**Chapter 14: Ignition**

The kiss still lingered on Maya's lips as she nodded in agreement with Sean's suggestion. They needed to get out of there, away from the prying eyes and wagging tongues of the partygoers. Sean's hand still wrapped around her waist, he led her through the crowds, expertly navigating the throngs of people. As they made their way to the door, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. What had just happened? She had been drawn to Sean from the moment they met, but she had never expected to lose control like that. The kiss had been like a dam breaking, unleashing a torrent of emotions and desires that she couldn't ignore. Outside, the cool night air hit them like a slap in the face, snapping them back to reality. Sean's eyes locked onto Maya's, his gaze still burning with intensity. "My place or yours?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Maya hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. She had never been one to rush into things, but there was something about Sean that made her feel like she was drowning in his eyes. "Mine," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. Sean nodded, his face set in a determined expression. He hailed a taxi and they slid into the backseat, their bodies pressed together in the confined space. Maya felt a jolt of electricity as Sean's thigh brushed against hers, his hand reaching out to wrap around her waist. The ride to her apartment was a blur of noise and color, Maya's mind reeling with thoughts and emotions. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She had always been the type to keep her emotions in check, to never let anyone get too close. But Sean was different. He was like a force of nature, sweeping her up in his wake and refusing to let her go. As they pulled up to her apartment building, Sean paid the driver and they stepped out onto the sidewalk. The cool night air enveloped them once again, but Maya barely noticed. She was too busy trying to process what was happening. Sean's hand wrapped around hers, his fingers intertwining with hers as they walked into the building. The elevator ride was short and silent, the tension between them palpable. As they stepped out into the hallway, Maya felt a sense of trepidation. What was she getting herself into? She had no idea, but she knew that she couldn't turn back now. The die had been cast, and all she could do was see where this journey would take her. Sean's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with a fierce intensity. "We're not going to make it to the apartment, are we?" he asked, his voice low and husky. Maya shook her head, her heart racing with anticipation. "No," she whispered, her voice barely audible. And with that, Sean's lips crashed down on hers once again, the world around them melting away into nothingness.