Ryan sat in his office, fingers steepled beneath his chin, his mind replaying every moment of the night before. The way Emily's golden, sun-kissed skin glowed beneath the moonlight, how perfectly the dress he chose for her had complemented her beauty—it was mesmerizing.
His body stirred at the thought, a hunger creeping in that he quickly forced down. No. Not yet. He had to be patient. Keeping her safe, keeping her close—those were his priorities. He would not let his desires cloud his judgment. Not when he was so close to making her his completely.
His gaze drifted to the framed photo on his desk, one he had taken in secret that night. Emily, lost in thought, bathed in the glow of the city lights. A stolen moment, preserved just for him.
The moonlight from his office window cast a soft glow, mirroring the way it had shone on her that night. It felt like fate.
Ryan leaned back in his chair, his mind already working, already planning. The date had gone perfectly—but perfection wasn't enough. He needed more.
And soon, he would have it.
Emily sighed, glancing at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. 6:55. Just five more minutes, and she'd be free.
Kia was nearby, practically bouncing on her heels. "Hurry up, Em," she whispered excitedly. "You know what day it is."
Emily cracked a small smile. Friday meant their annual drinking night—a tradition neither of them dared to break. A night of unwinding, venting, and losing themselves in their favorite comfort shows.
The second the clock struck seven, both women clocked out, practically racing home. Within an hour, they were sprawled across the couch, drinks in hand, the dim glow of the television setting the perfect atmosphere.
Kia's POV
Kia took a long sip of her drink before turning to Emily with a smirk. "Alright, spill. How was it?"
Emily hesitated, swirling the liquid in her glass. "It was... nice."
Kia groaned. "Nice? That's all I get?"
Emily chuckled, setting her drink down. "I don't know, Kia. He was... different. Sweet, but I can't shake the feeling that he's hiding something."
Kia raised a brow. "Like what?"
Emily sighed. "I don't know. It's just a feeling. But he was so considerate, so careful with me. It was like he already knew everything I needed."
Kia's smirk softened. "Maybe he's just really into you."
Emily bit her lip. "Or maybe he's too into me."
Kia studied her for a moment before leaning back. "Do you like him?"
Emily hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah... I think I do."
Kia grinned. "Then maybe, just this once, let yourself enjoy it."
Emily exhaled slowly, staring at her drink. Maybe Kia was right. Maybe, just this once, she could let herself believe in something good.
Even if a part of her still felt like something was lurking beneath the surface.