Chapter 39

The night was ink-black. Ethan Roscente lifted her chin with slender fingers, his dark eyes unreadable. "Bayview Residences?"

Sophia Lowell turned her face away from his touch, her voice icy. "Take me home."

His Adam's apple bobbed as he chuckled low. "Fine. A change of scenery could be... interesting."

The air in the car grew thick. Sophia clenched her skirt, her mind racing as neon lights flashed outside the window.

Fragments of self-defense training flickered through her thoughts. Ethan had offered to teach her once, but she'd refused, calling it exhausting. The irony wasn't lost on her now.

"Thinking of running?" His grip tightened around her wrist, sharp enough to hurt.

She bit her lip, silent.

"Still so untamed," he mocked, thumb tracing the reddening skin.

Sophia seethed internally. This man is insane.

"Calling me names again?" Ethan suddenly leaned in, breath hot against her ear. "Your eyes betray you, Sophia."

The car jerked to a stop outside her apartment. Zachary Evans opened the door with practiced deference.

Ethan scooped her up effortlessly. Sophia struggled, but his arms only tightened.

"You really think you can escape now?" Danger laced his words.

A bitter laugh escaped her. "When have I ever had a way out with you?"

"Clever girl."

The elevator numbers climbed. The moment they crossed the threshold, he tossed her onto the couch. The sound of tearing fabric sliced through the silence.

"Never wear this outside again." His fingers dug into her waist, eyes stormy. "If you do, it'll be for my eyes only."

The absurdity almost made her laugh. This man didn't love her—yet he demanded ownership.

Typical Ethan Roscente. What he couldn't have, no one else could touch.

"One last time." She met his gaze squarely. "Then we're done."

He paused, then smiled—slow, knowing. "That depends on your performance, Ms. Lowell."

The shower ran. A dull ache pulsed in Sophia's abdomen, her face pale.

But Ethan, insatiable, pressed wet kisses along her neck.

"I'm tired," she protested, turning away.

He ignored her, hands roaming lower. Just as despair gripped her, a shrill ringtone shattered the moment.