Chapter 143

The black sports car shot forward like an arrow released from its bow. Ethan Roscente gripped the steering wheel with one hand, his knuckles turning white. He tore off his tie, his Adam's apple bobbing as sweat beaded at his temples.

His blood felt like it was boiling. He rolled down the window, but the night air did nothing to cool the fire raging inside him.

The speedometer needle kept climbing. The scenery outside blurred into streaks of color. Only when the screech of brakes pierced the night did he realize he'd driven to Vivian Laurent's villa.

Moonlight glinted off the wrought iron gate. Ethan slammed his fist against the steering wheel, cursing his own recklessness. Then he saw her.

Those unmistakable bunny ears stood out in the darkness. Her slender legs shimmered beneath the short skirt as she stumbled toward the gate. Ethan's pupils contracted. His breath caught.

"Vivian?"

Before he could think, his drugged body moved on its own. Just as the gate was about to close, he shoved his arm against it.

"Help me..." The words scraped from his throat.

In the darkness, he grabbed her slender wrist and pinned her against the wall. Her skin burned against his palm. The woman in his arms trembled violently.

Vivian bit her lower lip until it bled. The metallic taste did nothing to quell the heat coursing through her veins. She tried to kick, but he easily restrained her.

"Are you drugged?" Ethan's voice was low. Only then did he notice her abnormally high body temperature.

Vivian answered with ragged breaths. Moonlight filtering through the curtains illuminated her flushed eyes. Those usually composed eyes now glistened with unshed tears.

The last thread of his restraint snapped.

Ethan cupped the back of her head and crushed his lips against hers. They both shuddered at the contact. The kiss tasted of blood, desperate and biting.

Vivian's fists pounded weakly against his shoulders. His burning hands slid down to her waist, fingers digging into the thin fabric of her clothes.

"Ethan..." Her broken whimper was swallowed by his mouth. She arched against him, helpless against the brutal kiss. His overwhelming presence surrounded her, leaving no room for refusal.

The bunny ears headband fell to the floor. With one hand, Ethan tore open his collar, revealing his heaving chest. He lifted her by the waist, forcing her to wrap her legs around him.

"This time..." He panted against her lips. "You're not running away."

Outside, thunder cracked. Rain poured down in sheets, drowning out the sounds of their ragged breathing. Two people, both under the influence, surrendered completely to the darkness.