Chapter 3

In the evening, when Ethan returned, he carried a faint scent of alcohol.

Seeing him enter the study, I brewed a cup of tea and walked in.

"Ethan."

Ethan was leaning back in his chair, rubbing his temples.

His tie was loosened, the top two buttons of his collar undone, revealing a kind of decadent sexiness.

Hearing my voice, he paused and looked over.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I heard you come back, so I made you your favorite black tea."

I walked closer carrying the tray, deliberately stumbling.

Ah!

I cried out, my whole body falling straight toward him.

Ethan caught me steadily as expected.

I tumbled into his lap, enveloped by his intense masculine scent mixed with a faint alcohol smell.

My breathing became chaotic.

My heart pounded wildly, almost bursting through my chest.

If I just tilted my head slightly, my lips could brush against his jawline.

"Did you burn yourself?"

Ethan's voice came from above my head, deeper than usual, slightly hoarse.

He didn't immediately push me away. Those long-fingered hands even lingered at my waist for a moment.

My whole body stiffened. I didn't dare move, even slowing my breathing.

"No... no."

I stammered in response, my eyes rimming red.

"I'm sorry, I'm too clumsy."

I tried to stand, but my legs were weak and I fell back into his embrace.

This time, my hand braced against his chest.

Beneath my palm was his steady, powerful heartbeat. Through his shirt, it burned my fingertips.

Ethan's eyes darkened.

He finally reached out to grip my shoulders, pulling me from his lap and steadily placing me to the side.

His movements were restrained and distant.

"So careless. What have I taught you?"

He pulled out a tissue and methodically wiped the suit pants where I'd pressed against them.

His tone returned to its lofty coldness.

I lowered my head, staring at the water stains on the carpet, the dark flame in my heart burning hotter and hotter.

"How did it go today with Miss Thompson choosing the venue?"

I asked with feigned casualness, my fingers twisting my skirt hem tightly.

Ethan's wiping motion paused slightly. He looked up at me, his eyes unfathomable.

"Adult matters. Children shouldn't pry."

He stood up, looking down at me.

"It's late. Go to bed."

What kind of answer was that?

Was he protecting Mia?

I bit my lip, tears welling in my eyes, stubbornly sitting on the sofa without moving.

"Do you think I'm annoying? After you get married, I won't be able to come to you like this anymore, will I?"

Ethan looked at me silently.

After a long moment, he sighed.

He walked in front of me, bent down slightly, and gently wiped the corner of my eye.

"Don't overthink it."

His voice softened a bit, carrying a seductive quality.

"As long as Chloe is good, I'll always be your brother."

Always be your brother.

Who the hell wants you as a brother!

What I want is you panting beneath me, those eyes seeing only me!

I suddenly grabbed his hand, recklessly pressing my cheek against his palm, greedily absorbing his warmth.

"I'll be good."

I looked up at him, my gaze nearly obsessive. "I always listen to you."

Ethan let me nuzzle his palm, his gaze resting on my face.

Then slowly withdrew his hand.

"Go to sleep."