Chapter 36

Sophia gasped as Daniel Clementson's iron grip clamped around her wrist.

She instinctively cradled her abdomen, afraid to struggle too violently.

"Help!"

The hallway stood deserted, not even a server in sight. Daniel dragged her toward the private room, his calloused palm smothering her cries.

"Stop playing hard to get."

Her back slammed against the couch. She kicked out, but he easily pinned her down.

"Eth—"

Her pupils contracted at the tall silhouette in the doorway.

Daniel's collar was suddenly yanked backward. He crashed into the coffee table, sending glass shattering across the floor.

Amid the chaos, Ethan Roscente's fists rained down relentlessly.

Sophia curled into the corner, watching Daniel beg for mercy, his face bloodied. Ethan's suit sleeves were stained crimson, his knuckles bone-white.

The metallic tang of blood hung thick in the air.

"Ethan..." Her voice trembled.

When he turned, the violence in his gaze froze her in place. He loosened his tie, staring down at her with icy disdain.

"Desperate for attention?"

His cold fingers dug into her chin. The heavy scent of tobacco and faint ambergris enveloped her.

"It's not what you think—"

A humorless laugh cut her off. He wrenched her wrist against the couch, the silk of her dress tearing as he leaned in. His breath scorched her neck.

"Am I not good enough?"

Her struggles were useless against his strength. His teeth grazed her earlobe, voice rough. "You'd chase other men while carrying my child?"

The door burst open.

"Mr. Roscente, the surveillance shows—" Zachary's report died mid-sentence.

"Out." Ethan didn't glance back.

Sophia seized the moment to shove him away, clutching her torn collar as she bolted. His hand snagged her ankle, yanking her against his chest.

"Running?" His grip on her waist tightened, dark hunger swirling in his eyes. "I thought you liked playing with fire."