Chapter 73

Nadine 

Ethan stands there, looking at me with those dreamy blue eyes that seem to pull me in no matter how hard I try to resist. I’ve been doing my best to ignore the way he affects me, but it’s impossible.  

He sparks something deep inside me, something warm and terrifying all at once. It’s a feeling I don’t want to explore because I know where it could lead. I’ve been hurt before and the last thing I need is to go through that pain again.  

His fingers intertwined with mine as he gently took my hand, guiding me toward the dance floor. Every step we take together sends a pulse of anxiety through me. My instinct tells me to pull away, to protect myself, to put up the wall I’ve built so carefully. But Ethan senses my hesitation.  

His grip remains firm but gentle as he tugs me forward, his eyes silently telling me he’s not going to let me slip away that easily. The realization dawns on me—I could resist, I c