The alley wind carried a biting chill.
Sophia Sullivan's back pressed against rough brick.
Ethan Sullivan's presence enveloped her completely.
It mirrored those uncontrolled nights from memory.
Secret. Dangerous. Heart-pounding.
Though secluded, passersby could appear any moment.
Sophia bent her knee to strike, but Ethan pinned her legs first.
Their bodies locked together seamlessly.
His kiss held undeniable force.
Familiar warmth flooded her mouth.
Sophia bit hard on his lower lip.
Metallic blood bloomed between them.
She shoved him away and slapped him sharply.
"Ethan Sullivan, stop these games."
He licked his bleeding lip slowly.
A low chuckle escaped him.
"You think this is playtime?"
Storm clouds gathered in his gaze.
"Sophia, you know I'm serious."
He captured her fingers forcefully.
Their interlaced hands should've been tender, but radiated dominance.
"Meeting Olivia Laurent today was meant to test you."
"Yet I'm the one who lost composure."
His voice rasped with self-mockery.
"I swore not to repeat my mother's mistakes."
"I've been restraining myself."
"But all reason shatters before you."
Outwardly calm, his eyes churned violently.
"You're never short of exceptional company."
"You can walk away anytime."
"I can't."
The admission cost him dearly.
He always took what he desired.
Only with her did helplessness first taste bitter.
Ethan met her gaze unflinchingly.
"I'd rather you use me."
"Use only me."
No more disguises remained.
"Sophia Sullivan, I love you."
Love made hearts race recklessly.
Love made concessions endless.
But endurance has limits.
Now Ethan surrendered all pride before her.
Sophia's chest tightened.
They should've stayed strangers.
Drawing lines never to cross again.
Yet he knelt willingly, offering his heart.
"You're not indifferent to me." Ethan stated firmly.
Sophia couldn't deny it.
Somehow he'd taken residence in her mind.
Even that blood-tinged kiss quickened her pulse.
Those subtle probes.
Those intoxicating nights.
She knew. Yet chose blindness.
"I admit feeling something for you."
Sophia held his stare.
"But impulses don't alter reality."
"The Sullivans need you. I'll leave eventually."
Ethan tightened his grip.
"Sophia."
Her name whispered tenderly.
Wind stirred his fringe, revealing fathomless eyes.
"I won't ask you to stay."
"I'll come to you instead."