Isabella's POV.

After having a great time at the beach party, Ezekiel and I returned to the mansion. I had taken one shot of wine, just enough to become a bit tipsy, but Ezekiel had resisted because he was driving. We both sat down on the sofa, the room engulfed in a warm, lowered glow that matched the peaceful decor.

I inhaled deeply while briefly gazing up at the ceiling. Then I glanced at Ezekiel and asked, "Are you asleep?"

In response, he shook his head and said, "Do you want to sleep?"

I shook my head and gave a little smile.

"No, not yet."

I was thinking of something fun. I had relaxed just enough from the drink. "Let's play something," I stated, my eyes gleaming playfully.

"Now?" Ezekiel asked, astonished yet curious.

I nodded and sat on the ground in front of the table, while he stayed on the couch. "It's simple," I put it. "Let's play truth or dare."

Without hesitation, he agreed while chuckling slightly. He picked up an empty bottle from a nearby table and set it in the center.

He asked, "Who's going first?"

"You," I responded with confidence, smiling and putting my chin on the table.

Ezekiel rotated the bottle, and after a few rotations, it pointed directly at him. I couldn't resist laughing more broadly.

"Truth or dare?"

"Truth," Ezekiel said, looking directly into my eyes.

Then I raised my eyebrows and taunted, "I thought you'd go with dare."

Ezekiel narrowed his eyes hilariously as he leaned back on the couch. "We should start the game with truth," he stated.

"What was your first impression of me when we met?" I asked without giving it some thought.

Ezekiel seemed astonished by the question. He paused, but then smiled and responded, "I thought you were confident and a little reckless... in a good way."

I grinned. "Reckless, huh?"

"Are you not?" With a cheeky gleam in his eyes, Ezekiel teased.

I gave a loud sigh.

"Okay, now my turn." I twirled the bottle and saw it spin on the table before pointing it at him once again. I smirked. "Again? Truth or dare?"

"Truth," he said, remaining firm in his decision.

"Truth again?" I raised an eyebrow in wonder.

"Are you afraid of Dare?"

Ezekiel shook his head and laughed.

"When the opponent is you, I should be."

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "All well, then. Tell me, have you ever had a one-night stand?"

After a while of hesitation, Ezekiel responded, "Umm... not yet."

Leaning forward, I spoke in a playful whisper.

"Do you want to try it?"

He smiled and shook his head as he snatched up the bottle.

"You are asking two questions. That's against the rules." With a rapid spin, the bottle pointed at me this time.

"Okay, I choose dare," I stated with confidence as I smiled and leaned back.

Ezekiel arched his brows in obvious pleasure.

"You have so much confidence," he stated, putting his palm on his chin while feigning to consider the task carefully.

I kept staring at him, eager to see what he would think. Finally, with a sly smile, he leaned forward and said, "I dare you to go out on the balcony and shout out your biggest secret."

I blinked in disbelief at the daring. "Seriously?" I asked, letting out a shaky laugh.

"That's the game," he shrugged, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

I frowned at him, but I got up and moved to the balcony. I opened the door, enjoying the cool air on my skin, and turned to look at Ezekiel, who watched me intently. I leaned over the railing and took a big breath, my heart pounding.

"My biggest secret is..." With a pause for effect, I began, "...I hate losing!" I yelled loudly into the darkness.

"You cheated," he stated charmingly.

I returned inside with a shrug. "You never said it had to be the truth!"

In fact, I was honest. I hate losing, and it was you, Ezekiel. I hate losing to my mom. I want you; that's all I know. The thought ran through my mind as I spun the bottle again, spotting it pointing at me.

I let out a sigh, already expecting his next act. I said, half-smiling, "Truth?"

He taunted, "Are you afraid now?"

"Yes, Mr. Ezekiel," I said, attempting to seem casual. "I don't know what type of dares you give."

With a cheeky sparkle in his eye, he leaned slightly closer. "Okay, then tell me—did you ever have a one-night stand?"

I stared at him, expressionless, for a time. Then, with a little wine-fueled courage, I finally answered, "No, but I'd love to do it." My voice came out softer than I had planned, and I allowed a playful smirk to tug at the corner of my lips.

Raising an eyebrow, he was likely surprised by it. Before he could reply, I swirled the bottle again. Now it was pointing toward him. "Your turn," I responded rather sharply, "Dare or truth?"

Ezekiel thought for a second before saying, "Dare."

I grinned as I felt in charge at last. After breathing deeply, I stepped closer to him and said, "Do a one-night stand with me."

His initial reaction was immediate—shock and disbelief. He froze in place.

"Isabella!" he blurted, his voice nearly quivering. "You know what you're saying?"

I had enough of acting. Having had enough of the games and his hesitations, I put my chin on his knees and looked him in the eye firmly. "I know exactly what I'm saying," I said quietly, maintaining a steady tone of speech in spite of my heart's rapid pulse. "Just for one night, Ezekiel."

His face was troubled as he gazed at me, his resistance gradually crumbling. "Isabella, this isn't right..."

I wasn't moving, though. I waited for too long. I got up slowly, sat on his lap, and cradled his face in my hands, making him turn to face me.

"I know you noticed that night, and you knew it was me," I said quietly, daring him to deny it.

"It will be our secret, Ezekiel," I murmured, my thumb caressing his lips and testing the limits.

"Isabella, you're out of your mind," he muttered again, tightening his grasp on my wrist and attempting to draw me away with less force than he should have.

I remained where I was, my eyes seeking his, stubborn and full of hunger. "Ezekiel, no. I am fully aware of my actions. That's exactly what I desire."

He faltered for a second, breathing irregularly and slowly. He insisted, but there was a softness in his voice, a hesitancy that betrayed the internal struggle.

"This... isn't right," he said. He was losing his commitment.

I drew closer, my voice like a whisper in the air between us, "Why not? Right now, you're not with her. Tonight, you owe her nothing. Ezekiel, just one night. I'm just asking for it."

His jaw tensed, and his eyes closed briefly, as if he was trying to regain control, but I could feel the pressure growing from him. He was struggling, and I was on the verge of bursting through.

"Just one night to forget," I muttered, my lips brushing against the edge of his ear, the intimacy sending thrills through both of us. It was indisputable—the warmth, the closeness.

"No one will know," I said quietly as I drew nearer.

"You said you want to try new things... why not start with me?"

Ezekiel's eyes snapped open, his breath coming out in an abrupt exhalation. His grasp on my wrists relaxed, no longer attempting to drag me away but also not drawing me in. He had a struggle within himself, but I could tell his resistance was waning.

I leaned back a little from his ear and pressed my palm to his cheek while looking directly into his eyes. I closed the distance between us and gave him a kiss without asking his permission. There was a lot of pent-up passion and resentment in the kiss. I had been waiting for this time, desiring it, and I did not hold back.