The car window slid up silently as Kyle Grant's black sedan disappeared into the night.

When Sophia Laurent turned around, the street stood empty.

She hesitated with her phone before finally sending a brief text: "Drive safe."

Back in the hotel suite, Ethan Sullivan seized her hand, his thumb tracing her roughened fingertips.

"These are art restoration hands. What happened?"

She withdrew her hand. "I've been caring for a patient."

"The Sullivans lack nurses?" His voice turned icy.

"The elderly man doesn't have much time—"

"What's that to you?" he interrupted.

Sophia pressed a finger to his lips.

Ethan dipped his head. "Kiss me."

She rose on tiptoes to brush his chin.

"Not enough."

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him down. Their lips met, and she deepened the kiss with unexpected boldness.

Ethan's breath hitched as he lifted her by the waist.

The shower's spray masked their ragged breathing in the steamy bathroom. Water droplets traced Sophia's collarbones, her white blouse clinging to every curve.

His Adam's apple bobbed when he pinned her against the tiled wall.

From bathroom to bedroom, their entangled forms finally collapsed onto the plush mattress.

Afterward, Sophia curled against him like a contented cat.

A phone notification shattered the quiet. Kyle's message glowed on the screen: "Taking her tomorrow. No goodbyes needed."

Ethan typed a reply with one hand while tightening his embrace. "We fly home tomorrow."

"But I promised another week—"

"His decision," he cut in.

Dawn painted the sky as their private jet pierced the clouds.

Sixteen hours later, their motorcade glided through Kyoto's velvet night.

Alexander Valentine's call disrupted the car's silence.

"Movie night this Saturday?"

Ethan chuckled. "No home theater?"

"Natalie..." Nervousness threaded Alexander's voice.

"Ask her directly." Ethan massaged his temples.

"First date..."

"Flowers. Stuffed animals. Horror films." He glanced at Sophia pretending to study the passing scenery. "Women cling when frightened."

A pause. "My father's been meeting Adrian..."

"Noted." Ending the call, Ethan pinched Sophia's cheek. "Saturday we're crashing a date."

Saturday night, VIP theater box.

The scent of disinfectant lingered beneath Alexander's mountain of snacks.

As the opening credits of A Chinese Ghost Story rolled, Natalie shrieked and buried herself in Alexander's arms.

"Just special effects..." His soothing murmur could have melted glaciers.

Ethan side-eyed Sophia's ramrod posture. "Not scared?"

"Fake ghosts don't frighten me."

His eyes narrowed. "Shouldn't you be clinging to me?"

Suddenly she yanked him against her chest, patting his back like a child. "There there, big sister's here."

Ethan's muffled laughter vibrated against her.

A steel-straight woman's flirtation could stop hearts.