Chapter 19 – The Edge of Surrender

Days blurred into weeks.

Weeks turned into something dangerous—something she never expected.

Lina had stopped counting the days she had been in Ethan’s world.

Because now, it felt like her world too.

Somewhere along the way, she had stopped fighting.

She no longer flinched when he touched her.

She no longer avoided his gaze.

She no longer dreamed of escape.

And the scariest part?

She had gotten used to him.

His presence.

His warmth.

His whispered "Good morning, love."

She wasn’t supposed to need him.

But she did.

One evening, Lina had been reaching for a book on the highest shelf of the library Ethan bought for her.

She stood on her tiptoes, fingers barely grazing the spine—when suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

She gasped as Ethan pulled her back against his chest.

"You’ll fall," he murmured against her ear, his voice laced with amusement.

Lina’s heart skipped a beat.

"I had it," she muttered.

Ethan chuckled, effortlessly grabbing the book with one hand while keeping his other arm locked around her waist.

His hold was protective, firm—but not forceful.

And for the first time, Lina felt something unfamiliar.

A softness she had never expected from him.

A man who had stolen her away… and yet, treated her like something fragile.

Ethan handed her the book but didn’t let her go.

Instead, he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple and whispered, "You never have to struggle for anything, love. I’ll always be here to hold you."

Lina’s fingers tightened around the book.

She should have been angry, disgusted.

But instead, her heart ached in a way she couldn’t understand.

It started slowly, unintentionally.

She found herself seeking him every evening.

Not because she had to.

But because her body felt incomplete without his presence.

Their evenings became a ritual—watching movies together, her curled up in his lap, his arms caging her in.

She had tried sitting beside him at first.

But Ethan never allowed that.

He would simply pull her into his lap, as if it was her rightful place.

And the worst part?

She didn’t resist.

That night, as the movie played, Lina felt something shift.

It was a romance movie. Slow-burn, intense, filled with longing gazes and forbidden touches.

And as the male lead pushed the female lead against the wall, kissing her deeply—

Lina felt her body react.

A slow heat uncoiled inside her, dangerous and new.

She stiffened slightly in Ethan’s lap.

His arms around her tightened immediately.

He noticed.

Of course, he noticed.

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Do you like the movie, love?"

Lina swallowed. "It’s… fine."

Ethan leaned in, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck.

"Just fine?" he murmured. "Then why is your breathing uneven?"

Lina’s entire body locked up.

Before she could answer, his fingers traced slow patterns along her thigh.

Not rushing.

Not forcing.

Just exploring.

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

"E-Ethan—"

"Hmm?" His lips skimmed her jaw, his breath hot against her skin.

"You seem tense, love," he whispered. "Let me help you relax."

Lina shivered.

He was taking his time.

Touching her everywhere—softly, teasingly.

His hand slid up her arm, then down her waist.

Then lower.

She gasped, heat pooling between her thighs.

"You’re trembling," Ethan mused, his voice dripping with amusement.

She felt his smirk against her skin.

"Tell me, love…" he whispered, "Do you want me to stop?"

Lina squeezed her eyes shut.

She didn’t know anymore.

Her body was melting, burning under his touch.

Her mind screamed no, but her body ached for more.

And Ethan knew it.

Of course, he knew.

He brushed his lips over her ear, voice dark and hypnotic.

"Surrender to me."

Lina’s breath hitched violently.

A war raged inside her.

She wanted to. God, she wanted to.

But her mind refused to let go.

Her hesitation was all Ethan needed to see.

He smirked.

"I see," he murmured, pulling back slightly, studying her reaction.

Lina could barely breathe.

Ethan let out a low, satisfied chuckle.

"Then let’s make this fun," he whispered.

Lina’s stomach twisted.

Something in his tone told her she had just walked into a trap.

Slowly, Ethan tilted her chin up, forcing her dazed eyes to meet his.

"I’ll give you a choice, love," he murmured.

"I’ll only touch you. Just for five minutes."

Her breath caught.

"If you don’t get wet, I’ll stop."

The room spun.

"But," he continued, "if you do—then I’ll claim you completely."

Lina’s heart nearly stopped.

He was serious.

His stormy gray eyes held nothing but raw promise.

This wasn’t a game anymore.

This was his final test.

And for the first time…

She wasn’t sure if she wanted to win or lose.

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