Jenna's pupils constricted like a startled fawn. She writhed violently beneath Ethan, her legs kicking wildly as if he were a predator about to devour her.

Ethan clamped down on her slender wrists. Jenna went completely still, reduced to futile struggles like a beached fish.

"We may be legally married, but I was forced into this!" Her voice trembled. "I'll call the police if you don't stop!"

Ethan chuckled darkly, his smoldering gaze pinning her. "You're always overthinking things. Don't you want to experience it for yourself?"

"No!" Jenna's cheeks burned crimson like ripe cherries. "I'm warning you—don't you dare!"

"Women always say the opposite of what they mean." His breath scorched her neck as he whispered against her ear.

Jenna shuddered. "Milo is right next door! What if he hears—"

"Then stay quiet." Ethan traced her fevered cheek. "Unless...you want him to hear?"

"You—" Her eyes welled up, voice breaking. "I'm scared..."

"Don't be." He kissed her trembling lashes. "I'll be gentle."

Months of marriage without even a kiss. Jenna recalled her friend's warning: men who abstain too long stray easily. Since they were already wed, perhaps she shouldn't refuse anymore.

"Then...be gentle." The concession came in a whisper.

Ethan's gaze darkened, zeroing in on her bitten lips. His Adam's apple bobbed before he claimed that rosy mouth.

Jenna stiffened at first, but his skilled kiss soon melted her resistance. Her clumsy response accidentally nipped his tongue.

"Ah—" He hissed in pain but laughed low. "Little fool."

The endearment burned her ears. Before she could protest, another searing kiss silenced her.

......

When the storm passed, Ethan reluctantly broke the kiss. Cradling her close, his voice turned gravelly. "I'll cherish only you in this lifetime."

Jenna's flushed face abruptly cooled. "Cheat on me, and I'll castrate you."

Ethan blinked before chuckling into her hair. "That brutal?"

"Do you know how important a woman's first time is?" She fisted his collar, eyes blazing. "Betray me, and you'll lose everything down there."