Chapter 249

His lips nearly brushed against her earlobe.

The scorching breath carried his husky voice straight into her ear canal.

Sophia shuddered violently.

She glanced frantically at the front seat, only to find the partition had been raised at some point.

The tips of her ears burned crimson.

"Well?"

Ethan Roscente tilted her chin back, their noses touching. Dark currents swirled in his eyes like a lurking beast.

Their mingled breaths carried traces of mint and tobacco.

"I..." Her voice wavered. "Need to think—"

"Shaking like this already?" His thumb grazed her reddened eyelid. "Still need time?"

Sophia bit her lip. "Fine! If I can't pay back, we'll do it your way!"

After the internship ended, she'd vanish to Seattle. Could he possibly chase her there?

Ethan rapped his knuckles against the partition in satisfaction.

"Wait!" Sophia pressed against the car door. "Let me out."

"We're going to Riverside Heights." His grip tightened around her wrist.

"The contract expired ages ago!" She struggled. "I'm free now."

"So my saving your life means nothing?" He smirked, lifting the gauze at his temple to reveal an angry scar. "I prefer tangible gratitude."

The sight of that vicious wound deflated her defiance.

"But your estate has so many servants—"

"You want Grandfather knowing you spent the night with me?" His voice dropped lower. "Or should I tell him you've already been in my bed?"

Her face paled. "No!"

"Then behave."

"Riverside Heights is too far from work..." She made a last-ditch protest.

Ethan's lips curved suddenly. "Your place works too."

"Absolutely not!"

"Seems someone's gratitude lacks sincerity." His eyes narrowed.

Sophia twisted her shirt hem nervously. "My dumpy apartment isn't fit for Mr. Roscente..."

"I don't mind."

She choked on her words.

"One hundred thousand." His tone turned businesslike. "One night."

Sophia's eyes widened. "How much?"