Chapter 215

Sophia jolted awake, meeting Ethan Roscente's fathomless dark gaze.

Her breath hitched.

The corner of his lips curled as he pressed the vibrating phone into her palm. "Enjoying yourself earlier? This is actually your phone."

Realization dawned. Her ears burned. She hit answer without looking.

"Sophia, open the door! I'm outside your apartment!" Emily Laurent's urgent voice crackled through the receiver.

"What?"

Sophia bolted upright. Seeing Ethan's composed expression beside her, panic surged like a cheating wife caught red-handed. She frantically shoved at his shoulders, signaling him to hide.

His brows knitted. One hand clamped her shoulder, pulling her close. "Relax," his lips brushed her earlobe, "This is my place."

Warm breath grazed her skin. A shiver ran down her spine. Only then did she remember—she was still at Bayview Residences.

"I'm not home," she exhaled into the phone.

Emily eyed the locked door skeptically. "Not home? I've been here since dawn. Did you stay out all night?"

Avoiding Ethan's amused stare, Sophia muffled the mic. "I'm at Vivian's—"

A low chuckle cut through the quiet bedroom.

"Since when does Vivian have a man over?" Emily's tone sharpened.

Sophia's pulse spiked. She shot Ethan a warning glare. "Just...the TV. I'll be back soon— Ah!"

Her excuse dissolved against his invading lips.

The phone tumbled onto sheets as he gripped her chin, kissing her with punishing intensity.

"What was that?" Emily demanded. "That didn't sound like any TV! Where are you really, Sophia?"

Morning arousal already simmering, Ethan was now fully ignited. He nipped the tender skin of her neck, branding fresh marks over old ones.

She bit her lip hard, stifling any sound.

"Tell your aunt who you're with," he coaxed darkly, sucking her earlobe.

When she resisted, his hand slid under her shirt, squeezing ruthlessly.

"Mmm—" A moan escaped before she could stop it.

The line erupted. "Sophia! That sound was suspicious! What are you doing? Who's there with you?"