Chapter 20 – The Final Test of Control

Lina’s breath was uneven, her pulse pounding so loudly she could barely hear anything else.

Ethan’s offer, his challenge, his test still echoed in her mind.

"I’ll only touch you for five minutes. If you don’t get wet, I’ll stop. But if you do—then I’ll claim you completely."

She should have refused.

She should have pushed him away.

But her body betrayed her.

Heat pulsed between her thighs, a dull, aching need that she didn’t want to acknowledge.

And Ethan—he saw it all.

He always saw everything.

His smirk deepened as he tilted her chin up, forcing her to hold his gaze.

"Five minutes, love," he whispered, his voice smooth as silk, deadly as a promise.

"That’s all it takes to break you."

Lina shivered violently.

But she didn’t move away.

She didn’t resist.

And that was her first mistake.

Ethan’s fingers grazed her thigh, slow, barely there.

A teasing caress, meant to drive her mad.

Lina’s body tensed, her breath hitching.

She clenched her fists in her lap, desperately holding on to control.

But Ethan wasn’t in a hurry.

His touch traveled higher, his palm skimming the inside of her thigh.

A soft chuckle vibrated against her ear.

"You’re already trembling," he mused. "And I’ve barely touched you."

Lina bit her lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

Ethan didn’t mind.

He enjoyed watching her fight.

Because he knew he was going to win.

His lips ghosted over her shoulder, his breath hot against her skin.

Lina’s fingers dug into the couch.

"You smell so sweet," Ethan whispered, pressing a feather-light kiss to her collarbone.

His other hand curled around her waist, pulling her closer, his warmth seeping into her.

Lina’s chest rose and fell sharply.

Ethan smirked.

"Your body already knows it belongs to me," he murmured, his lips grazing the sensitive spot behind her ear.

Lina’s thighs clenched together instinctively.

Ethan noticed immediately.

His chuckle was dark, smug, utterly devastating.

"Oh, love…" he whispered. "You’re trying so hard."

His fingers traced the edge of her shorts, just barely teasing the soft skin beneath.

A shock of pleasure shot through her.

Lina sucked in a sharp breath.

And Ethan—he heard it.

He felt it.

His hand stilled, his lips curving against her throat.

"That’s one," he murmured. "One sign that you’re losing."

Lina’s face flushed hot.

She hadn’t even realized she had reacted.

But Ethan had.

He always did.

His hand finally dipped between her thighs, pressing just enough to make her squirm.

Lina’s entire body jerked.

Heat poured through her, pooling deep inside.

Ethan growled in satisfaction.

"Your body is honest, love," he whispered, his fingers caressing her slowly, deliberately.

"You’re already wet, aren’t you?"

Lina shook her head violently.

She wasn’t.

She couldn’t be.

But then—Ethan’s fingers pressed deeper, rubbing against the thin fabric between them.

And Lina let out a soft, helpless gasp.

Ethan’s entire body tensed.

His breath turned heavier, rougher.

"That’s two," he murmured, his voice dripping with victory.

Lina’s eyes fluttered shut.

Her control was slipping.

She was losing.

And Ethan knew it.

Ethan nudged her legs apart, spreading her slowly.

"Let me in, love," he whispered, his fingers teasing the edge of her underwear.

Lina’s breath came fast, shallow.

Her body burned for more.

Her mind screamed at her to stop.

But she couldn’t.

Because she wanted him.

She wanted all of him.

And that terrified her.

Ethan’s lips brushed over her jaw.

"One more sign, love," he whispered, his fingers dipping just under the fabric.

"One more, and you’re mine."

Lina’s pulse roared in her ears.

She could feel it.

The edge.

The point where she could still stop this.

But then—

Ethan’s fingers slid against her, slow, deliberate, claiming her before she could even think.

And Lina let out the tiniest, broken moan.

Her body betrayed her completely.

Ethan groaned, his control snapping.

"That’s three," he murmured, his voice dark with triumph.

"You lose."

Lina felt herself fall.

Her head tilted back against his shoulder, her body pressing into his.

She was lost.

Utterly, completely lost.

And Ethan knew it.

"You’re mine now," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple.

His fingers moved again, a promise of what was coming.

"Let me claim you, love."

Lina barely managed to whisper her answer.

"Yes."

Ethan’s grip tightened.

His smirk was pure sin, pure victory.

He lifted her easily, carrying her toward the bedroom.

And as he laid her down beneath him, his lips ghosting over hers, his hands already exploring every inch of her—

Lina knew there was no turning back.

She was his.

And tonight—he was going to prove it.

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