nd Ethan's intense stare. The sounds of his taunting laugh lingered behind her, a haunting reminder of their sh

ed by the soft murmur of the gymnastics area. In that space, illuminated by the sof

ng in heavy gasps. Annie noticed her immediately

f concern and surprise. "What's wron

er her forehead, her voice unsteady

ether. "Ethan? Who is Ethan?

lroom. At first, he was his usual arrogant self, but then..." She paused, the weight

k evident on her face. "Are yo

seem logical. But the bond... It was unmistak

. This person, you explained his character to me, isn't someone you can trust. If

pine. "I don't think Ethan is like him," she said, though

n exerting control and instilling fear." If he detects vulnerabi

ercing look surfacing in her thoughts. "I won't," she de

paraphrasing. Please provide the text you'd li

with Cecilia. Her resistance fascinated him, her existence awakened emotions he hadn't expe

He had never trusted in second chances, much less in second-chance mates.

t. His lips turned up into a smirk, but his eyes revealed a hint of frus

seated on a bench near the gymnastics

next?" Annie asked

to confront him, demand answers. But another part

ly. "Are you insane? He's unpredictable,

I'll keep my distance," she said finally. "Bu

for the time being, let's conce

teps caused Cecilia to become tense. She looked to find Ethan at the entrance, his silhouet

ickly," he said, his tone laced with iro

osture stiff. "What

ing the room. "What I desire," he rei

ow why you ran.

ck, though her voice wavered

d. "Uninterested? Funny, It's not wha

him intimidate her. "Whatever you feel is ir

aid, his voice becoming more quiet. And

ot. But I can decide how to deal with it. "And at thi

walked toward the exit. Ethan obs

her, he whispered quie

the chilly night breeze sharply contrasting

" Annie asked

er mind was a whirlwind

and. "Remember what

small smile. "I wi

Ethan's words held more meaning than just a warning-they carried a promise. For the firs

knock on her window surprised her. She stood still, her heart pounding. Gradually

ha

ttempted to rise, but her body felt weighted as if anchored down. Ethan

o scream or react, a sudd

?" Annie's voice called

flooded back to her. She blinked quickly, looking around h

dr

ttempting to dispel the persistent fear. Yet the dream

ocked again, this t

egs over the side of the bed, her feet landing on the chilly floor. As

merely