Chapter 257

Vivian's breath was stolen without warning.

Ethan's lips crushed down before she could react. His palm cradled the back of her head with bruising force. The kiss was pure domination, as if he meant to devour her whole.

Her fists pressed against his chest, useless.

When his tongue demanded entry, she caught the faint scent of ambergris on him. This madman—daring to do this outside a restaurant.

"Let—" Her protest vanished between their lips.

She jerked her knee upward, aiming for his most vulnerable spot. The contact made her freeze. He was already fully aroused, the scorching heat evident even through layers of fabric.

Ethan groaned, finally releasing her mouth.

"Dr. Laurent," his voice was gravel-rough, "you're playing with fire."

Her ears burned crimson. "Fire my ass!" She shoved him hard. "Touch me again and I'll make sure you're no longer a man!"

A dark chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Let's test that theory, Vivian."

Like hell! She spun and fled. Her stilettos struck the pavement in sync with her pounding heart. Even inside her car, her hands wouldn't stop trembling.

The rearview mirror showed Ethan still standing under the streetlamp, his shadow stretching long behind him.

She stomped on the accelerator.

Finn was organizing gear in the living room when the door burst open. A whirlwind blew past him up the stairs.

"Master?" He stood frozen, half-wrapped bandage dangling from his fingers.

Cold water slapped against Vivian's face in the bathroom. Her reflection showed lips still swollen from that bastard's—

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Master? Are you okay?"

She shut off the faucet sharply. Only then did she recall seeing Finn earlier.

The door swung open to reveal her apprentice's worried face.

"When did you get back?"

Finn blinked. "...Half an hour ago? I even greeted you."

Now she noticed the bandage on his arm. "You're hurt?"

"Just a scratch!" He straightened immediately. "The smuggling ring mission went perfectly—"

Vivian nodded absently, Ethan's "test that theory" echoing in her skull.

Test what? The kissing or... She shook her head violently.

Next time they met, she'd make sure that bastard learned the meaning of true suffering.