Chapter 188

The sound of a window sliding open cut through the silent night.

Sophia lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling when a sudden chill swept over her.

She turned sharply and saw a dark figure climbing through the window.

"Who's there?" Her fingers tightened around the edge of the blanket.

Moonlight outlined the man's tall, imposing silhouette. Ethan Roscente's handsome face flickered in the shadows.

"How did you get in here?" Her voice trembled.

He didn’t answer, his long fingers already working at the buttons of his shirt.

"This is my room!" She shrank back.

Ethan shrugged off his shirt in seconds, then pulled back the covers and slid in beside her.

"Get out!"

She kicked at him, but he caught her ankle effortlessly.

"Don't make a scene." His deep voice held a warning.

The world spun as he pinned her to the mattress. His muscular arm locked around her waist like an iron band, his hot breath searing the nape of her neck.

"Have you lost your mind? This is the Roscente estate!"

"Hmm." His lips brushed the delicate skin behind her ear.

Sophia struggled wildly, but he flipped her onto her back. One hand pinned both her wrists above her head while the other gripped her chin.

"Mmph—"

His scorching kiss swallowed every protest.

The assault was fierce and relentless, stealing her breath. When she came to her senses, her pajama top hung open.

"Ethan Roscente!" She shook with fury. "Have you no shame?"

He chuckled, thumb tracing her swollen lips. "Shame doesn’t get me what I want."

"You—"

"Shh." His lips grazed her ear. "Want someone to find us like this?"

His warm breath sent shivers down her spine.

Sophia bit her lower lip. "If anyone sees us, your family will blame me for seducing you."

"Clever girl." He kissed the tip of her nose approvingly. "So behave."

Tears of anger pricked her eyes. "Aren’t you afraid Isabella will find out?"

His movements stilled, his gaze turning icy.

"Why bring her up?"

"Am I wrong?" Sophia scoffed. "The great Mr. Roscente sneaking into his niece’s bed—what a scandal."

Ethan suddenly smiled, twirling a lock of her hair around his finger. "Scandalous? I find it thrilling."

"Pervert!"

"There’s more where that came from." He nipped at her collarbone. "Want a taste?"

Sophia gasped, her heart pounding so hard she feared it might burst.

Outside, tree shadows danced—anyone could walk by at any moment. The thought filled her with equal parts terror and exhilaration.

"Aren’t you afraid—"

"Of what?" Ethan cut her off, his fingers slipping beneath her pajama top. "That we’ll get caught? Or that you won’t be able to resist?"

Humiliation and fury burned through her. She tried to knee him.

He anticipated the move, pressing his thigh between her legs. Leaning close, his voice turned rough with desire:

"You’re not escaping tonight."