
The cramped space suddenly felt vast.
Only their locked gazes remained in silent battle.
"Let's take some time apart."
Her hair brushed his fingertips as she turned.
"We both know this isn't love."
The hallway lights flickered.
After an eternity, his reply came.
"...Fine."
Ethan unclenched his fist.
One more step and he'd lose control completely.
An invisible hand squeezed his heart.
Drowning him.