-

eped through her closed eyelids. A dull, persistent ache pulsed in her head, and as she shifted, an un

elegant room slowly came into focus-a room she'd never seen before. She pushed herself up slowly, cl

escape. She had barely noticed anyone at first, consumed by her own thoughts, until something-no, someone-had caught her attention. A

y challenging him to take a chance. She could still feel the warmth of his hand as she'd

ecame something more. She had wanted it, had leaned into each moment, allowing herself to let go in a way she hadn

y, every touch, every shared glance, and the quiet,

the sheets tighter around her bare skin. Scanning the floor, she spotted her wedding gown, and a dress she had wore inside tossed carelessly around the room, a harsh reminder of the impuls

s and packed her

finished, before she had to face those dark, unnervingly seductive eyes again. She glan

und, hoping for some sign of a key or a latch that would set her free. But just as she was

somew

e, feeling the intensity of his gaze without needing to turn around. It was magnetic, alluring, and so incredibly dangerous th

here

slightly, strands clinging to his forehead, and in his hand, a cigarette dangled loosely, sending tendrils of smoke curling into the air. His chiseled jaw clenched as his eyes met hers, and Evano

at held an unsettling mix of lust and

ed, desperately trying to sound casual as she forced a smile.

arette. "You're really going to pretend you don't remember anything?" His voic

gged on the doorknob again. "Look, I was drunk. I

an intensity that made her skin tingle. "So you're saying you don't r

. But I know guys like you. Just trying to make me feel guilty or... I don't know, somehow indebted." She fished in her purse and pulled out a fifty-doll

he door. But the room was silent except for the faint sound of his exhale as he took another drag from his ci

tone was soft, almost a whisper, but laced with a threa

d I don't care," she replied, forcing herself to sound

, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, his eyes glinting with amusement. He seemed to find her defi

is heel, "if you really didn't care, you wouldn't have that look in your eyes. I t

off the magnetic pull he seemed to have over her. She took a step back, but he moved forward, closing the dista

scent of his skin mixed with the faint smell of smoke. She forced he

id, her voice shaking slightly, "but you're

ink this is a game?" He leaned closer, his mouth so close to her ear she could fee

her skin seemed to tingle where his hand brushed against hers. He was too close, too intense, and for a se

give in-not to

e said, trying to k

ord, he stepped back, his hand falling from the door. She took a shaky breath, grateful for the

time, her heart pounding. He stood there, watching her with a look that was equal parts fascina

ent, a part of