Chapter 33

"You need to stop watching those ridiculous dramas." Ethan scoffed. "I've lived in the opposite unit for four years. If anyone's stalking anyone here, it's you."

"What did you just say? You live across from me?" Only then did Vivian notice the slightly open door of the neighboring apartment. She scratched her head awkwardly, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.

So he wasn’t following me… He actually lives here! And I just called him every name in the book! Now I look like the delusional one, thinking he was obsessed with me!

Ethan’s sharp gaze swept across her living space before landing on her bedroom door.

"Your bedroom looks nothing like mine." He strode toward it, clearly intending to walk right in.

Vivian’s blood ran cold. A stack of parenting books lay scattered across her bed. If he sees those, he’ll know about the baby!

"Stop!" She lunged in front of him, blocking the doorway.

"Move," Ethan commanded. As a man who always got his way, he wasn’t used to being denied.

"Absolutely not!" She spread her arms wide, refusing to budge. Anger flared in her chest. "Since when are we best friends? What makes you think you can just waltz into my bedroom?"

"I’m your husband." He loomed over her, his darkening eyes boring into hers. "Unless… you’re hiding someone in there?"

"Ethan Blackwood, watch your mouth!" Vivian seethed. If he keeps pushing, I’ll have to take him down. My combat training should make this easy. Oh, the look on his face when he hits the floor…

"You’re flashing me again," he pointed out, his tone dripping with mock concern.

"You—!" She instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, falling right into his trap.

Ethan took advantage of her distraction, slipping past her into the bedroom. The space was airy—floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleek wardrobe, a minimalist desk, and a bed draped in pastel pink.

"Didn’t take you for the frilly type. Hello Kitty sheets? Didn’t peg you as the nostalgic sort." His smirk widened as he moved toward the bed.

Vivian’s pulse spiked. The books were right there, next to her pillow.

"Don’t you dare!" She launched herself at him, knocking him onto the mattress and pinning him down.

Ethan blinked up at her, stunned. His eyes narrowed. "What the hell are you doing?"

How is she this strong? He strained against her grip but couldn’t break free.

"I just—uh—you’re really distracting, okay?" She stammered, subtly shoving the books under the pillow.

Her knee pressed into a pressure point on his abdomen, rendering him immobile. It was like a temporary paralysis—no matter how hard he struggled, he couldn’t move.

Watching his usually composed face flush with frustration, Vivian finally understood why he enjoyed being in control so much. Right now, he looked downright adorable.

"Behave," she murmured, tracing his sharp jawline. "Or I won’t let you up."

"Vivian. Get. Off." His voice was a dangerous growl.

"Or what?"

His glare could have melted steel. How is she this heavy? I’ve never been humiliated like this in my life.

After a moment, she finally relented, lifting her knee.

The second Ethan could move, he flipped her beneath him, caging her in with his muscular frame.

"Had your fun?" His gaze dropped to her lips, the memory of last night’s kiss flooding back. This time, he wanted more.

Ring ring ring!

His phone shattered the tension.