Chapter 1

It was a quiet Thursday afternoon. The kind where the sun slanted just right through the blinds, casting lazy golden stripes across the living room floor. Ryan had skipped his last lecture — something he rarely did — but the thought of sitting through another two hours of economic theory couldn’t compete with the soft hum of home. Besides, he had a good excuse: the house was empty ... except for her.

Elena.

She moved through the space like music, barely making a sound. She had been working for his family for the past six months, a quiet presence, always respectful. But lately, something had shifted. Maybe it was the way her eyes lingered a little longer when they spoke. Or the playful curve of her lips when he made one of his dumb jokes.

Today, she wore a loose white blouse tucked into fitted jeans that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her dark hair was pulled into a messy bun, a few strands escaping to brush against her neck. She didn’t notice him watching from the kitchen doorway — or maybe she did.

“You’re home early,” she said, glancing over her shoulder as she wiped down the counter. Her voice was soft, teasing. Dangerous.

“Yeah,” Ryan replied, walking in slowly, leaning against the counter opposite her. “Thought I’d give the classroom a break. I think it misses me already.”

She laughed, low and throaty. “I doubt that. But I guess I should be flattered. Skipping class just to watch me clean?”

“Well,” he said, letting his eyes drift — not too obviously, but not hiding it either — “it’s not exactly a hardship.”

She turned toward him, one brow raised. “Is that so?”

Their eyes met, and for a moment the air between them tightened. The unspoken danced in the silence.

“Can I ask you something?” he said, stepping a little closer.

“You just did,” she replied, smirking.

He chuckled, licking his lower lip. “Why do I get the feeling you like teasing me?”

Elena leaned in slightly, enough for him to catch the warm scent of vanilla on her skin. “Because maybe I do. Or maybe,” she paused, her voice a whisper now, “you’re just very easy to tease.”

Ryan swallowed, his heart thudding louder than he wanted to admit. “You know, Elena ... we’re alone.”

She smiled, slow and knowing. “I noticed.”