Ivy hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked over and crouched in front of him.

It was so dark she couldn't make out his expression when she looked up.

Ethan gently tilted her chin up with his index finger.

Even in the shadows, her eyes still sparkled.

"I heard an interesting rumor today," Ethan said casually, his fingers lightly tracing her cheek.

His long, smooth fingers were warm, the touch gentle, almost comforting.

Unaware of the storm brewing ...