Chapter 990

"Vivian, I'm thirsty too." Ethan Roscente's deep voice cut through the darkness with startling clarity.

Vivian Laurent handed him the water glass. "Get your own water. And take my cup out while you're at it."

Her lips still glistened from her recent drink, catching the warm glow of the bedside lamp in a way that made his throat tighten.

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed visibly.

Without warning, he leaned in to capture that lingering moisture. His tongue demanded entry past her lips with practiced ease, yet carefully avoided any pressure against her rounded belly.

Eight months along.

Restraint was necessary now. After the baby came, after Vivian recovered—they'd have all the time in the world. But tonight, even this chaste contact sent his pulse racing.

"Mmm...Ethan—" Vivian gasped against his mouth.

She could feel the leashed desire thrumming through him like a caged predator. The arms encircling her trembled with tension, yet maintained perfect control.

A sudden apprehension about postpartum life flickered through her mind.

Somehow her arms had wound around his neck. The kiss deepened, stretched—until her lips tingled with delicious numbness.

When they finally parted, her eyes shone with the dazed vulnerability of a startled doe.

Ethan abruptly covered her eyes with one hand.

"Sleep." The word emerged roughened beyond recognition.

They settled together beneath the covers. His chin rested lightly against her hair, breathing in the subtle fragrance of her shampoo.

Guilt pricked at Vivian. She'd kept him talking so late, and he had an early meeting tomorrow.

"Ethan." Her whisper feathered against his chest.

A drowsy hum vibrated through him in response.

Vivian fisted the fabric of his pajama top. "Goodnight."

His entire body stiffened for one telling instant.

The first time she'd ever said those words to him. Two simple syllables that burned through his ribcage.

"Goodnight, Vivian." His arms tightened possessively, laughter threading through the words. "Sweet dreams."

In the darkness, his smile remained unshakable.