Chapter 290

Vivian Laurent whispered urgently, "Get out of here. Distract them."

The cramped closet made breathing difficult. Ethan Roscente's presence intensified the suffocating atmosphere. She could hear her own heart pounding like war drums.

"Leave now?" His deep voice vibrated against her ear. "That's practically announcing your hiding spot."

His chest pressed firmly against her back. The heat radiating through their clothes made her skin burn. She blamed the stuffy air.

Ethan suddenly removed his mask.

In the dim light, his sharp profile stood out. The tall bridge of his nose cast shadows. His thin lips pressed together. Those penetrating eyes stared straight into her soul.

Vivian quickly looked away. Thank god her mask still covered her face. Otherwise, he'd see her flaming cheeks.

"Go!" She pushed against his chest. "You're the one who'll give us away!"

He didn't budge. His long fingers hooked around her mask's ties. His other hand captured hers against his chest.

"The closet's tiny." His voice turned gravelly. "Where exactly should I hide?"

Footsteps sounded outside.

"Strange. I swore the Gambling King entered this room."

"Bathroom's clear!"

Vivian held her breath. Someone approached the closet. Her fingers instinctively clutched Ethan's shirt.

"Search thoroughly. We must unmask the Gambling King tonight!"

Every muscle in her body tensed. She unconsciously leaned closer into Ethan's embrace, oblivious to how little space remained between them.

Her delicate fragrance enveloped him. That familiar scent made his Adam's apple bob. The last thread of his restraint snapped.

He yanked off her mask. One hand anchored at her lower back. Then his lips crashed down on hers.