That evening, Ethan stayed late in his office, alone with his thoughts—and with her unexpected presence. Lena leaned against his desk, casual and confident.
"I like to see that side of you," she said softly. "The one that admits things he shouldn't."
He swallowed hard. "I… I can't stop thinking about you," he admitted, voice rough. "Every moment, every word, every glance—you're in my head. And I hate that I want you like this."
Her eyes softened slightly. "You want me," she whispered.
"Yes," he said, moving closer, their faces inches apart. "And I don't care who knows it."
For a heartbeat, the world shrank to the space between them, the tension, the fire. And in that moment, Ethan realized that the game had changed—he was no longer playing for control. He was playing for her heart.