Chapter 71

"Let's get you back to your room," Ethan said, his voice soft but firm as he guided me out of the control room. His hand rested gently on my back, sending shivers up my spine. The warmth of his touch was disarming, but I couldn’t let it distract me again.

As we walked back to my room, I kept my eyes forward, trying to ignore the way my body still ached for him, the way my lips still tingled from his kiss. I couldn’t afford to lose myself like that again.

When we reached my room, Ethan paused at the door, his gaze searching mine. "I’m sorry if I pushed too hard earlier," he said, his voice laced with regret and something else I couldn’t quite place. "I’ve missed you so much, Emily." He confessed. His voice filled with desire.

I forced a small smile, nodding. "I just need some time." I explained.

His eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, as if trying to read something in my eyes. I held my breath, praying he wouldn’t see through my facade, before he finally nodded.

"Take all the ti