Chapter 170

"After behaving like a beast so many times, what's one more?"

Sophia's breath hitched.

This man had the audacity of a fortress wall.

"Besides," he drawled, lifting his gaze to her flushed cheeks with smoldering intensity, his voice rough with desire, "who was the one who climbed into my bed first and said I could do whatever I wanted with her waist? Now that I want to claim that offer, why the resistance?"

The memory made Sophia's ears burn crimson.

All those shameless words he'd coaxed from her lips had become ammunition against her.

"Let go." She turned her face away, her voice barely above a whisper.

She tried twisting her wrist free.

The movement made Ethan's eyes darken dangerously.

His grip tightened like a vise, his voice a controlled threat. "Apologize for lying to me."

Sophia's head snapped up. "What lie?"

"Architect." He bit out the word.

She scoffed. "That's literally my degree. If you hadn't forced me into being your secretary, I would've started in the field right after graduation."

Drawing a sharp breath, she continued, "You're the one who never cared. Now you're playing the victim? Ethan Roscente, who gave you that right?"

"So you're blaming me for neglecting you?" His eyes narrowed.

"I wouldn't dare." Her laugh was icy. "Someone like me isn't worth your attention."

"Enough with the sarcasm. Apologize!"

Seeing his stubbornness, Sophia gritted her teeth. "Fine. I'm sorr—" She tacked on, "Not actually sorry."

Ethan's expression turned thunderous. "Word games now?"

Watching his frustration, Sophia arched a brow. "Fun, isn't it? Though I'm surprised a beast understands human language. Impressive evolution, Ethan."

"Sophia!" His voice was pure gritted teeth.

She smirked. "Unlike certain animals, I don't have a tail to tuck—"

Her taunt was cut off as his mouth crashed onto hers.

The kiss was punishment—all teeth and dominance. His hands gripped her waist possessively, fingers digging into the sensitive curve.

"Mmph—"