Ethan's office felt smaller than usual that evening, the city lights outside muted by the storm of emotions inside him. Lena had stayed late, ostensibly working on a report—but the way she bit her lip while staring at the screen told him she wasn't focused.
"You're avoiding me," he said suddenly, voice low, sharp.
She froze. Slowly, she turned, eyes wide. "I am not."
"Yes, you are," he shot back, pacing. "Ever since you walked into my life, you've been testing me, challenging me. And now… you're avoiding the part where I actually care what happens to you."
Her lips twitched, a smile threatening to break through. "You care?"
"I do," he admitted, almost too quietly. "Whether I like it or not."
A charged silence fell between them. The tension was unbearable, magnetic. He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. She didn't back down. And for the first time, Ethan felt the thrill of someone who could match him—not in wealth, or power, but in sheer will.