The kiss was soft at first—tentative, almost unsure. But as their lips met and lingered, it grew deeper, charged with the emotion they had both been holding back for so long. Mia felt her pulse quicken, her entire body responding to the way Ethan cupped her face, his touch gentle but full of unspoken longing.
For once, she didn't fight it. She didn't let fear or doubt pull her back. She let herself melt into the kiss, her arms lifting to wrap around Ethan's neck. It was as though the world, with all its noise, anger, and judgment, had quieted, leaving only the two of them.
When Ethan finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, and they both stood there, breathing hard. His dark eyes searched her face as though he was committing every detail to memory.
"Say it again," Ethan murmured, his voice low and rough.
Mia blinked, her heart racing. "What?"
"That you care about me," he said, brushing his thumb along her cheek.
Mia's lips parted as her chest tightened. The vulnerability in his voice caught her off guard, and in that moment, she realized how much this meant to him—how much she meant to him.
"I care about you, Ethan," she whispered. "More than I ever thought I could."
Ethan exhaled sharply, as though her words had lifted some invisible weight off his shoulders. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead this time, his arms wrapping around her and pulling her close. Mia closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his embrace, the safety she felt in his arms.
They stood there, holding each other, for what felt like an eternity. And for the first time in years, Mia didn't feel alone.
---
Back at the Penthouse
Later that evening, the two of them returned to Ethan's penthouse, the atmosphere noticeably different. The tension and uncertainty that had plagued them earlier had lifted, replaced by something softer—something new.
Ethan had insisted on cooking dinner, though Mia watched him from the kitchen counter with a bemused smile.
"You know, I didn't peg you as the 'chef' type," she teased, resting her chin in her hand as she watched him chop vegetables with surprising precision.
Ethan smirked, glancing at her over his shoulder. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Mia Carson."
"I'm learning," she said softly, her smile fading into something more serious.
Ethan paused, turning to face her fully. "And I want to know everything about you, too," he said quietly. "No more hiding. No more walls."
Mia's throat tightened, but she nodded. "Okay."
Ethan walked over and leaned against the counter across from her, his expression earnest. "Mia, I know this hasn't been easy for you. And I know my family..." He trailed off, his jaw tightening. "They're wrong about you. All of them."
Mia shrugged lightly, though her voice was strained. "It doesn't matter. I'm used to people thinking the worst of me."
"Well, I'm not," Ethan said firmly. "And I'm going to prove to you that you don't have to do this alone anymore."
Mia looked at him, her chest aching at the sincerity in his voice. She wanted to believe him—wanted to believe that someone like him could really see her, broken pieces and all, and still want her.
"I'm trying, Ethan," she said softly. "I really am."
He smiled faintly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "That's all I can ask for."
---
A Moment of Calm
After dinner, they sat on the couch together, the city lights sprawling out before them through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Ethan had poured them each a glass of wine, and for the first time in days, everything felt... peaceful.
Mia curled her legs under her, sipping her wine as she watched Ethan relax beside her. He was so different here, away from the weight of his family and the expectations of his world. He looked... lighter.
"You're staring," Ethan teased, turning to look at her with a small smirk.
Mia flushed, rolling her eyes. "I am not."
"You are," he said, setting his glass on the table and shifting closer to her. "What are you thinking?"
Mia hesitated, biting her lip. "I was just... I was thinking how different you are when it's just us. You're not the cold, intimidating CEO everyone thinks you are."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Cold and intimidating? That's how you saw me?"
"Of course I did," Mia teased. "You practically growled at me when we first met."
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "And now?"
"Now..." Mia trailed off, her voice softening. "You're just... Ethan."
Ethan's gaze held hers, the amusement fading into something more serious. "And who is Mia Carson?"
Mia swallowed, her heart pounding. "She's... still figuring that out."
Ethan reached out, his hand gently taking hers. "Whoever she is, I'm here for her. I hope you know that."
Mia blinked back the sting of tears, her chest aching at his words. She looked down at their joined hands, unable to speak.
After a moment, Ethan leaned in, his voice low. "Can I kiss you again?"
Mia looked up at him, her breath hitching. She nodded, unable to trust her voice.
Ethan didn't waste another second. He closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a kiss that was deeper, more urgent than before. His hands slid up to cup her face as he angled her closer, and Mia responded with equal fervor, her arms wrapping around his neck.
The kiss ignited something between them, a fire that had been smoldering for so long. Ethan shifted, pulling her into his lap without breaking the kiss, and Mia let herself sink into him, into the moment.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless. Ethan's forehead rested against hers, his voice low and husky. "Stay with me tonight. Don't go."
Mia's heart pounded as she met his gaze. "Okay," she whispered.
---
The Next Morning
Mia woke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the windows. She blinked, her body nestled against Ethan's in his large bed. His arm was wrapped protectively around her, and for once, she felt completely safe.
Carefully, she turned to look at him. His face was relaxed in sleep, the usual tension gone. He looked younger like this—more human, less the untouchable CEO the world saw.
Mia smiled faintly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. How did we get here? she wondered.
Ethan stirred, his arm tightening around her as he blinked awake. His sleepy gaze met hers, and a slow smile spread across his lips. "Good morning."
"Morning," Mia whispered, her voice soft.
Ethan pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I could get used to waking up like this."
Mia smiled, closing her eyes as she snuggled closer. "Me too."
For now, there were no shadows, no threats looming over them. There was only this—this moment of quiet, and the bond that was steadily growing between them.
But as the city outside began to wake, they both knew it wouldn't stay this simple forever. The world would come knocking soon enough.