Page 3 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

Ethan picked up the bottle of wine and effortlessly uncorked it. “I hope you don’t mind, but I thought we could enjoy some wine during our interview,” he said, pouring the deep red liquid into our glasses and handing one to me with a devastating half-smile. His statement sounded more like a fact than a question.

“Thank you,” I said, accepting a glass. Our fingers brushed, and a spark of electricity shot up my arm.

Ethan raised a glass of the rich, dark red wine in a toast. “Here’s to an enlightening interview,” he said.

As we clinked glasses, Ethan looked into my eyes with a smoldering gaze. I took a sip of the ruby-red wine, the flavor bursting on my tongue. My gaze locked with Ethan’s—his eyes shimmered like emeralds over an open flame. A flush crept up my neck as a delicious warmth spread through me. The taste of the wine combined with his intense stare made my head spin.

“Did you enjoy the wine?” he asked, a small smile playing on the corners of his mouth.

“Uh, yes,” I stammered. “It’s delicious, but I must admit that I’m not used to expensive wines. I’m sure my palate isn’t refined enough to truly appreciate its nuances.”

Ethan smiled lightly. “This wine costs eight dollars per bottle.”

“Really?” I asked, feeling confused and intrigued at the same time. Was he mocking me? He was a billionaire, and I was just a young journalist—of course he wouldn’t see me as his equal and rub it in my face.

“Indeed,” Ethan confirmed. “This was my favorite wine when I was getting my degree in university. I never liked the taste of beer, and I couldn’t afford good alcohol, so I discovered this inexpensive but delicious wine. It’s been my favorite ever since. In fact, five years ago, the winery that produces it was in financial trouble, and I bought it so I could continue to enjoy the taste that reminds me of my humble beginnings.”

I felt a pang of guilt for making the wrong assumption about him.

Ethan’s smile widened as he watched me squirm under his intense gaze. “I can see the cogs turning in that clever mind of yours,” Ethan said, his voice low and seductive. “You thought I was mocking you, didn’t you?” It felt like he could read my mind, and the thought both scared and excited me.

“N-no,” I stuttered, shaking my head. “Well, yes. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to assume,” I said, feeling embarrassed.

“No need to apologize.” Ethan gazed out the window at the sprawling gardens outside. “When I chose to avoid the public eye, I thought it would prevent people from making erroneous assumptions. Instead, it only led to more far-fetched speculation.” His eyes found mine again, seeing into my soul. “But I don’t believe you’re prone to jumping to conclusions. You’re smarter than that.”

I cleared my throat and tried to focus. “Why give an interview now? You’ve guarded your privacy for so long.”

Ethan considered for a moment, swirling the wine in his glass. “I’ve worked hard and honestly to build my businesses. So far, I’ve managed to avoid the corruption that infests the corporate world and the government. But at my level, the playing field has narrowed. There are few players left. I can’t choose my competition anymore.”

He paused for a moment, his green eyes darkening with intensity. “One of my holdings, PharmaB, is bidding for a government contract in the national healthcare sector. There are forces working against my company that threaten more than just my business interests. Certain corrupt officials and competitors would rather see me dead than have me win that contract.”

I shuddered, images of Ethan lying lifeless flashing through my mind. The thought was too awful to bear. I gripped my wine glass tightly, as if that could stop the flow of disturbing pictures in my head.

Ethan placed a hand over mine, his touch warm and comforting. “Do not be afraid. I have no intention of dying anytime soon.” His thumb caressed my knuckles, sending tingles up my arm. “This interview is meant to shine a light on my enemies’ misdeeds. With the public eye upon them, they will not dare make a move. I want to protect my company and my employees from physical harm,” Ethan said.

My cheeks flushed at his intimate touch, my entire being attuned to the feel of his skin on mine. A shiver ran down my body that had little to do with the temperature. I took another sip of wine for courage and asked, “Is that the only reason you’re speaking out now?”

Ethan’s gaze turned inward for a moment. “Yes. Though I have to admit that speaking with an intelligent, principled woman like yourself is a pleasant change.”

I blinked, unsure how to respond to such a personal admission. A blush heated my cheeks at his implied compliment. It took a tremendous effort to remember that I was a journalist and had work to do.

“Why did you contact me specifically?” I asked, my heart pounding in my chest. “Any journalist in the country would kill for an opportunity to interview you.”

Ethan leaned in closer, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’ve proven yourself with that exposé on corruption in the Department of Defense. You’re talented, intelligent, and principled—qualities lacking in most journalists today.” Admiration lit his eyes and a rush of warmth spread through me upon hearing his praise. “The major outlets all have their own agendas. But you? You’re young, ambitious, trying to make a name for yourself. I can rely on that.”

Pride bloomed in my chest at his praise. I hung on his every word, craving more. Did he have any idea how he made me feel? As if in answer to my unspoken question, Ethan suddenly stepped closer, his presence and closeness making my body tremble.

“But now there is also another reason that I wasn’t aware of until we met,” he said softly as he lifted his other hand to brush a lock of hair from my face, his knuckles grazing my cheek, “you’re a very beautiful woman, Chloe Collins.”

My heart slammed against my ribs, ready to burst from my chest. I opened my mouth, but no sound emerged. I was drowning in his smoldering gaze, in the feel of his hands on mine.

A sudden noise jerked me from my trance.

The door.

Ethan’s gaze shifted past me, his eyes narrowing. “What are you doing here?” he demanded. “I instructed all staff to stay outside.”

I turned around and saw the scarred bodyguard, his expression cold and determined as he pulled out a gun.

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