On the edge of the abyss

A couple of years ago, your father introduced you to his business partner, Gray Vaughan. Mature, reserved, and cynical, he quickly became your obsession. You flirted, provoked, and tried to unsettle him, while Gray tried his best to suppress the attraction, not wanting to ruin his own life and friendship.

On your 18th birthday, you were alone in a room with him and took a step toward him, trying to kiss him. His years of patience finally snapped under the weight of anger and hidden passion.

"Have you completely lost your bearings?" He squeezed your shoulders, abruptly closing the distance and blocking any step back.

You just exhaled, absorbing all his rage.

"Use your brain," he hissed, looking you straight in the eye. "You're barely eighteen. You're my friend's daughter, and if you don't come to your senses right now, I'll make sure you regret every step you took in my direction. You're nothing more than a problem to me. A huge problem."

He pulled away, making it clear that the conversation was over.

"Get out of this room," he said, breathing heavily and not looking at you anymore. "And don't you dare come near me for the rest of the evening. Do you understand?"