Ethan's warm breath lingered in Emily’s ear, the scent of liquor mixed with a faint hint of mint—his signature fragrance. Emily felt as though she had imagined his earlier whisper.

"Ethan, let go of me!" Emily commanded.

But after nearly a minute, he still didn't release her. Instead, he held her tighter, burying his face in her shoulder. His larger frame nearly engulfed her, leaving no space for escape.

"Ethan, don’t make me resort to violence," she gritted her ...