The wild wind howled over the barren mound of earth.

Sophia's lashes trembled in the wind as silent tears rolled down her cheeks. "He's been dead for years. How could a dead man hurt anyone? Isabella's situation has nothing to do with me."

Ethan stared at the unmarked grave, his lips curling into a mocking smile.

Withered wildflowers shivered in the wind. Ash from burnt joss paper swirled and settled. No headstone. No offerings. Just a pathetic little mound that looked like a bad joke.

He'd already investigated.

None of the ninety-eight households in Dorset Village knew anyone named Kyle. This grave was nothing but a convenient excuse she'd dug up.

"Sophia." His voice cut like ice. "Since when did you learn to lie?"

Her shoulders jerked violently.

The wind whipped at her clothes, making her slender frame seem moments from scattering like dust. Tears streaked her face, soaking into Ethan's collar.

His resolve wavered.

"Stop crying." He pulled her against his chest, thumb brushing her damp cheek. "I won't ask anymore."

She wept silently against him, tears blooming dark stains on his shirt.

A loud gurgle shattered the silence.

Sophia lifted tear-swollen eyes. "You're hungry?"

Ethan pinched her reddened nose. "I've been searching for you day and night. When would I have eaten?"

Her heart clenched.

Again. Just when she'd steeled herself to let go, he dangled hope before her. Last time he'd been this tender, he'd broken up with her afterward.

"Let's go back." She pushed free of his embrace. "Maggie should have dinner ready."

At the table, Dr. Julian was setting out chopsticks.

Ethan suddenly seized Sophia's hand, interlacing their fingers.

"And this is?" Julian's gaze dropped to their joined hands.

"My cousin." Sophia spoke first. "I worked as his housekeeper for three years."

Ethan's eyes narrowed dangerously.

Beneath the table, his hand slid slowly up her inner thigh. Sophia's ears burned crimson. She tried to pull away, but he trapped her wrist.

"Your cousin dotes on you." Julian's tone carried implication.

Ethan scooped congee onto a spoon, blew on it, and held it to her lips. "Open up."

She turned her face away.

"Don't like spoons?" His voice dropped to a murmur. "Should I use my mouth instead?"

The spoon pried between her lips. Warm rice fragrance filled her mouth. Sophia glared at him, equal parts humiliation and fury.

"You never minded sharing cups before." His thumb grazed her lower lip. "Why play coy now?"

Julian's chopsticks clattered onto the table.

Sophia seized the moment to stand, but Ethan yanked her back down. "Shy, little cousin?" His fingers traced her burning earlobe. "I'll visit your room tonight."

"You—!" Hot indignation choked her.

The bedroom door had barely shut before he pinned her against the wall. Ethan gripped her chin, his breath scorching. "Housekeeper? Really?"

Any protest vanished into the heat of his kiss.