Chapter 264

Sophia's fingers deftly tied the navy blue silk tie into a perfect Windsor knot.

Ethan had taught her this three years ago, guiding her hands patiently when she first became his secretary and couldn't even manage the simplest knot.

His dark gaze lingered on her. Under the warm lamplight, her porcelain skin glowed like pearls, every delicate downy hair visible. The fresh scent of her shampoo made his throat tighten.

"Feeling better?" His voice was low as his fingertips brushed her earlobe. "You look well, Ms. Lowell."

Her hands paused briefly before resuming their task. Tilting her chin up, she offered a sweet smile. "The medicine worked quickly."

That radiant expression stole his breath. Suddenly, he crushed her against his chest.

"Let go!" She struggled. "You promised not to touch me."

"Just holding you." His arms tightened as he buried his face in her hair.

Sophia seethed. This man could make any outrageous claim sound reasonable.

"Sophia." His tone turned serious.

When their eyes met, she saw piercing understanding in his gaze.

"Faking illness?" His thumb stroked her jaw. "You can't lie to me."

Flushing, she turned away. "I...really wasn't feeling well..."

"Liar." He turned her face back. "How should I punish you?"

"You—"

His mouth crashed down before she could finish. The kiss was fierce, leaving her lips tingling when he finally pulled away.

"Just collecting interest." Ethan rested his forehead against hers. "The rest...we'll settle after the gala."

"Gala?" She blinked in confusion.

"A friend's birthday celebration." He adjusted his cuffs. "You're accompanying me."

Only then did she notice his unusually formal attire. She shook her head. "That's inappropriate. Your fiancée should—"

A warm hand slid under her blouse. Ethan's eyes darkened dangerously. "Say that again?"

"I-I mean..." She grabbed his wandering hand. "Our relationship is undefined..."

"Undefined?" He chuckled, tracing circles on her waist. "What did you just call me?"

Realization dawned. Biting her lip, she softened her voice. "Ethan..."

The name pleased him. Withdrawing his hand, he smoothed her collar. "Go change into your evening gown."