Chapter 124 Let's Watch Together
I understood what he meant. He didn't think I was qualified to be his wife. The thought stung, and though I'd expected it, a sharp ache still spread through my chest.
"I've risked everything to protect you, to move toward you, and yet you're constantly..." Ethan continued.
"You're right," I lowered my head, cutting him off with a self-deprecating smile. "I'm not qualified."
Something flickered across Ethan's face, but before he could respond, Walter knocked and announced dinner was served.
The dining room was painfully quiet. Only the clink of silverware and soft chewing sounds filled the space between us. I mechanically took tiny bites of mashed potatoes, occasionally spearing a piece of broccoli.
Suddenly, a fork extended across the table, placing a perfectly cut piece of medium-rare steak onto my plate.
I looked up to find Ethan already withdrawing his fork. "Eat," he commanded, his voice gruff.
For the next several minutes, he continued transferring food to my plate—another slice of steak, roasted carrots, more mashed potatoes—until my dish resembled a small mountain of food.
When he finally stopped, I stared at the heaping plate, took a deep breath, and bowed my head to methodically work through the pile.
After finishing everything, I exhaled a long breath of relief. When I glanced up, I found Ethan watching me intently, his gray eyes fixed on my face.
He swallowed visibly, his Adam's apple making a sharp movement before he asked in a low voice, "Are you full?"
I nodded quickly. "Yes! Very full!" I rushed to answer, afraid if I delayed, he might pile more food onto my plate.
Ethan's mouth curved into a slow, meaningful smile. "But I'm still hungry."
I glanced at the mostly empty serving dishes, then back at him. My face heated as I innocently asked, "Would you like me to order more food?"
Ethan leaned forward, his thumb pressing against my lips. His voice dropped to that magnetic, husky tone that always made my pulse race. "You know exactly what I want to eat."
My face burned hotter, feeling like it might catch fire.
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My back pressed against the door as strong hands gripped my waist firmly. Hot kisses trailed down my neck, sending electric shivers through my body.
I trembled, pushing against Ethan's rock-hard shoulders. "Don't. Not yet."
The moment the words left my mouth, a sharp pain bit into my neck. I gasped.
Ethan lifted his head from my neck, his gray eyes dark with desire as they locked onto mine. His breathing was heavy, controlled but just barely.
"We just ate," I explained breathlessly. "We shouldn't do... strenuous activities right after eating."
Ethan laughed softly, planting a light kiss on my lips. "When have you ever been the active one? You're always like a lazy little cat, lying there making demands and those little sounds."
I felt my face flush with embarrassment at his shameless words. "You're the pig! And besides, even if I'm not moving much, it still feels like riding a roller coaster with how... forceful you are."
He laughed out loud this time, cupping my face in his hands. His voice was raspy with desire when he spoke. "Baby, I'm not quite at that level yet. Don't make me sound so terrifying."
I rolled my eyes. This man was truly shameless.
Though Ethan talked a big game, he released me from his hold, not forcing the issue. The afternoon sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in warm golden light.
I changed into loose cotton loungewear, braiding my hair into two plaits, and curled up on the sofa with my legs tucked beneath me to watch TV. I'd found an old art film about love—I'd seen it years ago.
Ethan wasn't as free as me. After coming inside, his phone rang almost immediately. Now he stood on the balcony taking call after call, at least three in succession.
When he finally returned, the film had reached a scene where the blonde, blue-eyed male lead was passionately kissing the voluptuous blonde female lead, guiding her toward the bed.
I reached for the remote, intending to fast-forward, but Ethan came up behind me and placed his hand over mine. "Watch it. You might learn something."
I glanced sideways at him. "It's not real. What could I possibly learn?"
Ethan leaned down, his lips almost grazing mine. "Then shall we watch something that is real?"
I stared at him blankly for a moment before understanding dawned. "...No."
Ethan braced one hand on the sofa, the other gently caressing my face. His voice was deep and seductive when he asked, "Have you ever watched that kind of film?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, never."
Ethan smiled, nipping at my bottom lip before asking in a husky whisper, "Want to watch one together?"
I didn't refuse. The mood was already set, and refusing wouldn't work anyway. Besides, I was curious too.
"So... where do you find those kinds of videos?" I asked softly, my face still burning.
I'd expected him to say he'd search online or maybe that he had files saved on his computer. Instead, Ethan picked up his phone, called his assistant, and said in a serious tone: "Send me two porn videos. You have three minutes."
After he hung up, I raised my hands and swatted at his chest. "Ahhhh!" I cried out, hitting and pinching him. "How could you do that? Asking your assistant to send you..."
Ethan cut me off by scooping me into his arms and striding toward the bathroom.
"Let's rest a little longer," I protested, pushing against his shoulders. "I'm still too full."
Ethan gently stroked my soft stomach, then dipped his head to my ear, taking the lobe between his teeth before whispering in that dangerously seductive voice: "Not going to do anything yet. We'll shower first, then watch those videos together."
Warm water cascaded over us from the showerhead. Ethan grabbed my hand and pressed it against him. "Clean thoroughly," he commanded.
I felt my face flame as I yanked my hand away. "Wash yourself."
He captured my hand again, pressing it firmly back. "You're the one who's going to use it, so you should clean it."
"Well, I didn't ask you to wash me either, did I?"
Ethan's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "Fine. I'll wash you then."
When we finally emerged from the bathroom, a full hour had passed. My mouth was bright red and my lips slightly swollen.
He placed me on the bed and selected a black lace nightgown with barely any fabric to it.
I glanced at it and tossed it aside in disgust. "I'm not wearing that!"
Ethan leaned down to kiss my slightly damaged lip corner, his voice low and hypnotic: "Be good, Liv. Put it on."
I wrapped the towel tighter around myself and got off the bed, intending to find a more modest nightgown.
But I'd barely taken two steps when Ethan yanked the towel away and pulled me back into his arms.
"Either wear it," he said firmly, "or we continue what we started in the shower. Your choice."