The Billionaire's Canary

Addison was utterly exhausted. She leaned softly against the seat, watching Ethan take out a first-aid kit and gently treat her wound. His expression was cold, but his fingers were incredibly gentle. His palm cupped her tightly, providing a strong sense of security.

"Do you like me that much?" Ethan looked up, meeting her gaze. "Addison, you're practically drooling."

Addison's face flushed instantly. "I wasn't looking at you."

Ethan smirked. He gently pulled her leg closer to his lap. Addison was forced to move closer, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

Even this wasn't enough. Ethan gripped her waist, lifting her to sit on his lap.

Addison tensed, whispering, "Yale is still here."

Ethan's voice was low. "He's family. It's fine."With that, he kissed her affectionately.

It had been over half a month. Those minor disagreements had long since faded. Addison, always saying one thing and doing another, might say "no, no, we can't," but her body had already softened.

Ethan's kiss trailed downwards, lingering on her beautiful, slender neck. He loved her clean skin, free of excessive perfume, just the faint, lingering scent of her shower gel or the hair oil in her hair.

Addison's sense of smell was also keen. "You smell like antiseptic."

Ethan's voice was hoarse. "Mm-hmm, picked it up at the hospital."

"Were you injured?" The moment she'd been lost in a daze, the mention of the hospital made her voice rise.

Ethan chuckled. "You love me that much, Addison?"

Addison was embarrassed. "No, I... I was just asking."

Ethan stopped teasing her. "I was originally going to come back this morning, but I took a detour to Westchester to see your mother."

Addison's heart softened, grateful for his thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Ethan."

Ethan was a grudge-holder. "Less thanking. Next time you hit me, just go a little easier."

Addison was both amused and exasperated. She cupped his face, examining it. "It's already healed, isn't it?" She raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Steele's body is so healthy, a slap is healed by the next day."

"But my face, Ethan Steele's face, isn't something just anyone can hit." Ethan smirked teasingly. His long fingers traced the beautiful curves of her legs, hooking the hem of her skirt and pulling it upwards.

Addison blushed and pressed down on his hand. This was still a car. Yale might be family, but she couldn't be that bold.

Ethan swallowed, suppressing his impatience. He went along with her. "Going back to the apartment tonight, hmm?" His voice was incredibly husky, incredibly sexy.

Addison's heart pounded, already anticipating the storm that awaited them tonight. She hesitated, opening her mouth to speak.

Ethan cut her off. "It's not that late today. Don't use sleep as an excuse."

"Um, I..."

"Your period ended three days ago."

"It's not that..."

"I'll get you a day off tomorrow. If one day's not enough, then two. If that's not enough, a whole week."

"..."

Addison bit her lip and told the truth. "I think that kind of thing is for couples."

Ethan understood, narrowing his eyes slightly. "You've thought it through?"