chapter 5: losing control
555 Words
The rest of the gala felt like torture.
Sophia moved through the crowd, smiling politely, nodding at conversations she wasn't really hearing. All she could feel was Ethan's lingering presence. His touch. His lips. The heat that hadn't left her body since that stolen moment in the hallway.
He hadn't approached her since. But his eyes...they followed her. Dark, intense, making promises she wasn't sure she was ready for-but craved nonetheless.
The evening finally drew to a close, but Sophia's heart raced faster as she noticed Ethan lingering near the exit. Waiting.
For her.
Her body tensed with anticipation as she tried to make her way toward the door, but before she could reach him, her boss intercepted her.
"Great presentation last week, Sophia," Mr. Roy said with a warm smile. "I can tell you've been working hard. up."
"T-Thank you, sir," she stammered, stealing a glance toward Ethan, who was watching the interaction with a subtle smirk.
By the time she broke free, Ethan was gone.
Disappointment settled heavy in her chest as she stepped into the cool night air. The city lights sparkled against the dark sky, the soft hum of traffic the only sound-until she heard him.
"Looking for someone?"
She spun around. Ethan. Leaning casually against a black luxury car parked at the curb, his tie slightly loosened, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a glimpse of his toned chest.
Damn him.
swallowed, forcing calm. "I thought you left."
"I was waiting for you." His voice was deeper rough with something unspoken.
Her pulse spiked. "Ethan we shouldn't-"
"Get in the car." His command was soft, but firm.
Sophia hesitated, but the way he was looking at her...as if daring her to refuse...she couldn't fight it anymore.
She slid into the passenger seat, heart pounding as he climbed in beside her.
The silence between them was electric as he started the engine. But he didn't drive.
Instead, he turned to face her, eyes smoldering. "Do you have any idea what to me, Sophia?"
Her breath caught.
He leaned closer, his hand brushing her knee, tracing slow circles along the fabric of her dress.
"I can't stop thinking about the way you look...the way you feel..." His voice dropped lower, lips just inches from hers. "Tell me you don't feel it too."
Sophia's lips parted, a soft gasp escaping as his hand slid higher, teasing, testing her limits.
"I do," she whispered. "But this-"
Ethan didn't let her finish. His mouth claimed hers in a kiss that was raw, demanding, filled with all the tension they'd both been holding back for too long.
Her body arched instinctively, melting into his as his hand cupped her face, deepening the kiss. Tongues tangled, breaths mingled. She was losing herself-completely.
But just as his lips trailed down her neck, leaving a burning path, a sharp vibration echoed through the car.
Her phone.
Reality crashed back in.
Sophia pulled away, breathless, her heart slamming in her chest as she fumbled for her phone. It was a message from work.
to go," she wispered voice trembling.
Ethan's jaw tightened, but he nodded, his eyes still locked on her.
isn't over," he murmured.
And as she stepped out into the night, body still aching for his touch, she knew he was right.
It was just the beginning.
- Writer
