irt with both hands, her knuckles white, t

-even wrapped in his ar

he dark. He could see Clara's tear-streaked f

e," he said, his voice lo

es grew more pitiful, like a wronge

an's chest-concern mixed with something u

epeated, this time

ear-filled eyes shimmered in the

that made Ethan

ying." His voic

ike that,

quietly, then leaned in and

rything-her sobs, her panic,

vator, Ethan was

her lifeline, responding with a d

hing grew

ce, the heat between t

nsion now snappe

ed souls, every touch ig

n't completel

nt felt like a twisted kind of bala

reathed, barely

nish, Clara pulled

es darkening. "You're really

t out a soft,

or lights flickered back o

the brightness, l

e was pressed against Ethan, her

t space was that familiar

instantly. She quickly stepped ba

racing, almo

his phone and cas

han didn't bother hiding anything-he answ

ng something?" Fiona's

g was still

having dinner tonight to discuss a film pro

level courtesy with th

as her

't immedia

smile forming. It wouldn't be the

ellious stirred inside her-she di

er fingers lightly cu

glanced down at her as if

through the speaker, sof

e scared of the dark. St

rom crying, and that soft, plea

lt anyone o

hed her. He knew this wasn't acc

rp intake of breath ca

ing?" Fiona's voice suddenly

yed perfe

o see what E

ld've been obvious-Etha

t he said next com

ust said flatly, "Ye

, rushed reply: "I'm sorry. I'll go

ic

a hu

gan to c

impulsive. She'd actually tried to me

always hidden th

elf for Ethan t

ok her hand. It caught h

operational. The staff outside looked like they

." one stammered

e them a cold look and walked ou

and he steadied her w

ncy lighting?" His voice turned icy, full

d in unison, standing at att

in it wasn't their f

of Ethan Blackwood gettin

winning t

y. Then Ethan's voice dro

dark. I don't want her f

e the immediate

much, but her finge

ly said th

real s

Fiona. She'd heard the

n't even scol

lara had fully

and Ethan paused besi

d after a moment, bi

mention any

pened in the elevato

adable, then suddenly found her

overly polished faça

-and what she said next com