Chapter 177

The elevator lobby was packed during rush hour. Sophia Lowell stared impatiently at the flickering floor numbers, tapping her foot.

She had just pulled out her phone when a large, well-defined hand snatched it away.

"Ethan Roscente!" She glared at the man beside her through gritted teeth. "Give it back!"

He held the phone high above his head, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "Beg me."

Sophia stretched on her toes to reach it, only for Ethan to wrap an arm around her waist. His breath tickled her ear as he murmured, "So eager?"

"Drop dead!" She stomped hard on his polished leather shoe.

Ethan hissed in pain and loosened his grip. Sophia seized the chance to grab her phone and turn away. But before she could take a step, his fingers closed around her wrist, yanking her into a private elevator.

"Let go!" She struggled fiercely.

"Stop fighting." He tightened his hold, pinning her against the elevator wall. "We're in a hurry."

In the confined space, his phoenix eyes gleamed with danger. Sophia turned her face away, but her breathing grew uneven despite herself.

"What's wrong?" His fingertip traced the flushed shell of her ear. "Scared of me?"

"Scared you'll lose your mind." She scoffed. "Shouldn't you be with your fiancée instead of harassing me?"

Ethan suddenly leaned in until their noses almost touched. "Jealous?"

"Delusional narcissism is a disease." She shoved him away.

The elevator jolted unexpectedly, sending Sophia stumbling into his chest. He took advantage, cradling the back of her head as his voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Last time, you said I was bad in bed—"

"Shut up!" She clapped a hand over his mouth, her palm burning at the contact.

He licked her skin, making her jerk back as if electrocuted.

"I'll prove it to you tonight." He nipped at her earlobe. "I'll have you begging for mercy."

Heat flooded Sophia's body. She lifted her foot to kick him just as the elevator dinged open on the top floor. Ethan dodged effortlessly and dragged her out.

"Release me! I'm going home!"

"Home?" He glanced back, dark fire smoldering in his gaze. "Tonight, you're mine."