Chapter 150

The night was ink-black, neon lights flickering beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Sophia had just stepped out of the shower, water droplets still clinging to her hair. As she towel-dried the damp strands, her bedroom door burst open with violent force.

A cold gust swept in, carrying the scent of cedarwood and an underlying sweetness of perfume. Her nose wrinkled at the cloying fragrance, stomach churning.

"Ethan Roscente, have you lost your mind?" Her fingers tightened around the towel, knuckles bleaching white.

His towering frame eclipsed her, suit jacket draped carelessly over one arm. He loosened his tie with a single tug, Adam's apple bobbing. "Seems I've been too lenient with you."

Sophia retreated until the dressing table pressed against her back. The chilled surface seeped through her thin nightgown, drawing an involuntary shiver.

"Lenient?" Her laugh was brittle. "You must be drunk, Mr. Roscente. Isabella Valentine's suite is next door at the Ritz."

Ethan's eyes darkened. He seized her wrist with enough force to make her gasp.

"Sebastian Valdemar's father is hospitalized, and you're playing the devoted nurse." His voice dripped ice. "Three hospital visits in one day? People might mistake you for the Valdemars' daughter-in-law."

Her pupils contracted. She hadn't expected him to track her movements so meticulously.

"He's my thesis advisor!" She twisted against his grip. "Let go!"

Instead of releasing her, he yanked her flush against his chest. Hot breath scorched her ear. "That lingering gaze at the charity gala—did you think I wouldn't notice?"

A humorless smile curved her lips. "Is this jealousy?" Deliberately, she inhaled near his collar. "Pity. That perfume drowns out any vinegar."

His fingers clamped around her chin.

"Sharp tongue." His thumb traced her lower lip. "Needs correcting."

Her heartbeat stuttered. The position was dangerously intimate, her hands instinctively shielding her abdomen.

"Scared now?" Ethan noted the protective gesture with a sneer. "Where was this caution when you were cozying up to Sebastian?"

"You're being irrational!" She raised her knee to strike.

He anticipated the move, pinning her leg with his own. Their proximity allowed her to count each obsidian eyelash.

"Remember your place." The words rumbled deep in his chest. "As long as I draw breath, no other man lays claim to you."

Tremors of rage wracked her frame. "What gives you the right—"

"The right of being your uncle." He enunciated each syllable. "Sufficient justification?"

A bitter laugh escaped her. "Then enlighten me, Uncle. What exactly are you doing in your niece's bedroom after midnight?"

Ethan's expression blackened. He released her abruptly.

Sophia staggered before regaining balance, putting distance between them. Rubbing her reddened wrist, she leveled a wary glare.

"Get out." She pointed to the doorway. "Or I'm calling the police."

Adjusting his cufflinks, he smirked. "By all means." He withdrew his phone with deliberate slowness. "Shall I dial for you? Let's see how officers react to photos of Mrs. Roscente canoodling with her lover."

Her breath hitched. The screen displayed a snapshot of her and Sebastian outside the hospital.

"You had me followed?" Her voice wavered.

He pocketed the device, gaze venomous. "Final warning. If I catch you near Sebastian again..." A deliberate pause. "The Valdemars will vanish from Manhattan."

The door slammed shut with enough force to rattle the walls.

Her legs gave out, collapsing onto the bed's edge. Fingers tracing gentle circles over her stomach, unshed tears glistened.

"Don't be afraid, little one..." she whispered. "Mommy will keep you safe."

Outside, black taillights of a Maybach disappeared into the night. Ethan's grip on the steering wheel turned his tendons into raised ridges. The car phone chirped.

"Mr. Roscente, regarding the Valdemar situation—"

"Proceed as planned." His interruption was arctic. "I want results within the week."