Shadows Of Passion

The grand hall was awash with elegance now that the lights were on, and they illuminated yet more nobility below. The Blackwood Gala was a show, it was a show which the noble people of the city witnessed each year. Wearing her stunning evening gown, Sophie Daniels waded through numerous guests to stay in the background. She had the responsibility to go on a mission as the event was highly glamorous throughout the night.

Sophie could not even revel in the evening it was. This was no pleasure cruise. She was on business, and the Blackwood family were her subjects. Their empire Blackwood Enterprises was a complex of the financial business structures of the real estate and if some rumors are to be believed, criminal activities – but nothing could be proven. Yet. Sophie intended to put an end to that.

Her gaze swept over the people around, searching for the least provocation, for someone that could help her figure out something more. She drank champagne and maintained her professional-friendly smile thinking, strategizing in her mind. To the general population, she was yet another Deb Anthony's wife. Sophie was no more the woman who moved so gracefully in the ballroom with the fancy diamond reflecting through the soft light.

Gliding closer to the ballroom she gives him a steamy look and it stirs him up to move. There was an imposing figure across the room, a tall man with black hair oil combed slick back in an unremarkable casual manner that was so remarkable. His mesmerizing stare fixed on hers, and in an unexpected manner Sophie found her heart had palpated. Despite being an adult she could sense his presence from a distance.

Ethan Blackwood.

She knew that she was talking to him the minute she set her eyes on him. To most of the world Ethan Blackwood was the spitting image of success; the elder son to be made the heir to the Blackwood throne. Yet there was more to him – there were whispers connecting him to his father's more illicit business – the ones Sophie was to investigate.

Like he knew that she was staring at him, Ethan started to make his way towards her, pushing through the many people around him. His feet moved slowly, but with purpose; he never glanced away from her face. Sophie felt the gallop beat in her chest-not in fear of the man but in something that sent a shiver down her spine.

"You know, I don't believe I've ever spoken to you," he told her when he joined her. His voice was easy, resonant, slightly chuckling.

Taking a moment of time Sophie slightly tilted her head to one side, and did not show any emotions. "You must not get out much then."

Forcing a smile Ethan curled an eyebrow and said, "Touch."

There was some sort of tension connecting the pair and Sophie was quite surprised at the feeling that was blossoming in her direction towards him. This wasn't part of the plan. She had set herself a task, the objective: to edge closer to the Blackwoods, not ascend into la terret with them.

It was quiet again for a few seconds before he spoke again, "You're not like the others," stories of the night fell on her ears as if he was searching for her secret inside her face.

"And what are the others like?" "Sophie," she asked, bringing her glass of champagne to her mouth.

"They're predictable," Ethan said precisely, coming closer to Elizabeth. "You're not."

Sophie sensed the faintest danger sign in her head but dismissed it. "What makes you think that?"

Ethan frowned, and his eyes moved close to Brian's face as he spoke with a low tone. 'I know when someone is faking it'

Sophie's stomach tightened. Did he know? No, he couldn't. She had been careful. But there was something in his eyes that said to her; 'I know everything about you Their very eyes told the story. For a moment she wanted to turn back and never look back; but desire and perhaps a hint of attraction held her to the spot.

With equal treatment she replied, "I could say the same about you" The words were a challenge.

Ethan grinned for the second time, this time a bare, feral grin that told her he was aware of what being caught alive meant. "Maybe you can."

About that convo left Sophie feeling queasy, When she surely felt like arguing more, the orchestra began to play a waltz the kind that called for a partner There was an out-stretched hand from Ethan. "Dance with me?"

Sophie paused for a moment, ignoring the sound of caution ringing in her head. But this was it – her opportunity – to be closer – to gain more knowledge – to find out what she could that was hidden behind the sleek facade of Blackwood enterprises. She put her hand in the man's and he moved her to the middle of the ballroom.

The two started dancing and it was quite slow, they looked like they had been practicing together. For Sophie each step was a challenge, each look a way to judge how much of herself Ethan Blackwood might remember.

Clara blushed at the compliment being paid to her and said jokingly, "You never asked." Always the gentleman, Ethan chimed, "You still haven't told me your name."

In an effort to mask her anxiety Sophie made sure to speak politely and quietly. "Sophie Daniels."

Ethan squeezed her hand once, but his expression did not change. "Sophie Daniels," he said again. "I'll remember that."

They danced for what could have been hours and were not saying anything as the music grew louder around them. For just a second, Sophie did lose herself in it-how fluid the movements can be when dancing with another person, how blue Ethan's eyes looked up at her, how warm his hand felt around her waist. Then reality set in, reminding her of the reason she was here at the first place.

She got out of the dance floor after which Ethan led her to the rim of the ballroom. "You never cease to amaze me, do you Sophie Daniels?" he whispered. "I hope to find more about it"

Sophie managed a smile on her lips but inside her nerves were fraught. What had just happened? Ethan Blackwood had seemed to turn the tables on her for a moment, and she had come here to investigate him.

So, one evening-after getting thoroughly drunk and getting involved in much too many conspiracies- Sophie woke up in Ethan's hotel room. Not later did she regret this decision although at the time that she took it she felt that it was the right thing to do. Their attraction was very explicit, and for the first time since the investigation began, Sophie was able to psychologically detach herself and focus.

Early in the morning, Sophie got up from the bed without disturbing Ethan. She even put on her clothes without making any noise, her thoughts are thus already on the assignment at hand. But she could not alter her focus after having a night with Ethan Blackwood.

She went on silent thinking she would never see him again.

Sophie booked a taxi, the city was still silent when it was still early in the morning. She sat back in her seat and began to think the fastest that she had ever thought in her entire life. She had to stay focused. Ethan Blackwood was an attraction she couldn't waste her time on, no matter how sweet.

The moment the conveyance was out of the hotel compound, Sophie's handset vibrated. She looked at the flashing letters on the black screen-the mail from her editor Frank Matthews.

"Need you in the office. New assignment, big one. Blackwood Enterprises."

Sophie's breath caught. They'd just had sex in his bedroom, and now she was being trusted to look into his family? The universe had a sick sense of humor.

Her phone buzzed again. Next I received another text from an unknown number.

"I know what you're doing. I will kill you": Me: "What? You'll kill me?"

Sophie's blood ran cold. Who had sent this? Was it connected to Ethan? She could hardly think straight as the cab took her through the city roads.

This simple sink to the computer screen made her realize just how deep she was getting into.