Chapter 61

"You!"

Sophia trembled with rage, her cheeks burning.

This man had actually held onto her teasing words all this time.

She finally understood—Ethan Roscente was here to settle the score.

In the darkness, she glared at his shadowy outline and let out a bitter laugh.

"That's right. I gave your number to those women. You deserved it after how you treated me this afternoon. Fight fire with fire."

"Fire?" Ethan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You've got nerve, Sophia."

His gaze dropped to her parted lips, dark and unreadable.

She met his stare without flinching. "Learned from the best—you."

A vein throbbed at his temple. His lips curled into a cold smirk. "You weren't playing the virtuous saint this afternoon. Who melted in my arms? Who clung to my neck?"

Sophia's pupils shrank. Her eyes reddened instantly.

"You're vile, Ethan!"

"Vile?" He stepped closer. "I can be worse. Want a demonstration?"

Her blood ran cold. Her voice shook. "Does humiliating me make you happy?"

The broken question struck something in him.

Before he could respond, she continued, "Fine. You've made your point. We're even. Now leave."

"Even?" The word ignited his fury.

A sharp pain shot through her jaw. She gasped.

"Trying to dismiss me?" His voice was glacial. "Remember your place, Sophia. I bought you. You don't get to decide when this ends."

She lifted her chin defiantly. "I'll pay you back. Now get out!"

His grip tightened.

Cold sweat beaded on her skin, but she refused to make a sound.

After a long moment, he scoffed.

"Repay me?" He leaned in, his breath scorching her face. "Your body will do. It's what you're good for."

The words hit like a lightning strike. Shame flooded her veins.

Before she could react, her sweater was ripped away.

The cold air bit into her skin just as sharp teeth sank into her shoulder.

"Ah!"

His punishing kisses trailed down her neck, stopping at her lips.

"This mouth," he murmured, sending chills down her spine, "should only scream in pain."

The assault grew rougher.

Tears welled up. Suddenly, Sophia realized—

She was done being his plaything.

Crack!

The sharp slap shattered the night.