Page 16 of The Bittersweet Bond

"Oh, is that the plan now?" He stepped even closer, the tension between them lingering, but lighter now. "Make me earn it?"

"That would be fun," she whispered, stepping back again, but this time with a grin that made it clear—This game was far from over.

Chapter 3

The Fire We Feed

Evin

His hands rested loosely on her hips, and they moved to the rhythm as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Their eyes met, and each time, a hot shiver shot through her body. It felt like the party was nothing more than background noise to what was really happening between them.

Suddenly, Milka appeared beside them, her smile wide and knowing.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I need Evin for a sec," she called over the music, lightly tugging Evin’s arm. "Girl break."

Evin looked at Bas, whose grip on her hips loosened hesitantly. His eyes flickered for a second before he put on a light, almost challenging smile.

"Don’t take too long."

"Don’t worry, I’ll be right back," Evin said, winking at him before letting Milka pull her away.

"I know the timing sucked, but I had to—He’s really into you," Milka whispered as they pushed their way through the crowd toward the bathrooms.

"You really think so?" The flashing lights dimmed as they neared the restroom area.

"Maybe it’ll finally work out. I hope it does, for your sake," Milka smiled at her friend.

"How’s it going with you? Don’t think I haven’t noticed what’s going on with you and Victor," Evin teased, playfully pinching her side.

Milka jerked away quickly, accidentally bumping into the line they were standing in.

It happened like a chain reaction—someone shoved Milka back, sending her stumbling into Evin. Like a domino, Evin lost her balance and tipped backward.

For a split second, she saw herself already hitting the ground.

But then—she didn’t.

She landed softly and was pulled upright just as quickly.

When Evin turned around, she saw a T-shirt she had already seen earlier that evening.

A broad smile met her gaze, and she let out a breath of relief. Ben grinned at her, his hands still on her shoulders. "That was some perfect timing, huh?"

Evin let out a small laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with confidence. "Yeah, otherwise, that would’ve ended badly for me."

"That would’ve been a shame," Ben replied, his gaze just a little more intense.

"You look too good to end up like that." His hands were still resting on her arms.

"Now you definitely owe me a drink," he said casually, stepping beside her.

"Oh, I thought you did that out of pure kindness?" Evin grinned, leaning slightly to the side. Ben nodded smoothly.

"Of course, but kindness also makes you thirsty."

She laughed, shaking off the slight awkwardness, then stepped back, slipping out of his hold.

"Where have you been hiding all night?" she asked with a crooked grin.

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