Sophia took a sip, the wine warming her from the inside. "The assignment… it’s on modern interpretations of taboo relationships, right?"

"Exactly." He sat beside her on the chaise, close enough that his thigh brushed hers. "Tell me, Sophia. Have you ever experienced real temptation? The kind that consumes you, body and soul, even when you know it could destroy everything?"

Her breath hitched. "I…no. Not really. I’ve always been the good girl. Focused on studies. My parents expect perfection."

Alexander’s hand rested on her knee, heavy and warm through the fabric of her skirt. "Good girls often harbor the darkest desires. I see it in your writing, the way...