UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Chapter 37

I instinctively tried to pull away, but she only held me tighter, pressing her body to mine. Her T-shirt slipped off one shoulder, revealing pale skin and the edge of lace; the tender lines of her figure flickered in the lamplight, setting my blood on fire.

She panted, voice hoarse:

“Ryan, do you… do you dislike me? Because I don’t have a body like Serena’s?”

Her question hit like a hammer, and I was left speechless.

I froze, my mind flashing to the moment Serena’s robe slipped, her low moan, and what she’d said last night: “I don’t mind sharing.”

Desire and reason tore at each other. My voice came out dry:

“Mia, I don’t dislike you. Don’t overthink it…”

But she wouldn’t listen. Her movements grew hotter, her hands sliding over my chest, nails tracing lines that burned. Sweat soaked her T-shirt until it clung to her, outlining youthful curves; the softness of her chest pressed to mine, sending a shiver through me.

She whispered, “Ryan, I admire you so much. I like you so much… If it weren’t for you today, I might have been assaulted… I don’t want to be afraid anymore. I want to give myself to you…”

Her hand suddenly slid to my belt, trembling as she tugged my pants down—awkward but resolute.

She lifted her face, eyes brimming with tears and plea:

“Ryan, please don’t reject me… It’s my first time, but I… I’ll try my best to make you happy… I’ve sneaked looks at adult videos—I can use those tricks to please you…”

Her words were a spark, igniting every last defense I had.

My reason collapsed; all that remained was the shimmer of her tears and the softness of her touch.

I pulled her close, pressed her down onto the bed, and kissed her—urgent, fierce.

A low moan spilled from deep in her throat, silk against my ear, driving my heartbeat wild.

I tore off her T-shirt, revealing luminous skin; lace cupped those tender curves, the swell of her chest trembling in the light as if inviting my touch.

I kissed her neck, her collarbone, her stomach—every inch of her skin felt aflame.

My hand slid to the inside of her thigh, finding damp heat that sent a tremor through me. Her nails dug into my back, leaving fiery tracks, like she was marking her territory.

“Ryan…” she panted, voice husky, tinged with shyness and a plea, “go slow… I’m afraid it’ll hurt…”

I slowed, touching her gently, feeling her shiver under my hands.

I unhooked her bra, and her shape—innocent yet devastating—set my pulse roaring. Our rhythm built; sweat mingled; gasps and low moans echoed through the room. Her body arched as if rising to meet a storm; her damp short hair fanned across the pillow, sexy as a soul-stealing painting.

When the climax hit, her body shook, taut lines blooming in my arms. I was swept into the same surge, my mind washed blank by white light.

Afterward, we lay in silence.

Satisfaction still lingered on her face, but something complex flickered in her eyes—part savoring, part fear.

I pulled her against me from behind, fingers stroking her short hair, feeling the soft strands slide between them. Her scent, salted with sweat, was a sweet ache that unsettled me.

Curled in my arms, she murmured, “Thank you, Ryan… I feel so safe…”

A tremor ran through me. Guilt tangled with tenderness. I whispered, “Mia, I lost control today. Don’t read too much into it. You’ve got a long road ahead—I’ll be there for you.”

She turned, resolve flashing in her eyes, and brushed a kiss against my cheek:

“I don’t regret it, Ryan. I know you have Serena, but I still want to stay by your side, even if it’s only… a little.”

Her words were needles, pricking straight into my chest.

I held her tight, but Serena’s tear-bright gaze and her “I don’t mind sharing” kept flashing through my head. I knew I was in too deep. This circle’s abyss was opening its jaws, and I was already being swallowed.

Entangled