Ava sat on her bed, the room dark, city hum faint outside. She couldn't shake Ethan's words from Rusty Anchor—"I need you, your body, to fill my thirst." Her stomach turned. So he's a player, she thought. Tara popped into her head—Ethan yelling at her yesterday, lovers cracking. Maybe not lovers—just his game, she figured. She sighed, pulled the blanket up, and fell asleep.
Across town, Ethan sprawled on his couch, sharp. Was I wrong asking Ava straight like that? he wondered. "Nah," he said aloud, shrugging it off. WolfSnap screeched—louder, wilder than before. He grabbed his phone, eyes widening—yellow eyes glowed on the screen, sharp features flickering, a perie soul.
"So it's coming for me," he muttered. "No need to chase it—it'll find me." He smirked, tossed the phone aside, and went to bed, the hunt a dull buzz.
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Morning light filled Lone Wolf Tech, desks clicking alive. Ava and Reily walked in .They'd carpooled, chatting about nothing big, still tight from Ava's dad's place two nights back.
"Office days drag," Ava said, nudging Riley as they settled in.
Riley grinned. "Yeah, but it pays."
Inside his cabin, Ethan leaned back, green eyes bright under his black jacket. Claire slipped in—blonde, flirty, all smiles—shutting the door behind her. She locked it, sauntered over, and sat on his lap, legs dangling. "Been a while since we met personal," she purred, fingers brushing his chest.
Ethan matched her tone, grin wicked. "Yeah, too long. Should I keep tonight free—get wild?"
She giggled, leaning close. "Oh, definitely." Their flirty words bounced—hot, heavy, all tease.
A knock hit the door. Claire hopped off, smoothed her skirt, and opened it. Ava stood there, file in hand, brow raised. Ethan waved, casual. "Good morning, Ava—come in."
Ava stepped inside, handed him the file—yesterday's numbers—and turned to go. On her way out, she muttered to herself, "Why lock the door? He's not just a flirt—a full player." Claire's giggle lingered in her ears, Tara's scolding in her mind. Ethan's game was clear now.
Ethan watched her leave, smirking at Claire. "Back tonight," he said low. She winked and strutted out.
To be continued...
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