The Edge of Control

Ethan’s fingers moved with precision over the keyboard, his mind sharper than ever as he tackled the challenge before him. The new device placed in front of him wasn’t just any high-security system—it was a test, and he knew that failing wasn’t an option. Not with Liam Carter’s eyes on him.

The room felt smaller, the heavy scent of expensive cologne and whiskey mixing with the soft hum of the club’s music. The blue-eyed man, who had doubted Ethan earlier, now watched with renewed interest. The others in the room leaned forward slightly, silent yet expectant.

Liam’s presence beside him was suffocating in the worst—and best—way possible. Ethan could feel the man’s warmth, the weight of his gaze pressing against his skin. He wasn’t sure why that bothered him so much. Or maybe he knew exactly why, and that was the problem.

A soft curse left Ethan’s lips as he maneuvered past a particularly nasty firewall. His hands were steady, his mind calculating every move. It wasn’t about proving himself—it was about survival.

“Five minutes,” Liam murmured, swirling his drink lazily. “Can you do it?”

Ethan shot him a glare but didn’t respond. He wasn’t about to waste precious time arguing. The challenge was steep, but he thrived under pressure.

Three minutes later, the screen blinked, and a soft chime confirmed his success. Ethan leaned back, exhaling slowly, only now realizing how tense he had been.

The blue-eyed man’s smirk returned. “Impressive.”

Liam smiled—an expression so unreadable that Ethan wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or worried.

“Well done,” Liam said smoothly. “Looks like you’ll be useful after all.”

Ethan’s jaw clenched. “Glad to be of service.”

Liam’s fingers drummed against his glass. “You should be.”

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The ride back to Liam’s estate was silent, but the air between them crackled with unspoken words. Ethan kept his gaze fixed on the city lights flashing past the window, trying to ignore the way his body still felt wired from the club, from the test, from Liam’s proximity.

When the car pulled up to the massive mansion, Ethan stepped out without waiting for permission. He was done playing along—at least for the night.

Liam followed at a leisurely pace, hands in his pockets. “You handled yourself well tonight.”

Ethan didn’t look back. “Do I get a reward? Maybe I don’t get locked in this time?”

Liam chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Maybe.”

Ethan felt his irritation spike. “You like control, don’t you?”

Liam moved closer, his presence sending a shiver down Ethan’s spine. “And you don’t?”

Ethan turned, meeting Liam’s gaze. There was something dangerous in the way Liam looked at him—something possessive. The tension between them thickened, neither willing to look away first.

“Go to bed, Ethan,” Liam finally murmured, his voice almost teasing. “Tomorrow will be another long day.”

Ethan scoffed, shaking his head as he walked away. Damn Liam Carter.

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Sleep didn’t come easily. Ethan lay on the massive bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying the night’s events. He wasn’t just trapped in this situation—he was now an asset. That meant he had to be smart about his next moves.

But beyond all the strategy, beyond all the frustration, there was something else keeping him awake.

Liam.

Ethan hated how aware he was of the man. Of the way he carried himself, of the way his presence lingered even when he wasn’t in the room. It was infuriating.

He turned over, burying his face in the pillow. This was going to be a problem.

.

Morning came too soon. Ethan was woken up by a sharp knock on his door. He groaned, rolling onto his back.

“Get up,” a voice called from the other side. “Breakfast in ten minutes.”

Ethan sighed. Great.

After a quick shower, he made his way downstairs, where a grand dining table was set. Liam was already seated, sipping his coffee as if he owned the world.

Which, in his own way, he did.

Ethan sat across from him, eyeing the lavish spread of food. His stomach growled despite himself.

Liam smirked. “Eat.”

Ethan grabbed a plate, refusing to acknowledge how good the food smelled. The silence stretched between them until Liam finally spoke.

“You have another job tonight.”

Ethan’s grip on his fork tightened. “And if I say no?”

Liam leaned forward slightly, his expression amused. “You won’t.”

Ethan hated that he was right.

Liam tilted his head. “Besides, you like the thrill, don’t you?”

Ethan set his fork down with a little more force than necessary. “I like my freedom.”

Liam’s gaze darkened. “Then earn it.”

Ethan exhaled slowly, realizing that for now, there was no escaping this. He was bound to this deal—bound to Liam.

But he wouldn’t go down without a fight.

And if Liam Carter thought he could control him forever, he had another thing coming.

.

As the day stretched on, Ethan found himself once again questioning everything. The job that night would test him again, but that wasn’t what unsettled him the most.

It was the realization that, despite everything, a part of him didn’t entirely hate being in Liam’s world.

And that was dangerous.

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