As they drove through the city, Ryan's tension eased. "Sorry about tonight."
Amelia smiled. "I understand. Business can be tough."
Ryan glanced at her. "You're different, Amelia."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat. "Different?"
"You don't care about my wealth or status," Ryan said.
Amelia shook her head. "I care about you."
Ryan's eyes locked onto hers, sparks flying.
"I know the media says a lot about me and my family. Don't believe it," Ryan said, his voice laced with emotion.
Amelia remained silent, her expression unreadable.
As they drove through the city, Ryan's tension eased. "Sorry about tonight."
Amelia smiled warmly. "I understand. Business can be tough."
Ryan's gaze locked onto hers. "You're different, Amelia."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat. "Different?"
"You don't care about my wealth or status," Ryan said, his voice low.
Amelia shook her head. "I care about you."
Ryan's eyes blazed with emotion. "I know the media says a lot about me and my family. Don't believe it."
Amelia's silence spoke volumes.
Outside her apartment, Ryan's intensity pulsed stronger. "Good night, Amelia."
But Amelia's whispered question halted him: "Are you leaving already?"
Ryan couldn't give an answer
"Do you mind coming inside for a cup of coffee"
Amelia added as she grabs Ryan's hands softly and they walked into her apartment.
Ryan's hands cradled her face, his touch electrifying. "I can't stop thinking about you."
Their lips met in a demanding, possessive kiss.
But as suddenly as it began, Ryan broke away.
"I should go," he said, his voice strained. "This isn't a good idea."
Amelia's eyes widened in surprise. "Why?"
Ryan's jaw clenched. "I don't want to hurt you."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat. "You won't."
Ryan's eyes searched hers, seeking reassurance.
Ryan's eyes lingered on Amelia's, searching for certainty.
"Promise me you'll be careful," Amelia said, her voice soft.
Ryan's expression softened. "I promise."
With a gentle touch, Ryan released Amelia from his grasp.
As he stepped back, Amelia felt a chill run down her spine.
"Ryan?" Amelia called out.
"Yes?" Ryan turned, his eyes locking onto hers.
"Why did you stop?" Amelia asked.
Ryan's jaw clenched. "I'm not good for you, Amelia."
Amelia's heart skipped a beat. "You decide that for me?"
Ryan's eyes flashed with emotion. "I won't risk hurting you."
Amelia's determination grew. "I'll decide what risks I take."
Ryan's gaze held hers, a silent battle raging.
Suddenly, Ryan's phone pierced the tension.
"Ryan Cuthbert," he answered.
Amelia watched Ryan's expression darken.
"What now?" Ryan growled.
Amelia's curiosity piqued.
Ryan's eyes met hers, a warning flashing.