Chapter 56

Sophia frowned.

She understood indirect kissing, but what fresh nonsense was indirect drinking?

Ethan smirked at her. "Same principle."

"What's the difference?"

Her instincts screamed this man was up to no good.

Sure enough, he leaned in. "Kiss me."

Her pupils constricted.

"You can't drink, so I'll do it for you." His voice was maddeningly calm. "The alcohol will pass to you. Consider it consumed."

"Ethan Roscente!" She turned her face away in disgust. "You're revolting."

"Last time I kissed you until your legs gave out," his thumb brushed her lower lip, "you didn't seem to mind."

Sophia's ears burned.

This bastard!

Always using his skills to manipulate her, and now dragging up the past.

"You just want to take advantage," she accused.

He nodded shamelessly. "I never do business at a loss." His fingers tilted her chin up. "Did you think I'd give you something for free?"

Of course not.

The Roscente heir never left a debt unpaid.

"Hurry up." His grip tightened on her wrist. "If you weren't just out of the hospital—" The unspoken threat hung between them.

She raised her hand to slap him, but he caught her wrist and pinned it against the counter. "Bold." His breath scorched her neck. "You don't even know how to beg properly."

"Does Isabella know how shameless you are?"

He chuckled darkly. "She doesn't." His hand suddenly gripped her waist. "But you do. And you enjoy it."

The words were poison-tipped needles.

Each syllable reminded her she was just a plaything.

"Little niece." He emphasized the title mockingly.

She stiffened, humiliation crashing over her.

As she struggled, he captured both her hands, trapping her against his chest. "Playing hard to get?" he taunted.

"You make me sick!"

His arms tightened abruptly, surrounding her with his familiar cedar scent. "When you used to cling to me," his lips grazed her ear, "you didn't seem to mind."

"Ethan!" Her voice trembled.

"That Clementson boy," his eyes turned icy, "is he your new sugar daddy?"

Tears welled instantly. "So this is how you see me..." Her voice broke. "How cheap you think I am."

His knuckles brushed her wet cheek, his tone unexpectedly softening. "Must you settle for such mediocrity?" He pulled her closer. "Wouldn't you rather stay with me?"