The emergency rudder lever tore backward with a sickening metallic shriek, wrenching the boat into a violent skid that hurled us both hard against the padded lounge wall of Ethan private yacht. Wood groaned under the screeching impact as the hull ground violently against the private dock, throwing my breath out in a sharp gasp. Before I could even register the sudden stop, Ethan pinned my knees flat to the deck with his heavy weight. His chest heaved against mine, burning hot and furious, as he asserted absolute control over my trembling body.
"You are not going anywhere, Ava," he panted, his dark eyes flashing with unyielding menace.
I did not answer him. I twisted my hips, shoving against his solid frame with everything I had left in my muscles. Digging my heels into the thick carpet,
