Chapter 6
I woke with a jolt.
Opening my eyes, I found myself staring at a familiar jawline and Adam’s apple looming above me.
The scent enveloping me was Ethan’s signature cologne mixed with a faint, unfamiliar lemony fragrance that I recognized from Sofia’s Instagram page. I’d almost forgotten–as the heir to the family, Ethan had access codes to every room in the compound.
Seeing me awake, he leaned down with a low chuckle, attempting to kiss my lips. I frantically turned my head away, pushing him back and scrambling to the other side of the bed.
Ethan froze, then laughed. “Still playing shy? After everything we did last night?” I didn’t speak, just pulled the covers over my head.
Ethan scolded me while tugging at my blanket. “Emma Davies, you’ve got some nerve. Not saying goodnight to me, turning off your phone during a celebration night?”
“And now you’re hiding from me? That’s not how a loyal family member behaves.” He moved quickly, slipping under the covers with practiced ease.
Before I could react, he had me completely wrapped in his arms, his hands starting to wander possessively.
“Come on, I’ve told you a million times, you can’t skip breakfast after a mission.
“I sent one of our men thirty minutes to get those cinnamon rolls from that bakery you love so much. Had him wait in line forever.
“So what’ll it be–do you want to get up and eat, or would you rather I eat you first?”
His breath was hot against my skin, his hand sliding between my thighs.
Finally snapping fully awake, I struggled desperately.
But at 5’3“, I was no match for his 6’2” frame and years of combat training.
I couldn’t underst and what he was thinking. He had Sofia Rossi now–why was he still messing with me?
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After fighting for what felt like ages, I was panting but still trapped, his arms tightening around me.
“What’s the problem now?
“Still mad because I didn’t take you to the celebration last night? Seriously? You know Father wanted me to connect with the Rossi girl.”
I remained silent.
He buried his face in the crook of my neck, laughing softly.
“Let me guess, Maddie gave you the play–by–play?
“It was just a stupid drinking game for show. You’re seriously jealous over that? “You’re still acting like before–I get within ten feet of another family’s daughter and you start pouting. When will you understand this is all business?”
My anger hit boiling point. Words failed me completely.
Remembering a move from our family combat training, I suddenly drove my knee upward between his legs with all my strength, then bolted from the bed while he doubled over.
“Emma!” Ethan gasped through clenched teeth, his face crimson with pain.
I quickly threw on a robe over my nightgown and rushed to the living area of my suite.
I couldn’t stand being in the same room with him, especially my bed.
A few minutes later, Ethan emerged, looking both angry and bewildered.
After a long pause, he seemed to remember something and casually asked:
“By the way, you took that pill yesterday, right?”
“Don’t need any accidents. Father would force us to marry immediately if you got pregnant with a Moretti heir.”
Ethan walked to the dining table, picked up an orange juice and offered it to me. “Come on, eat something before you continue this silent treatment. Your stomach’s always been sensitive after missions.”
I didn’t speak or take the drink.
Ethan held the orange juice in mid–air for what felt like an eternity before finally
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losing patience.
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“What the hell is this about?
“Emma, even tantrums need a reason and a limit, don’t you think? You’re a Moretti now, even if not by blood.”
I replied with icy calm:
“I was never worthy of being a true Moretti.”
Ethan exploded, slamming the orange juice down on the marble coffee table.
He used so much force that the crystal glass shattered, spilling liquid all over the
imported rug.
“What’s that supposed to mean?
“Who do you think you are, Emma?
“We sleep together once–completely consensual—and suddenly you think you deserve more? Do you know how many women would kill to be in your position?” His tone was viciously harsh, like I’d never heard before, even during our toughest training sessions.
Instantly, tears poured down my face, with no warning whatsoever.
Yesterday’s humiliation and hurt came flooding back.
Ethan seemed shocked by my sudden breakdown and didn’t know how to react. He apologized, clearly regretting his outburst:
“I’m sorry, I was drinking with Sofia all night. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. You know how stressful these inter–family negotiations are.”
Ethan crouched beside me, reaching out to wipe away my tears, but I dodged his touch again.
He froze, his hand suspended in mid–air, a flash of genuine confusion crossing his face.
Just as he was about to try comforting me again, his phone pinged with the special tone reserved for messages from Don Moretti.
One glance at the screen and his expression transformed completely before he hurriedly stood up.
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“I’ve got Family business with Father. Cool off by yourself for a while. “We’re getting our official territories assigned soon–this childish behavior won’t fly there. No one will tolerate weakness or emotional outbursts.”
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