Chapter 81

Sophia gasped as Ethan pinned her against the stone wall, the impact sending a sharp pain through her lower back.

Her eyes widened as his scorching lips claimed hers. This madman—how dare he ambush her at the Roscente estate!

She clenched her fists, pounding against his chest, but he effortlessly trapped her wrists above her head with one hand. His other hand gripped her waist with bruising force.

"Mmph—!"

Sophia twisted her face away, only for him to seize her chin and force her back. His hot breath fanned her skin as his tongue invaded her mouth.

Footsteps approached in the distance.

"Where did Ethan go?" Isabella's saccharine voice drew nearer.

Sophia froze, her nails digging into Ethan's arm. But he only tightened his hold, lifting her fully against the rough stone.

"Grandfather, watch your step." Isabella's voice chirped as she guided Mr. Roscente Sr. around the corner.

Terror shot through Sophia, but Ethan held her immobile. He nipped her earlobe, his voice a dark rasp. "Scared?"

The footsteps were almost upon them.

Sophia squeezed her eyes shut—until Isabella shrieked, "Snake!"

"Where?" Mr. Roscente's voice sharpened.

"It—it slithered away!" Isabella stammered. "Let's head back, Grandfather."

The footsteps receded.

Sophia's back was drenched in cold sweat. She shoved Ethan away, her legs buckling beneath her.

He caught her waist, thumb brushing her swollen lips. "That nervous?"

"You're insane!" Her voice shook. "If your grandfather had seen—"

"So what?" Ethan's eyes darkened as he wiped her damp lower lip. "Who dares question what belongs to me?"

Sophia trembled with rage. "Isabella definitely saw us!"

"And?" He laughed coldly, suddenly hoisting her up. "Would she dare breathe a word?"

Sophia's arms instinctively circled his neck, her feet dangling. The position made her ears burn with humiliation. "Put me down!"

Instead, Ethan bit her throat. "You weren't complaining earlier."

"You—" Sophia stiffened mid-sentence.

Hidden behind nearby bushes, Isabella clenched her fists until her nails drew blood. She watched Ethan press Sophia against the tree, his muscular frame engulfing her smaller body.

The untouchable Ethan Roscente—reduced to a reckless youth in this woman's arms.

Isabella's teeth sank into her lip, copper flooding her mouth. She retreated silently, venom flashing in her eyes.

Enjoy this while it lasts, Sophia.

"Focus." Ethan pinched Sophia's waist in warning.

She startled, realizing her blouse had ridden up to her chest. She grabbed his wandering hand. "Ethan!"

He chuckled darkly. "Calling for an audience?"

Sophia immediately fell silent, glaring at him with red-rimmed eyes.

Ethan's gaze turned predatory—then he abruptly released her. "Get out."

Sophia stumbled, bewildered, as he shoved her away. Adjusting his cuffs, he resumed his usual icy demeanor—as if the man who'd ravaged her mouth moments ago never existed.

"Need an invitation to leave?" His mocking tone cut deep.

Clutching her crumpled clothes, Sophia fled without looking back.

Ethan watched her retreat, his expression unreadable. He swiped his thumb across his lips, still tasting her sweetness.

From the shadows, Isabella lowered her phone, having captured everything. She dialed a number, her voice venomous. "Move the timeline up. I want Sophia Lowell ruined."