Chapter 475

His fingertips burned against her flushed cheek as he traced slow circles.

"Embarrassed?" His deep voice held a teasing edge.

Those dark eyes smoldered like ink, threatening to swallow her whole.

Sophia turned her face away, chest rising and falling rapidly.

She clenched her fists, then forced them to relax.

Arguing with this unreasonable man was an exercise in futility.

A timely knock interrupted them.

"Mr. Roscente, your breakfast is here."

Glancing down at her disheveled clothes, Sophia hurried into the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the space.

When she emerged, an elegant breakfast spread awaited on the table.

Two paper bags sat neatly by the bed.

She reached for her clothes, but Ethan caught her wrist.

"Eat first." His tone brooked no argument.

The food proved surprisingly to her taste.

"Proctoring at ten?" Ethan pushed peeled shrimp toward her, brows knitting.

"Yes."

"That desperate for two hundred bucks?"

Sophia stirred her steamed egg custard deliberately. "Not all of us swim in money like you, Mr. Roscente. Some of us need side gigs."

Her pointed glance at her empty pockets spoke volumes.

"I'll replace your phone."

"Pass. Your gifts come with too many strings attached."

Ethan's expression darkened.

"Must you always be like this?"

"Must you always snoop through my things?"

The air turned glacial.

He suddenly slid his phone across the table. "Go ahead. Search it."

Sophia scoffed. "How do I know this isn't another trap?"

The shrill ringtone shattered the tension.

"Sophia? Where are you?" Vivian's voice pierced through the speaker.

Sophia's pulse jumped.

"You're at my place?"

"Obviously. Dad sent tropical fruits perfect for preg—"

Cough cough cough! Sophia choked violently.

Ethan handed her a napkin, his voice clear as day: "Slow down."

Dead silence from the other end.

"Holy shit!" Vivian's shriek nearly ruptured eardrums. "There's a man! Sophia Lowell, you dark horse!"