Chapter 5

Ella Rosales's POV:

Ethan pulled his car up to the front of the hotel.

I started to unbuckle my seatbelt.

"Thank you for the ride, Ethan," I said, my voice coming out softer than I intended. The alcohol had definitely lowered my defenses.

"No problem, Ella," he replied, his voice calm and deep. He made no move to get out of the car; he just looked at me.

I opened the door, ready to step out.

Right then, a thought flashed through my mind-Holden's dismissive words. A spark of rebellion, fueled by the booze and my bruised ego, suddenly surged within me.

I turned back and asked him, "Do you want to come up for a drink?" Before I could even stop myself, the words were out, surprising even me.

A slow smile spread across his face, and genuine warmth filled his eyes. He killed the engine, and the car fell instantly silent.

The elevator ride up to the room was short, but it felt like it took a century.

As the doors slowly closed, he turned to face me, his gaze burning into mine.

Then, without a word, he leaned in and kissed me. It was a firm, commanding kiss that stole my breath. My mind went blank.

An intense, unexpected wave of desire washed over me, hot and dizzying.

He deepened the kiss, one hand gently cupping the back of my neck. I felt like the oxygen was being sucked out of my lungs.

I pulled back slightly. "Ethan," I breathed heavily, "the security cameras." I weakly pointed to the corner of the elevator ceiling.

My cheeks were burning, a deep flush spreading rapidly. My legs felt like lead, ready to give out at any moment. I had to wrap my arms tightly around his waist just to stay standing.

He glanced at the camera, a wicked smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He expertly shifted his body, cleverly blocking the camera's view, and pulled me back into a searing kiss.

This time, I kissed him back.

When the elevator doors opened, he broke the kiss, his eyes filled with raw desire. He quickly swiped the keycard, and the hotel door clicked open. He stepped inside, pulling me in with him.

Just as he was about to kick the door shut, he paused, his eyes locked onto mine.

"Are you sure about this, Ella?" he asked in a low, husky whisper. "Are you going to regret it?"

My mind was hazy, the wine and his intoxicating scent making me feel lethargic.

"Regret what?" I asked softly, pulling him closer. "You've already kissed my lips swollen, don't you think it's a little late to ask if I'll regret it?"

He let out a low chuckle, a rich, satisfied sound. His thumb gently brushed across my lower lip.

I pulled him closer, my body pressing flush against his. He kissed me again, his lips greedy and urgent.

We stumbled through the entryway, not even making it to the bedroom. My back hit the cold wall, his hands began to roam over my body, and my dress rustled softly.

"Oh," I moaned softly, gripping his arms tightly. "Ethan, slow down."

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice thick with gravel. "I just... I've wanted you for so long, I couldn't help it."