Ronan took Sophia's hand, guiding her farther away from the Packhouse and deeper into the woods. The trees closed in around them, creating a secluded, quiet space where only the sounds of nature filled the air. Sophia's mind raced with questions, but she trusted Ronan enough to follow without hesitation.
After a few minutes, they reached a small clearing, bathed in soft sunlight. Ronan stopped and turned to face her, his expression unreadable as he scanned her face.
"Why did you bring me out here?" Sophia asked, her voice soft yet steady.
Without answering, Ronan cupped Sophia's face in his hands and leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a sudden, intense kiss. The world around them seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them in the secluded clearing. Sophia's breath hitched in surprise, but she melted into the kiss, her hands instinctively reaching up to grip the front of his shirt.