Chapter Twenty-Five: Sparks Ignited
(Ria POV)
The storage room smelled of old janitorial supplies and faint fabric — claustrophobic, perfect for… danger.
I was shelving leftover materials when Miles leaned against the wall. Too close. Too smirking. Too infuriating.
"You know," he murmured, voice low, teasing. "I could just kiss you right now."
I laughed nervously, trying to brush past him. "You wouldn't dare."
He stepped closer, and our shoulders brushed. My chest betrayed me with a flutter I hated.
"Wouldn't I?" he whispered, eyes dark and smoldering.
Before I could protest, he leaned in. Lips pressed to mine. Firm, teasing, and scorching.
I froze… then responded, unable to resist. Hands on his chest, teeth grazing his lip briefly. He deepened the kiss, and for a few seconds, the world shrank to just us.
Then the door creaked.
Ethan's POV
I had stopped by to drop off some extra supplies. The storage room door was ajar.
And there they were.
Kissing. Miles and Ria. Lips pressed, hands lingering. My chest twisted painfully.
I stepped back, exhaling slowly.
I love her. I've always loved her. But clearly… she wants Miles right now.
I clenched my fists, swallowing the ache.
I can let her go. I have to.
For her happiness.
Ria's POV
The kiss ended. I stumbled back slightly, hair falling across my face, cheeks aflame.
Miles smirked, leaning closer. "Finally admitting I'm irresistible?"
"I… maybe," I muttered, flustered. My heart raced, thoughts spinning.
Miles laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Threads, you have no idea what you do to me."
Miles's POV
She's mine. Not in a possessive way. Not yet. But she's here, she kissed me back, and holy hell — she's fire, chaos, perfection.
I caught her gaze, mischievous, flustered, defiant.
I whispered, teasing, "Careful… once I start, I don't stop."
Ethan's POV
I closed the door silently behind me and walked away.
Letting her go hurts. Terribly. But I love her enough to step back.
If she wants Miles… then Miles it is.
I'd wait. Always.
Ria's POV
By the time we left the storage room, I was dizzy, flustered, exhilarated.
Miles walked beside me, smirking.
"I think… this slow burn is finally catching fire," he whispered, brushing my hand lightly.
I blushed furiously. "Don't push it."
He leaned just a fraction closer. "Oh, I'm just getting started."