Chapter 2

The engine of the car hummed steadily as Bryan gripped the wheel, his knuckles tight and his jaw set. Amelia sat in the passenger seat, her arms crossed and her expression one of silent rebellion. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Out of all places, why did her father think this was the best solution?

“ I know you’re not happy about this, ” Bryan said without taking his eyes off the road.

“ That’s an understatement, ” Amelia muttered, staring out the window. The cityscape began to give way to sprawling estates, their gated entrances a testament to wealth and exclusivity.

“ It’s just for a while, ” Bryan continued, his tone firm. “ Ryan’s a good man. He’ll look out for you while I’m gone. ”

Ryan. Her father’s best friend. The one man she had always tried to avoid whenever possible. He was intense, magnetic, and exuded a kind of confidence that made her nervous. Staying in his house was the last thing she wanted.

As they turned onto a private drive lined with towering trees, Amelia caught her first glimpse of Ryan’s mansion. It was a sprawling modern masterpiece, all glass and sharp edges, standing proud against the lush greenery.

Bryan pulled to a stop in front of the house. “ Here we are, ” he said, turning to her. “ Come on, Amelia. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. ”

Amelia sighed heavily, unbuckling her seatbelt and stepping out of the car reluctantly.

The front door of the mansion opened, and Ryan emerged, his figure tall and commanding. He was dressed casually, but somehow even in jeans and a simple shirt, he managed to look like he owned the world. His sharp features were framed by dark hair that looked almost too perfect, as if he’d just stepped out of a magazine.

“ Bryan, ” Ryan greeted with a broad smile as he walked down the steps. The two men embraced briefly, their camaraderie evident. Then Ryan’s gaze shifted to Amelia, and she froze.

His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, locked onto hers, and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe. There was something about the way he looked at her—intense, curious, almost… heated. She felt her cheeks flush as she quickly looked away, her heart pounding.

“ Amelia, ” Ryan said, his voice deep and smooth. “ It’s been a while. ”

She nodded, unable to form a coherent sentence. The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine.

“ Thanks for doing this, ” Bryan said, breaking the moment.

“ Of course, ” Ryan replied, his gaze lingering on Amelia a second longer before he turned back to Bryan. “ You know I’ve got your back. ”

The three of them moved inside, the cool air of the mansion a welcome relief from the heat outside. Amelia glanced around, trying not to look too impressed. The interior was just as extravagant as she’d imagined—high ceilings, sleek furniture, and art pieces that probably cost more than her entire college tuition.

“ You’ve got a beautiful place, I must say again, ” Bryan commented awkwardly as they entered the living room.

“ Thanks. Make yourself at home while I get Amelia settled, ” Ryan said.

Before she could protest, Ryan had turned to her, his expression softening. “ Here, let me help you with that, ” he offered, reaching for the bag slung over her shoulder.

“ I can manage, ” Amelia replied quickly, but as their hands brushed, she felt a jolt, as if an electric current had surged through her. She gasped softly, her grip on the bag faltering, and he caught it effortlessly.

For a brief moment, their eyes met again, and this time, neither of them looked away. Amelia’s breath hitched as she felt herself drowning in the intensity of his gaze. Her heart hammered in her chest, and her mind screamed at her to look anywhere else, but she couldn’t move.

“ Amelia? ” Ryan’s voice was soft, but it broke through the haze.

She blinked, quickly stepping back. “ I… I’m fine, ” she stammered, feeling her face burn with embarrassment.

Ryan smirked, a knowing glint in his eyes, as he slung the bag over his shoulder effortlessly. “ This way, ” he said, motioning for her to follow.

Amelia hesitated, her feet rooted to the ground. She didn’t trust herself to be alone with him, not after the way her body had reacted to his touch. But before she could say anything, Ryan was already walking away, leaving her no choice but to follow.

She swallowed hard and took a shaky step forward, her pulse racing as she realized she was stepping into a world she might not be ready for.

What have I gotten myself into? she thought, the question lingering as she trailed behind him. Bryan spoke that moment, saving Amelia temporarily.

Behind them, Bryan stretched his arms, letting out a satisfied sigh. “ Well, that’s everything, ” he said, glancing between Amelia and Ryan. “ I trust you’ll take good care of her, Ryan. ”

Ryan, who had placed Amelia’s bag near the base of the grand staircase, nodded curtly. “ You know you don’t even have to ask. She’s in good hands. ” His tone was polite, almost formal, and Amelia couldn’t help but notice the slight tension in his jaw as he spoke.

Bryan, oblivious to the subtle undercurrents, clapped Ryan on the shoulder. “ I knew I could count on you. Amelia’s a good kid. She just needs a place to stay while I’m gone. ”

Kid? Amelia bristled inwardly. She might be nineteen, but she didn’t need to be talked about as though she weren’t standing right there.

“ I’m standing right here, Dad, ” she muttered under her breath.

Bryan chuckled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “ I know, sweetheart. ”

Amelia swallowed hard, feeling the lump in her throat grow. She’d been determined not to cry, but now, with her father about to leave, the reality of her situation hit her like a ton of bricks.

“ I’ll call you as soon as my flight lands, ” Bryan said softly, looking into her eyes. “ Promise me you’ll be good and listen to Ryan.”

“ I will, ” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.