Chapter 301

The rain poured down in torrents, fat droplets stinging against exposed skin. Ethan Roscente held Sophia Lowell tightly against him as they dashed into the hotel lobby, both drenched and disheveled.

The lobby overflowed with tourists seeking shelter, their complaints rising in a discordant chorus. Water dripped from Sophia's hair as she glanced sideways at Ethan—half his suit was soaked through, clinging to his frame. Something twisted in her chest.

"Good thing we didn't check out," she muttered, fishing the keycard from her pocket.

The moment the door unlocked, Ethan strode in ahead of her.

"This is my room!" Sophia's eyes widened.

"I know." He shrugged off his sodden jacket and tossed it onto the sofa.

She stamped her foot. "What if someone sees you here?"

"Weren’t you the one kissing me on the beach without a care?" His brow arched, amusement glinting in his eyes.

Her retort died on her lips.

"You take the sofa," she gritted out, drawing a firm line.

Ethan stepped closer, his damp shirt plastered to the hard planes of his chest. "You really think that thing can fit me?"

Sophia instinctively retreated until her back hit the cold wall. Only then did she notice the absurdly small loveseat.

"Then... go back to your own room."

"Canceled." He retrieved the hair dryer from the bathroom, his tone casual. "Come here."

Warm air gusted over her damp clothes, and she squirmed. "I can do it myself."

His hand settled on her shoulder, firm. "Stay still." His fingers brushed the nape of her neck—just a fleeting touch—but it sent a shiver down her spine.

Outside, thunder growled, rain hammering against the windows. The room hummed with the dryer’s drone and the quiet rhythm of their breaths.

Sophia stared at the water stains on the carpet. This sudden storm mirrored whatever undefined thing lay between them—unpredictable, overwhelming.

"What’s on your mind?" Ethan switched off the dryer, plunging them into abrupt silence.

"Nothing." She averted her gaze. "It’s just... this feels strange."

A low chuckle escaped him as he pressed the dryer into her hands. "Your turn." He undid two buttons, revealing droplets still glistening along his collarbone.

Sophia’s fingers trembled. A simple task—drying clothes—yet it carried the weight of something far more dangerous.