CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Ava tried to maintain a nonchalant tone, but deep down, she was thrilled by Ethan's confession. "So, what do you want now? Do you want to be my boyfriend or what?" she asked, attempting to sound casual.

Ethan smiled and replied, "If you'll let me."

Ava's heart skipped a beat, but she tried to keep her cool. Ethan then asked, "Besides, don't you have something to tell me too?"

Ava hesitated, unsure if she should reveal her true feelings. "Oh, never mind," she said, trying to brush it off.

Ethan encouraged her, "Come on, you can tell me. Just tell me."

Ava's resolve weakened, and she said, "I... have forgotten what I wanted to tell you."

Ava took a sip of her cofee then she suddenly caught ethan staring at her.

"What?"

Ethan shook his head "I am just surprised"

Ava raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Surprised? Why?" she asked, taking a sip of her coffee again.

Ethan hesitated, unsure how to respond. He didn't want to come across as awkward or overly eager. "I just didn't expect...you to be so...approachable," he stammered.

Alfa chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Approachable? Is that a compliment?" she teased.

Ethan's face flushed, and he looked away, trying to compose himself. "I guess it is," he muttered.

As they sat there, the tension between them was palpable. Ethan's comment about Ava getting too casual hung in the air, but instead of responding, Ava's eyes locked onto his.

Without a word, they moved closer, their faces inches apart. The air was electric, and it seemed like time stood still.

Then, without warning, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment.

As they kissed, their hands began to explore each other's bodies, touching, caressing, and igniting a fire that had been simmering beneath the surface.

It was as if they had been waiting for this moment forever, and now that it was here, they were surrendering to their desires, letting go of all inhibitions.

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Julian sat comfortably in the plush armchair, sipping his wine as he reflected on the evening's events. His plan, whatever it was, had clearly fallen apart.

He walked into the room, a hint of disappointment flickering across his face. But he quickly brushed it off, his expression morphing into a carefree smile.

"Oh well," he said with a shrug, dropping onto the couch beside him.

He leaned back, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Just a little experiment," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Nothing to worry about."

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The next morning, Alva woke up in bed with Ethan, who was still fast asleep. She gazed at his peaceful face, mesmerized by his handsome features. His thin cheekbones, silky hair, and chiseled chest were irresistible. Alva couldn't help but smile as she gently traced her hand over his chest.

They had shared a wonderful night, and the memories were still fresh in her mind. As she checked the time, Ava realized she needed to get ready for work. She hesitated to wake Ethan, captivated by his adorable sleeping face.

After a few gentle taps, Ethan's eyes snapped open. Without exchanging morning greetings, Alva reminded him that he needed to go home and change for work to avoid being late.

Ethan's morning voice was low and husky, sending shivers down Alva's spine. "What time is it?" he asked, his tone enticing.

Alva's heart skipped a beat as she realized she was falling deeper for Ethan.

Ava's mind went blank for a moment, and she couldn't remember where she had put her clock. She snapped back to reality and checked the time.

"It's 6:19," she said.

Ethan's response was lazy and husky. "Can I just sleep some more?"

Alva's thoughts were a mixture of amusement and annoyance. Oh gosh, can this guy just stop talking? His voice is so so... captivating.

Ava stood up and firmly said, "No, you can't sleep in. You need to wake up and get to work. As your superior, I don't want any claims that I'm favoring you."

Just then, Ava's phone rang. She checked the number and groaned inwardly - it was her mom.

Ava answered the call, but forgot that it was a video call. Her mom's voice came through, "Ava, I've been trying to reach you all day. I asked you to send me those pictures, but you didn't."

Ava tried to placate her mom, "Mother, calm down. I'll send them to you, I promise."

Just then, Ethan sleepily walked by, naked. Ava's mom exclaimed, "Is that a naked man?!"

Ava stuttered, "Uh, no... it's... uh..."

Her mom cut her off, "Don't lie to me! I saw him! Ava, what's going on?!"

Ava's mom demanded, "Send me those pictures now!"

Ava reluctantly agreed, but her mom ended the call abruptly.

Ava threw her hands up in exasperation, "What the hell is wrong with this woman?

Ethan returned, noticing Ava's frazzled expression. "Is there a problem?" he asked.

Ava waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, it's just my mom. She's being really demanding."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What does she want?"

Ava hesitated before asking, "Can I ask you a favor? Can I send a picture of us to my mom? She wants to see the person I'm dating."

Ethan chuckled. "It's not a big deal."

Ava clarified, "I know we're not dating, but I just need a picture to placate her."

Ethan agreed and got ready to leave. He offered to drop Ava off at the office, but she declined, not wanting him to be late.

After Ethan left to his house,Ava headed to the office. Meanwhile, Ethan went home, where sam was still asleep. He quietly got dressed and left the house without waking her.

As Ethan headed to work, he checked the time - 8:15. He was running late, but he didn't mind. His thoughts were consumed by Ava and their blossoming connection.

"What if we decide to be together?" he wondered. "What if she finds out I'm a killer?" The weight of his secrets threatened to suffocate him.

But as he thought about Alva's kindness and beauty, Ethan made a vow to himself. He decided to leave his life as a killer behind, to stop taking contracts and to be himself.

He knew that if Ava discovered what he does,she would likely want nothing to do with him. And that thought was unbearable. Ethan realized, with startling clarity, that he was in love with Ava.