Chapter 991

Vivian Laurent woke from her nap with unusual clarity, unable to recall when she'd drifted off.

She only remembered staying up late talking with Ethan Roscente until she noticed exhaustion lining his brow and bid him goodnight.

Morning light filtered through the sheer curtains when she realized Ethan still held her tightly against him.

His breathing remained steady, lashes resting against his cheeks in deep slumber.

The dark circles beneath his eyes made her chest tighten. Between corporate burdens and caring for her, even the strongest man would wear thin.

Sunlight sculpted Ethan's features with striking definition, maturity only enhancing his arresting presence.

Memories of last night's searing kisses surfaced as her fingers ghosted over the elegant curve of his lips.

Those same lips that claimed hers with breathtaking dominance.

Just as she lost herself in thought, warm lips captured her wandering finger.

She jerked back instinctively, but Ethan's grip tightened around her wrist.

Her gaze collided with his sleep-heavy eyes.

"Go back to sleep," she feigned composure.

Ethan hadn't slept enough. After their farewell last night, he'd tossed restlessly until dawn.

"A mischievous kitten started playing with me," his voice rasped with sleep. "Should teach her a lesson."

Heat flooded from Vivian's ears down her neck.

For all her worldly experience, Ethan reduced her to blushing helplessness with just one smoldering look.

"You wouldn't dare," she challenged weakly.

His low chuckle vibrated against her skin. "Of course not. Why don't you explore further?" A deliberate pause. "Where else would you like to touch?"

"Pervert!" She swatted his chest.

"I meant my face or hands." He blinked innocently before whispering against her ear, "Unless... you had more intimate places in mind?"