Amelia
The car rolled to a stop in front of the grand estate, its towering presence casting long shadows in the evening light. My fingers curled into my dress as I let out a slow breath. Beside me, Ethan sat still, his expression unreadable, but I could feel the quiet tension rolling off him.
Before I could reach for the door handle, Ethan’s hand covered mine. I turned, startled by the sudden contact.
“Wait,” he murmured, his voice low.
I hesitated, my pulse jumping. “What is it?”
His gaze flicked toward the house. “They’re watching.”
A prickle of awareness ran down my spine. “Already?”
“Robert likes to observe before he engages.” His hand lifted from mine, only to rest lightly against my waist, his touch barely there but deliberate. Then, before I could react, he leaned in, pressin
