His Uncommitted Sin

Eternal Horizon

Author's POV:

Winter quickly got ready for college, and her morning routine was well-rehearsed as if she had been doing those for ages. Six months into her marriage, she still maintained a comfortable distance from Ean. Not out of malice, but self-preservation.

As she tied her hair into a ponytail, Ean strolled into the room, his eyes scanning her polished appearance. "Ready, love? I'll drop you at uni."

Winter smiled wryly. "Thanks, Ean." She grabbed her backpack, already heading out the door.Ean fell into step beside her. "You're still pretty quiet, Winter. Everything okay?"

Winter shrugged. "Just focused on exams, that's all."

Ean nodded, but his gaze lingered on her profile. He knew she was still wary of him, and he couldn't blame her. Their marriage had been a whirlwind, and he'd been distant, consumed by his own demons.

As they drove to the university, Winter stared out the window, lost in thought. Ean glanced at her occasionally, wondering what she was thinking.

At the campus entrance, Ean turned off the engine. "I'll pick you up later, okay?"

Winter nodded, already opening the door. "Thanks, Ean."

He caught her hand, his touch gentle. "Hey, Winter?"

She looked back, her eyes guarded.

Ean's voice was soft. "I know I haven't been the best husband. But I'm trying. Can we...talk about what's bothering you?"

For a moment, Winter's defences wavered. She saw genuine concern in Ean's eyes. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to understand her.

"Later, Ean," she said, her voice a little softer. "Let's talk later."

Ean released her hand, nodding. "Later, then."

"Later, today?" Ean asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Winter huffed, looking away, but Ean's grip on her elbow tightened, preventing her escape.

"Let go, Ean," she warned, her voice low, as people began to stare.

Ean chuckled, his breath tickling her ear. "Not until you answer me."

Winter's face flushed, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Fine. Yes, later. Now let me go."

But Ean didn't release her. Instead, he drew her closer, his gaze never leaving hers.

"I love countering your words, Winter," he whispered, his voice husky. "But considering our audience, I'll spare you...for now."

Winter's gulp was audible as Ean's lips curved into a sly smile.

"I'll love watching you enjoy your punishment," he whispered, his words sending shivers down her spine.

Winter's eyes narrowed, her face set in resistance, but Ean saw the faintest tremble in her lips.

Without warning, Ean's mouth descended upon hers, claiming her in a gentle yet possessive kiss. His lips moulded to hers, soft and persuasive, coaxing her to surrender.

Winter's eyes fluttered closed as Ean's tongue teased the seam of her lips, seeking entry. Her mouth parted, and he slipped inside, exploring the contours of her mouth with deliberate slowness.

He deepened the kiss, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw, tilting her face upward. Winter's toes curled as Ean lifted her onto the balls of her feet, her body arching into his.

Time suspended as they stood there, lost in the kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the throb of Ean's heartbeat against Winter's lips.