Sophia shook her head helplessly. "Those words at the hospital were just said in anger."

Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line.

It wasn't the words that truly bothered him.

He feared she would discover Kyle Grant was actually Vincent Laurent.

That was the real danger.

She had called out "Brother Vincent" in her dreams.

And Kyle watched her with predatory intensity.

Sometimes Ethan felt like the interloper.

He'd considered letting go.

But the thought of it carved his heart out.

Three years had fused them together.

If he couldn't release her, he would endure.

At least she still lay in his arms.

Ethan steadied his breathing and pulled her close. "You can't bear to leave me."

Sophia traced his jawline. "You're always so insecure."

"Who was it that wanted to break up just days ago?"

His teasing tone sent shivers down her spine.

Her ears burned. "You were the one who ignored me first."

Ethan tapped her nose. "Quite the temper."

She dodged and pinched his nose in retaliation. "No nicknames."

"How about Kitten?"

"Horrible."

They dissolved into laughter.

When the mirth faded, Ethan grew serious. "I'll change. Just don't mention breaking up again."

Sophia chuckled. "How adaptable."

"A real man should be."

"Your father will call me a temptress."

"You are my little temptress."

Ethan smirked. "Men like him don't understand love."

"You take after your mother more."

"At least I have some humanity left."

With the misunderstanding resolved, they fell asleep entwined.

Their earlier plans abandoned.

Ethan's desire had evaporated.

Sophia changed his bandages.

They slept in each other's arms.

Dawn arrived.

An unknown number flashed on her phone.

"Miss Sophia Laurent?"

"Speaking."

"I'm Lillian Yates. Brother Kyle sent me with something."

Sophia provided the hotel address.

"I'll deliver it personally."

"Thank you."

"Forty minutes."

After hanging up, Sophia ordered breakfast.

While eating, she examined Ethan's wound.

The injury still looked gruesome.

Her heart ached as she embraced him.

The phone rang again.

"I'm in the lobby."

"Coming down."

As Sophia moved to dress, Ethan took the phone. "I'll go."

"It's the Jade Nectar."

"Better safe than sorry."

He ruffled her hair. "You're too trusting."

"Be careful."

"I'm armed."

In the lobby, a girl in yellow stood out.

Strapless minidress, statement earrings.

Ethan assessed her coldly.

"Lillian Yates?"

The girl turned, eyes widening.

"Can I help you, handsome?"

"I'm here for Sophia's package."

"Oh, you're her husband."

Lillian's gaze turned knowing as she produced a locked red box.

"Here."

Ethan took it and walked away.

"Could I meet Sophia?"

"She's resting."

"Such devotion."

"Naturally."

The elevator doors closed.

Lillian snapped a photo of his retreating figure and sent it to Kyle.

In the car, his call came.

"Why you?"

"What difference does it make?"

"What did she say?"

"Her husband collected it."

Kyle's Adam's apple bobbed.

"You like married women?"

"They're divorced."

"Spending nights together isn't divorced."

"Stay out of it."

"Am I not better than her?"