The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 171

“A birthmark? What birthmark?”

Ramona squirmed as Ethan teased her, her skin tingling from his touch. She tilted her head, finally speaking up. She hadn’t even known there was a birthmark at the nape of her neck.

“A red one,” Ethan murmured, his voice low and intimate, lips brushing just above her skin. “It’s hidden away, but…”

His breath grew heavier, the words trailing off unfinished.

“But what?”

Though he left his thought hanging, Ramona had already turned to face him.

Ethan suddenly lost his balance, leaning forward. His broad shoulders tensed as he instinctively braced her, pinning Ramona back against the kitchen counter. He moved quickly, slipping his palm behind her head to cushion her.

His cool breath grazed her cheek; their eyes locked. In the depths of his dark gaze, Ramona saw the same heat she felt—restless yet restrained.

“But…” His voice was a low, seductive rumble. “It’s incredibly alluring. Makes me want to look closer… and not stop.”

The words had barely left his lips before his mouth found hers, warm and insistent.

Ramona didn’t even have time to catch her breath. A soft, muffled sound escaped her as her head tipped back, surrendering to his sudden tenderness.

A flush crept across her cheeks, her whole body humming with electricity, nerves alight as her slender fingers curled into his strong, broad back.

Ethan’s kiss was slow but deep, pulling her further in.

Step by step, Ramona retreated until she was trapped between his chest and the counter, breathless and uncomfortable. Ethan shut his eyes, and in one motion, swept her up into his arms. He pulled her close, guiding her legs to wrap around his narrow waist.

She frowned slightly, her body already melting against him. But just as Ethan’s hands slipped beneath her shirt, an abrupt ringtone shattered the moment.

Her phone was behind her, out of reach with Ethan’s arms holding her fast. He didn’t stop, but the phone kept ringing, one call after another—whoever it was, they weren’t about to give up.

Ramona’s attention wavered. She glanced toward the phone, but Ethan beat her to it, grabbing it first.

A strange number flashed on the screen.

Ramona reached out to hang up, but Ethan, on reflex, tapped “answer” instead. His eyes narrowed, and for once, a flash of irritation crossed his usually composed face.

“Ramona, why did you block my number?”

Suddenly, Jotham’s agitated voice cut through the air between them.

Ramona’s brow knit together. She tried to hang up, but Ethan shifted his hand just out of her reach, denying her the chance.

He stared at her, the heat in his eyes cooling to a chill.

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