Chapter 3

Together, we sat down and began to hatch a plan. Alex knew the mansion inside and out, and he knew the security measures that were in place. With his help, I was able to sneak into the mansion undetected, searching for any clues as to Ethan's whereabouts.

As I searched, I couldn't help but think about the way he had kissed me on the boat that night. The way his hands moved over my body, ignited a fire within me that I had never felt before.

I knew that our time together had been brief, but I couldn't shake the feeling that we were meant to be together. That we were two halves of a whole, destined to be reunited no matter what obstacles were thrown in our path.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of searching, we found Ethan. He was locked in a room in the basement of his father’s mansion, bruised and battered but still alive.

We quickly formulated a plan to escape, using Alex's knowledge of the mansion's security systems to slip out undetected. But as we made our way to the exit, we were suddenly confronted by Ethan's father and his armed guards.

"Going somewhere, Ethan?" his father sneered. "I told you that you would never be able to leave me behind."

But then, to my surprise, Alex stepped forward, his gun drawn. "I'm sorry, Mr. Black, but I can't let you take him back. He deserves a chance at a better life, away from your tyranny."

The room erupted into chaos as gunfire rang out. I clung to Ethan, trying to shield him from harm, as Alex and Ethan's father fought for control.

Finally, with a last burst of energy, Alex managed to shoot Ethan's father and his guards, ending the threat once and for all.

As we stumbled out of the mansion, our hearts racing as we drove away from the mansion, I couldn't help but feel my heart pounding with adrenaline. Ethan sped with the car Alex and I came with and upon reaching Ethan’s mansion, I turned to Ethan, feeling the heat between us, and I knew that I needed him.

Without a word, I leaned over and kissed him, my body trembling with excitement. Ethan responded passionately, his hands roaming over my body. I felt alive and at the moment, consumed by our intense attraction.

At that moment, all of the fear and danger we had just faced melted away. We were lost in each other, completely caught up in the hot and heavy romance that had been building between us.

The rest of the time we were to ask each what led to his kidnapping was filled with stolen kisses. When we finally broke off from the kiss and looked each other straight in the eyes, I could barely contain my desire for him.

As we entered the luxurious room which had been properly dressed by the maids working at Ethan’s mansion, Ethan pulled me into his arms, pressing his lips to mine with a hunger that matched my own. We moved together, exploring each other's bodies with an almost overwhelming passion.

Hours passed as we gave in to the heat of the moment, our desire and love for each other driving us forward. By the time we collapsed onto the bed, exhausted but satisfied, I knew that I was completely and utterly in love with Ethan.

But as I lay there in his arms, I couldn't shake the feeling that our troubles were far from over. The danger that had brought us together still lingered, and I knew that we would have to face it head-on if we wanted to have any chance of a future together.

The next morning, I woke up in Ethan's arms feeling more content than I had in a long time. But as I looked at him, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Our future was uncertain, and I didn't know how long we would be able to stay together.

I pushed the thought aside and decided to focus on the present moment. Ethan was still asleep, so I took the opportunity to study his face. His strong jawline, his chiseled features, and the way his lips curved into a small smile even in his sleep.

As if sensing my gaze, Ethan's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled at me, pulling me in for a kiss. I got so shy and quickly covered myself with the duvet saying “Stop staring.” He pulled me closer and said “Seriously now, you woke me up and you don’t want me to stare at you, c’mon Ava?” and with that We spent the rest of the morning cuddled up in bed, enjoying each other's company forgetting about yesterday.

Later that day, Ethan surprised me with a romantic dinner at one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. The ambiance was perfect, with soft music playing in the background, candlelight flickering on the table and a beautiful view of the city.

As we ate, we talked about our hopes and dreams for the future. Ethan shared his plans for expanding his business, and I talked about my passion for photography and my desire to start my studio.

Throughout the night, we exchanged glances that conveyed more than words ever could. It was as if we were the only two people in the world, completely lost in our bubble of love and romance.

After dinner, we took a walk through the city, hand in hand. We laughed and talked, enjoying each other's company as the cool breeze brushed against our faces.

As we stood on a bridge overlooking the river, Ethan turned to me and said, "I have something to show you."

He led me to a secluded spot, where a small group of musicians was playing a beautiful melody. As the music filled the air, Ethan pulled me close and whispered, "Dance with me."

We moved together, lost in the moment as the music surrounded us. It was as if nothing else mattered, and all we could feel was the love that we shared.