Chapter 49

"I came here to ask a favor," I managed to blurt out, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "I need to send my friend the address of this house so he can come and pick me up."

Ethan looked at me with a curious expression, as if he could sense that there was more to my request than I was letting on. "Of course," he said. "Do you need me to help you with anything?"

My heart fluttered at the sound of his voice, and I found myself struggling to maintain my composure.

"No, thank you."

I tried to keep my voice steady. I knew that if I stayed any longer, I would risk giving in to the magnetic pull of his presence. With a quick, "Thank you," I turned on my heel and hurried out of the room, my heart racing.

As I retreated, I could feel his eyes on me, watching me leave. I rushed from the room, avoiding his gaze and any lingering temptation to give in to my feelings for him. As I left, I felt the weight of his gaze following me, but I refused to turn back, knowing that doing so would only