Prologue

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The wedding was in full swing, and Ella Thompson was trying hard not to think about Ryder Blackwood. But as she glanced across the room, there he was—looking as irresistible as ever, with his smoldering eyes and that easy charm. It didn't help that this was the third time her brother, Matt, had tied the knot, and every time, Ryder was the best man.

Ella had always found Ryder to be the ultimate fantasy—a mix of handsome, confident, and totally out of reach. But tonight, something felt different. Maybe it was the way he kept glancing her way or the way the night seemed to crackle with electricity. Whatever it was, she couldn't shake the feeling that something wild and dangerous was about to happen.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Ella's pulse quickened. She found herself in a quiet corner, trying to catch her breath and shake off the mounting tension. Then, Ryder appeared, his gaze locked on hers with a heat that made her shiver.

"Ella," he said, his voice low and intense. "We need to talk."

Before she could respond, he closed the space between them, his touch sending a jolt of desire through her. In that moment, with the party in full swing and everyone else oblivious, the world seemed to narrow down to just the two of them. And as Ryder's lips brushed against hers, Ella knew that the night was about to take a turn she'd never expected.

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