Chapter 244

Ethan Roscente held Sophia Lowell in a crushing embrace, his arms like steel bands around her.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here."

His deep voice trembled slightly as his warm palm gently stroked her back.

Sophia buried her face against his chest, listening to the frantic rhythm of his heartbeat.

After what felt like an eternity, she lifted her head.

Ethan cradled her face, his thumb brushing away the moisture at the corner of her eye.

"Let me check if you're hurt."

His words were feather-light, as if afraid to startle her.

She shook her head, voice hoarse. "The car stopped in time."

Only then did the tension in his shoulders ease slightly. But he still meticulously checked her for injuries.

When he confirmed she was unharmed, he exhaled sharply and pulled her close again.

"Thank God you're alright..."

The veins in his arms stood out in sharp relief.

Sophia didn't catch his words and looked up in confusion.

Ethan didn't explain. He simply tightened his hold.

His heart had nearly stopped when he saw that motorcycle hurtling toward her car.

He'd acted on pure instinct.

"What were you doing here?"

Sophia noticed the wrecked sports car nearby.

"I saw someone following you."

His tone was casual, but the lingering fear in his eyes betrayed him.

Warmth bloomed in Sophia's chest. "Thank you."

Ethan tilted her chin up, his gaze intense. "Still angry with me?"

She pressed her lips together, silent.

He leaned in slowly, his warm breath ghosting over her cheek.

A tender kiss landed between her brows.

"Forgive me?"

Before she knew it, Sophia found herself nodding.

"Let's get you checked at the hospital," he said.

"I'm fine—"

Her words died as her eyes widened in horror.

"You're bleeding!"

Her trembling fingers reached for the wound on his forehead.

Ethan caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "Just a scratch."

"That much blood isn't a scratch!"

Tears welled up again.

He wiped them away tenderly. "It's really nothing."

"We're going to the hospital. Now."

She tried to pull him toward the car, but he stopped her.

"Alright. Whatever you say."

His eyes were filled with such tenderness, as if the terror of moments ago had never happened.