Chapter 3The True Heir Returns: Nights of Passion

Ethan grabbed my other arm, yanking me sideways. Instead of falling onto the glass, I landed on my knees.

Directly in front of him.

Just like at the party, he looked down at me calmly, making me feel like a fool all over again. I clenched my fists.

Getting up, I undid the top two buttons of my shirt. "Hey, asshole," I called to the drunk.

He blinked at me blearily.

"You want to pay for me, right? So, who’s better looking? Me or him?"

Ethan frowned, probably finding the whole scene pathetic. But my pride was raw. I refused to be second best to him, not here, not anywhere. The drunk looked back and forth between us.

I leaned closer to the drunk, lowering my voice, adding a smirk. "What's wrong? Don't I look good enough?"

Ever since the truth came out, the rivals I grew up with loved using my looks as a weapon against me. "Even if you're not an Ashford heir, Alex, you could always make a living standing on a street corner, hahaha!" Their sneering echoed in my mind.

I wouldn't back down. I grabbed the drunk's tie, pulling him closer. Today, I needed to win this stupid comparison.

Ryan grabbed my arm. "Alex, stop it! Your father will hear about this and be furious."

People were staring, their eyes drifting towards my open collar. Ethan stepped in front of me, blocking their view.

"Come home with me." His voice was cool, detached, like he was dealing with a child throwing a tantrum over a toy.

I scoffed, suddenly losing interest. "Forget it. Let's go." I released the drunk's tie, my face blank.

"If I hear one word about tonight gets out," I warned the onlookers, my voice low and cold, "remember I'm still an Ashford, for now. And I won't let it go."

Ethan followed me silently out of the bar. The cool night air hit my exposed chest, making me shiver.

His quiet voice came from behind me. "Button your shirt."

I ignored him, pulling the collar wider. I turned to retort, but hands shot out from behind, gripping my neck. Suddenly, his face was inches from mine, those cool eyes intense. He stared at the skin revealed by my open shirt, his gaze finally settling on my lips.

A strange feeling fluttered in my chest. I pushed him away, eyeing him suspiciously.

"What, are you into guys?"