Chapter 442

Ethan Roscente braced one hand beside her pillow, looking down at her with a mocking curl of his lips. "Sleeping on the couch? You think that'll stop me?"

Sophia Lowell's breath hitched.

She knew it was futile, but at least it gave her some peace of mind.

The tension between them thickened, the room silent except for their breathing.

"Let's make a deal," Ethan suddenly said.

Sophia opened her eyes, wary.

He tossed a towel at her. "Dry my hair, and I promise not to touch you tonight."

"How much is your promise worth?" she scoffed.

His expression darkened. "Do you have a choice?"

Jerk.

"Calling me names in your head again?" His eyes narrowed dangerously.

She forced a smile. "Of course not. I was just considering your offer."

"Keep thinking, and my hair will air-dry on its own."

"With hair this thick? Not likely." Reluctantly, she crawled out of bed and yanked the towel from his hand. "This volume—must be great kidney function."

Ethan smirked. "Didn’t you already confirm that?"

Ugh, shameless. She bit back the retort and focused on running her fingers through his jet-black strands, surprised to find not a single split end.

The hum of the hairdryer filled the room as she absentmindedly studied his flawless hairline.

"Keep staring, and you’ll rub me bald," he teased.

Sophia paused, then leaned down to meet his gaze. "Uncle Ethan, serious question."

"Uncle?" He arched a brow.

She corrected herself instantly. "Mr. Roscente."

"Call me whatever you like." The title suddenly held an odd appeal.

Her eyes lit up. "What hair oil do you use? Any recommendations?"

Ethan gave her a knowing look. "Internal balance."

"What’s the secret?"

His gaze trailed over her. "Harmony of yin and yang."

"..." Sophia threw the towel down and stormed off.

"Where are you going?" he called after her.

"To shower!"

"For harmony?"

"Shut up!"

The bathroom door slammed shut.

Ethan chuckled.

When Sophia returned, a fortress of pillows divided the bed. "Cross this line, and you’ll lose your future heirs," she warned.

"What if you cross it?"

"Never!"

"Better remember that." He turned off the light with a cold laugh.

Rain tapped against the window. Sophia stared into the darkness, then turned.

Ethan lay motionless on his side, his breathing steady, as if already asleep.