Chapter 5 A Night to Remember

CHAPTER 5

**Chapter 5: "A Night to Remember"**

Marcus's voice trembled slightly,

"Sir... it seems there's been a... development."

Ava's eyes locked onto Ethan's, filled with sudden alarm...

But then Marcus quickly added:

"Actually, sir, it's just a charity gala setup for tomorrow night. The police are securing the area and news teams are here for interviews with your guests."

Ethan's glacial expression thawed into his usual neutral mask, and he turned to Ava:

"Shall we proceed inside? I believe our evening was interrupted."

Ava's alarm turned to curiosity, and she smiled softly:

"Yes, let's."

Ethan offered his hand, and they stepped out of the car together.

As they entered his penthouse, the door closed behind them with a soft click.

The luxurious lobby enveloped them in warm lighting and elegant decor. Ava's eyes widened at the stunning city view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Ethan's neutral expression softened ever so slightly as he watched her reaction.

"Welcome to my home, Ava. Tonight, it's yours," he said low and smooth.

Ava turned to him, her cheeks flushing pink.

"Thank you, Ethan. It's breathtaking."

He led her to the elevator, and they rode up to the top floor in silence, tension between them palpable.

The doors opened directly into his penthouse living room, where soft music played and candles flickered.

Ava gasped at the romantic setup.

"Did you plan this... just for me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, burning with intensity.

"Yes. Only for you," he replied, his voice low and husky.

Ava's heart skipped a beat as Ethan took a step closer, his face inches from hers.

Ethan's eyes held Ava's gaze for a heartbeat longer, then he whispered,

"May I kiss you, Ava?"

Ava's cheeks flushed deeper pink as she nodded almost imperceptibly.

The air was electric with anticipation. Ethan's face remained inches from hers, his warm breath dancing across her skin.

For a moment, they just breathed each other in...

Then, Ava's voice barely audible, she whispered back:

"Yes..."

Ethan's lips finally touched Ava's, sending shivers down her spine.

His kiss was gentle at first, exploring hers with soft, tender pressure.

Ava's eyes fluttered closed as she melted into him, her lips parting slightly to deepen the kiss.

Ethan's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer - their bodies almost touching...

The kiss intensified, and Ava felt her heart racing wildly.

Ethan slowly broke away from the kiss, smiling softly at Ava.

"Shall we enjoy the evening... properly?" he suggested, offering his arm.

Ava's cheeks still flushed, she nodded and took his arm.

He led her to the dining area, where a beautifully set table awaited, complete with candles, fine china, and a stunning bouquet of red roses.

"Your favorite flower," Ethan noted, pulling out her chair.

Ava's eyes sparkled. "How did you know?"

Ethan just smiled mysteriously as he sat across from her.

They dined on exquisite cuisine, discussing everything from art to music to their shared love of old movies.

After dinner, Ethan gave Ava a tour of his penthouse:

- His private library with rare book collections

- A state-of-the-art home theater

- Even his rooftop garden with breathtaking city views

As the evening wore on, Ava felt more and more drawn to Ethan.

As they finished the rooftop garden tour, Ethan smiled mischievously and said:

"One last surprise... follow me."

He led Ava back inside to a hidden door behind his library bookshelf.

The door slid open, revealing a luxurious indoor pool area with soft blue lighting, surrounded by lush greenery and a stunning view of the city skyline.

Ava gasped. "This is breathtaking!"

Ethan chuckled low in his throat. "I thought you'd like it.

Ava's thoughts add a deeper layer to the scene.

Ava's eyes widened as she took in the serene ambiance of the indoor pool area.

"How did you create this oasis in the middle of the city?" she asked, turning to Ethan with delight.

Her thoughts whispered silently:

"He's full of surprises... and secrets.

I barely know him, yet I feel drawn to this mysterious side of him.

Do I dare trust him this much already?"

Ethan's gaze locked onto hers, as if sensing her inner question.

Ethan's eyes held Ava's gaze, his voice low and inviting:

"Secrets are my currency, Ava. But with you... I'm considering a withdrawal."

He took a step closer, his face inches from hers:

"Would you like to know my secrets... or keep discovering me tonight?"

The soft music started to play in the background - a sultry jazz melody that seemed to match the rhythm of Ava's racing heart.

Candles flickered around the pool area, casting golden shadows on Ethan's chiseled features as he waited for Ava's response.

The music swelled slightly, and Ethan's eyes never left Ava's face...

His voice low and husky, he repeated:

"Will you discover me tonight, Ava?"

The tension between them is palpable now.

Ethan took a step closer, his body almost touching Ava's.

The warmth of his skin radiated towards hers, making her heart skip a beat.

His eyes burned with intensity as he whispered:

"Ava... may I kiss you again?"

His lips were barely an inch from hers.

Ava's soft whisper hangs in the air...

Ava's voice barely audible, she whispered:

"Yes..."

With the assurance , Ethan wasted no single second but captured Ava's lips once again. The tension between them had risen and the kiss getting heated .

Ethan pulled out fast leaving Ava dazed and gasping for air .

Ethan's eyes sparkled with delight as he gently took Ava's hand.

"Come with me," he whispered, his voice low and inviting.

He led her out of the pool area, through the luxurious penthouse, and down a long hallway lined with artwork.

Finally, he stopped in front of a large wooden door and pushed it open, revealing a spacious bedroom with stunning city views.

"This is my sanctuary," Ethan said softly, stepping aside for Ava to enter .

Ethan's intense gaze bore into Ava's, his voice low and commanding:

"Ava, I've brought you here for a reason. Tonight, you're mine.