Days passed, but the tension between us only grew.
We weren't normal siblings. We weren't even friends. We were something else—something dangerous.
I tried to push it aside, to remind myself that it was all in my head. But then, one night, everything changed.
I had been at the library late, studying for an upcoming test. When I finally got home, the house was dark and quiet—my mother and Richard were away on a business trip. I sighed, grateful for the peace, and started toward my room.
Then I saw the light coming from Ethan's door.
And then I heard his voice.
"Aria."
I froze.
He was standing in the doorway, shirtless, the dim light from his lamp casting shadows over his toned body. His hair was messy like he had just run his fingers through it, and his dark eyes held something I couldn't quite read.
"You shouldn't be up this late," he said, his voice low.
I swallowed. "Neither should you."
A slow smirk appeared on his lips. "Touché."
I should have walked away. Instead, I stayed rooted to the spot, my heart pounding in my chest.
Ethan tilted his head, studying me. "Come in."
I hesitated.
Going into that room meant stepping into something dangerous. Something we couldn't take back.
But before I could stop myself, I was moving.
And when the door closed behind me, I knew there was no turning back.