Chapter 430

"I'm not leaving."

Vivian Laurent reached out to push Ethan Roscente's shoulder. "Go now!"

Emily Garnache had already returned to her room. There was no point in Ethan going out now.

Her fingers had just touched the doorknob.

Ethan suddenly grabbed her wrist.

"You—"

In one swift motion, Vivian found herself pinned against the door. Ethan caged her in with his arms on either side.

Under the bright light, his deep eyes reflected her image.

"Vivian." His Adam's apple bobbed as his breathing grew heated.

"May I kiss you?" His lips parted slightly.

Last time, Vivian had told him not to kiss her without permission.

He wanted this kiss desperately, but feared angering her.

Vivian's eyes widened. How could he ask such a question outright?

"No—"

Before she could finish refusing, his lips sealed hers.

Ethan had anticipated her rejection.

He remembered her warning about uninvited kisses. This time, he'd asked first.

With her wrist pinned against the door, Vivian couldn't move.

The familiar scent of cedar enveloped her as his kissing skills proved increasingly refined.

No longer was it a forceful conquest, but a tender exploration.

Vivian's legs weakened until she could barely stand.

Her body betrayed her rationality as she began responding to the kiss.

Then his hand slid to her waist.

Vivian jolted awake and shoved him away forcefully.

"Out!" She flung the door open, cheeks burning.

Ethan found himself ejected into the hallway, yet a satisfied smile curved his lips.

Of course he had accommodations. The princess had arranged a guest room.

Working here might be inconvenient, but seeing Vivian made it worthwhile.

He spent most days in his room handling documents, stealing occasional glances at her.

The vacation passed in peaceful bliss.

Meanwhile, no one noticed when Sophia Evans opened her eyes after two days in a coma.

White ceiling. The sting of antiseptic. Burning pain across her face.

She wasn't dead.

This realization ignited a madness in her gaze.