Page 42 of When We Ignite

“No, it’s not,” I told him honestly.

He glanced down at his wrist. “Should I take it off?”

“No.” I shook my head quickly, closing the distance between us. “Don’t take it off.”

Exhaling loudly, I looked at his arm and held out my hand.

He hesitated, shoulders tensing, his posture stiff as a board.

This time, I felt the sting of his rejection and a spark of annoyance. Such a contrast from his demeanor around my brother. I wondered if I’d ever get him to come to me that freely.

I clenched my jaw and walked away, shaking my head.

“Sebastian, what’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing. I’m fine,” I lied, the words clipped.

I’d let Henry get to me, but he was right—I should have been in control. Ethan had taken it from me, and I had no idea how to get it back. This was ridiculous. “You can leave now.”

Ethan didn’t move. He just stood there, wide-eyed and hurt. “Are you mad at me? I don’t get it.”

I closed my eyes, pressing my lips together.

“Youaremad at me.” He fumbled with the bracelet. “I’ll just take it off. I thought you’d be happy about it.”

I let out a slow breath, stepping closer again. “I’m not mad. I love that you’re wearing it,” I assured him, softening my tone. He still looked at me like a wounded animal, ready to bolt. “I’m frustrated because you keep saying no. I’m not asking you to do anything, you know that. I’m just offering my hand. Why is that such a horrible thing?”

Ethan stood there, like a deer in headlights. “It’s not. It’s just thewayyou ask for it. You’re a little overbearing, Sebastian—it’s like you want to tame me or something.” His words were heavy with uncertainty.

Oh.

I exhaled, my shoulders relaxing as the irritation drained away.

I needed to give him more credit. He’d probably figured it out long ago, even if he didn’t know exactly what it was.

“Will you sit with me?” I said gently. “I’ll explain. We can sit on the floor if that makes you more comfortable.”

Ethan hesitated, before nodding reluctantly. He walked slowly and sat on the carpet near the bed, legs crossed. I went back to the door, locked it, and joined him, keeping some distance.

“Why—”

“I locked it because Henry has boundary issues, and I don’t want him walking in,” I explained quickly.

Ethan stayed tense, shoulders rigid, his eyes locked on me.

Isighed, leaning back slightly to give him some space. “It’s not what you’re picturing,” I began. “I’m a dominant person. I like to be in control, and that reflects in my sex life. But it doesn’t mean I’m into forcing you.”

His body eased somewhat.

“I don’t want to tame you, Ethan,” I continued. “It’s not about extinguishing that fire in you—I like that about you. What I want is for you to let me take care of you. To trust me. To let me lead us there.”

He lowered his head, staring at his lap. “So you don’t want me to submit to you?” he asked softly. “Because that’s exactly what it feels like.”

His words sent a spark through me, one I ignored.

I tilted his chin up gently, urging him to meet my gaze. “I don’t want you to change who you are to the world.” His blue eyes searched mine, his expression guarded. “But I do like some level of submission from my partners,” I admitted carefully, trying not to scare him.

His jaw clenched. “I fucking knew it,” he said bitterly, closing his eyes and hugging his knees. His forehead rested on them, shutting down.