Isabella Valentine pressed a hand to her reddened cheek as she followed Alexander Valentine out of the restaurant.

The moment they stepped outside, she stomped her foot. "Are you even my real brother? That bitch Sophia hit me, and you didn't lift a finger!"

Alexander turned to study her face.

Five distinct finger marks stood out against her pale skin.

His brow furrowed. "What did you say to her?"

Isabella smirked. "I just mentioned how conveniently her grandmother died—right on schedule." She raised her voice deliberately. "It's the truth, isn't it?"

She'd hoped to provoke Sophia into losing her temper, making Ethan Sullivan rush to comfort her.

But this time, Ethan had taken Sophia's side.

Alexander's lips curled coldly. "I'd have hit you too."

"You—" Her eyes widened. "Whose side are you on?"

"Be reasonable." His voice remained calm. "Ethan broke up with you ages ago."

Isabella jutted her chin out defiantly. "He's only with Sophia because of me! He still has feelings for me!"

Alexander studied her face closely. "Sophia is more beautiful than you. And she has better grace."

"Are you blind?" she shrieked, lunging at him. "I'm telling Mom and Dad!"

He caught her wrist firmly. "Enough."

Once in the car, Isabella lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I found something out. That old woman pulled out her own oxygen tube."

Alexander's grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"Gave up her life just to keep them from divorcing." She let out a derisive laugh. "Quite the sacrifice."

"Shut up." His voice turned icy. "Show some respect for the dead."

Isabella suddenly leaned closer. "Brother...you like Sophia, don't you?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" The tips of his ears turned pink.

"Then why not seduce her for me?" She batted her lashes. "It's not like you'd be losing out."

"Get out!"

Meanwhile, a black sedan sped along Riverside Drive.

Sophia gazed at the unfamiliar scenery outside the window. "This isn't the way home."

"Taking you somewhere special." Ethan kept his eyes on the road.

An hour later, the car stopped at a desolate stretch of riverbank.

Wind howled across the water, waves crashing against the shore.

Sophia stepped out, puzzled. "Why are we here?"

Ethan handed her the keys. "Open the trunk."

When the trunk lifted, Sophia's breath caught.

A sea of crimson roses blazed against the twilight.

"Do you like them?" Ethan leaned against the car, his gaze tender.

Her fingers brushed the petals lightly, heart trembling. "This is the first time you've given me flowers."

"The florist said red roses symbolize true love." His voice was barely above a whisper.

Sophia looked up at him, eyes shimmering.

Ethan's throat moved as he pulled her into his arms.

His lips claimed hers in a searing kiss, his hand slipping beneath her blouse.

"Don't..." She gasped. "We're outside..."

In one swift motion, he lifted her into the backseat.

"What are you doing?" Her ears burned crimson.

"You."

The leather seats were cool against her skin, but his kisses burned.

Sophia finally surrendered, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Since when did you become so skilled?"

What she didn't ask aloud: Had Isabella experienced this too?

Ethan nipped at her shoulder. "You're the first." His voice turned rough. "Now you're responsible for me."

A soft laugh escaped her lips. "Fine. As long as you don't leave, I won't abandon you."

The river wind carried the scent of roses, weaving through the car's intimate space.