Page 16 of Forbidden Kiss

“It isn’t every day that we lose a founder, and it is unfortunate timing. But I stand before you today as a friend,” he continues. “See, Christopher approached me just a few days prior to his death and asked me to take over and run his company. At first, it shocked me. Take over the brilliant Lane Entertainment Group? Why?”

Ethan pauses dramatically to look everyone in the eye. “He said because we’ve worked too hard to let it go,” he states proudly, addressing the team assembled before him. “Is it true? Are you a hard-working team?”

A twinge of annoyance at his overly confident demeanor prods at my nerves.

As he continues to speak, workers offer small nods in agreement. Nervous gazes fill the room. Ethan seems unfazed by their uncertainty, his confidence only growing. “Something tells me you’re a damn hard-working team. And something in my heart of hearts tells me you’re going to make Christopher Lane proud.” His voice booms, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “One might even say it’s going to be Lane Entertainment Group’s best year yet.”

While the crowd erupts into cheers and applause, Brianna’s voice stands out amongst the rest. After glaring at her for a moment, I attempt to join in with half-hearted claps.

Ethan avoids eye contact with me while he makes his way around the room, shaking each employee’s hand and introducing himself. Though the others seem enamored by his good looks and charm, I can’t bring myself to fake the enthusiasm.

When he finally reaches me, he leans in close and asks, “Can I have a word with you, please? In my office?”

I can’t avoid an eye roll at his request.

“Ah yes,” I respond, lacing my tone with over-the-top frill. “The new corner office with the Strip view, isn’t it?”

He turns to face me fully, his brows furrowed. We pause, locked in a gaze, before he reaches out and firmly takes my arm, leading me to his office.

With no interest in being paraded around like a prize, I pull my arm away. Together, we walk side by side, our upper bodies bumping until we are safely inside his office, the door clicking shut behind us.

He stands before me, his amber eyes piercing through me. “What’s going on?”

I smirk and play dumb. “Oh, I don’t know. Why don’t you ask Fiona?”

Ethan lets out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair before cracking his neck. “How do you know Fiona?”

“I ran into her this morning when I was getting the breakfast.” My nostrils flare for a brief second before I part my lips to breathe. “She didn’t seem so happy to see me.”

His expression softens after he looks at me. “My sister has always been protective of me, or should I say,half-sister. Dad had two families.”

My stomach twists. Sister?

He pauses for a moment. “Fiona moved in with us after her mom died, so we grew up together, actually.” His face scrunches. “Hold on. Did you think that Fiona and I…”

“Heavens, no.” With a vigorous head shake, I release a nervous laugh from my throat. “That’s not what I thought at all. I mean, gross.”

He grins. “I’ve got a few more just like Fiona. I keep them all tucked away in the attic.”

A small smile tugs at my lips as I shake my head at him. “Well, now I feel like a bitch.”

He meets my gaze, his eyes brightening. “You’re just jealous, Ava.”

My heart races. The thought of being another name on his list is too disturbing. “I’m not. I just don’t want to become another notch on your playboy belt.”

His shoulders drop. “You’re so much more than that. Why didn’t you just ask?”

He sees through me with an intensity that makes me feel like I’m made of glass.

I straighten my posture. “It’s none of my business what you do in the privacy of your home.”

“What?” He blows out a breath, half-smiling. “That’s not how this works, Ava. We shared something intimate. We bonded for hours. It’s your right to know.”

Part of me wants to believe what he’s saying is true—to soothe all the doubts and insecurities that have been plaguing me since our encounter. But the other half wonders if he took advantage of a vulnerable, naive girl at her lowest point.

Stupid young Ava.

I don’t have the answers, and frankly, I’m tired of riding this 48-hour emotional rollercoaster with him.

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