Chapter 486

Sophia pushed open the apartment door to complete darkness.

Her fingers fumbled for the light switch.

The moment the lights flickered on, a dark figure yanked her into his arms.

"Ah!" she gasped.

Ethan Roscente lifted her onto the entryway console, his long fingers gripping her chin. "Why are you back so late?"

"Didn't you take Bianca home?" Sophia turned her face away.

The man chuckled low in his throat. "Jealous?"

"No."

"Really?" His breath warmed her ear.

"Ethan," Sophia closed her tired eyes, "I'm exhausted today."

The amusement in his gaze vanished instantly. His thumb traced her neck. "Can't even bother to pretend with me now?"

"That's right." Her reply was crisp.

The air turned glacial.

Ethan's eyes darkened. He suddenly bit down on her collarbone. "Too bad. The more you act like this, the less I want to let you go."

"Are you insane?" Sophia struggled against him. "I visited three hospitals today. All I want is sleep!"

"Your problem." He pinned both her wrists with one hand.

She laughed coldly. "So to you, I'm just a plaything you can summon whenever?"

"If I say yes," his eyes narrowed dangerously, "does that mean I can have you right now?"

Sophia stopped resisting and leaned against the wall. "Then hurry up."

Her resigned expression ignited Ethan's fury.

"Can't rush," he taunted, nipping her earlobe. "You know that."

Her ears burned. "I'm sure Bianca would be happy to accommodate you."

"Still claiming you're not jealous?" He forced her face toward him. "Sophia, you care."

She scoffed, too drained to argue.

Under the dim light, her porcelain skin glowed. Something in Ethan's chest tightened. His voice softened unconsciously. "Sophia..."

Her lashes fluttered against closed eyes.

Just as he leaned in, Sophia's eyes flew open, locking with his fathomless gaze.

Before she could react, his scorching kiss crashed down.

"Mmph—" She tried to knee him, but he used the motion to spread her legs and press her against the wall. The more she fought, the more brutal his kiss became, only releasing her when she went limp.

"Keep playing mute," he wiped the wetness from her lips, "and I'll continue."

Sophia glared at him with reddened eyes—then suddenly swung her hand.

Slap!

The sharp sound echoed through the silent apartment.

The calico cat hiding behind the sofa bristled, its amber eyes wide with alarm.

Ethan turned his head slightly, tongue probing his bleeding lip. His expression was unreadable.