Chapter 14 I Haven't Even Started

I didn't answer Blake. I couldn't.

My chest constricted. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All I could do was turn and run.

I pushed past him, my legs carrying me down the ornate hallway. Behind me, Blake called my name, but I didn't stop.

"Uncle Ethan, you have feelings for Olivia, don't you?" Blake's accusatory tone made me freeze mid-step.

"What if I do?" Ethan's response was calm, cold, matter-of-fact.

"She's my girlfriend!" Blake was practically shouting now.

"So what?"

The casual dismissal in Ethan's voice sent chills down my spine.

"I can give you more shares in Bennett Entertainment, that Santa Monica apartment you've been eyeing, even that Bugatti you've always wanted." Blake's voice grew more desperate with each offer. "But Olivia Reed—she's mine."

That final declaration hit me like a physical blow. Mine. Like I was a possession to be traded or bargained for. The cold realization pushed me forward, away from their voices, toward the line of oak trees that bordered one side of the estate.

I found a narrow trail between the trees that seemed to lead downward. Following it, I discovered it connected to a hidden path that wound its way toward the private beach below the property.

I pulled out my phone and stared at it, my thumb hovering over my grandmother's number. Three missed calls already.

It rang three times before she answered. "Livvy, dear."

"I'm sorry I missed your calls," I said, my own voice cracking slightly. "How's Grandpa?"

"Don't worry, your grandfather is stable now," she said. "The doctors say the gene-targeted treatment is working better than expected."

My breath caught. "Really?"

"Yes. It's remarkable, actually." There was a pause. "Olivia, the strangest thing happened. A generous anonymous donor has paid for all of his treatment."

The tears I'd been holding back finally spilled over. Of course. Ethan Bennett had made good on his promise—but at what price?

"That's... that's wonderful," I managed, wiping my cheeks with the back of my hand. "Grandpa's lucky."

"Yes, he certainly is," she agreed, though I detected confusion in her tone. "Livvy, are you alright? You sound upset."

"I'm fine," I lied, sniffling. "I'll come home tomorrow to see you both."

"Your grandfather is doing much better now," she insisted. "You don't need to come back. Focus on your summer job."

I pressed my lips together, fresh tears threatening. "I want to see you both. I need to."

The ocean waves continued their endless rhythm, crashing against the shore then retreating, over and over. I pulled my knees to my chest and watched them, my mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts.

I couldn't understand why Ethan Bennett had singled me out. Why me? I'd never even met him before coming to the estate. Unlike with Blake, who I'd at least seen around campus, Ethan was a complete stranger. So why was he so determined to have me?

My phone buzzed beside me again—an unknown number with a Los Angeles area code. Somehow, I knew who it was before I answered.

"Where are you?" Ethan's voice was sharp, commanding.

I hesitated, then admitted, "On the beach."

"Don't move. Wait for me."

The call ended before I could respond.

I'm not sure how much time passed before I heard footsteps on the sand behind me. I didn't turn around; I didn't need to. The prickling sensation on the back of my neck told me exactly who had arrived.

"Your leg?" I asked without turning. "I thought you were injured."

Ethan's deep chuckle sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. "If it were broken, how could I carry you?"

Before I could process his words, strong hands gripped my waist. In one fluid motion, he'd hoisted me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing.

"Put me down!" I gasped, the blood rushing to my head as I dangled over his broad shoulder. My fists hammered ineffectively against his back. "Bennett, put me down right now!"

His only response was to adjust his grip, one large hand firmly securing my thighs while the other rested dangerously low on my backside. I could feel the heat of his palm through the thin fabric of my dress.

"This is kidnapping," I hissed, trying to twist free. "I'm not some sack of potatoes!"

"Then stop squirming like one," he replied calmly, continuing his steady stride across the beach toward the path back to the house.

I gave up fighting after five minutes.

"What is wrong with you?" I demanded, wrapping my arms protectively around myself. "You can't just... manhandle people like that!"

Ethan studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable in the moonlight. Then he reached out and stroked my hair, the gesture so unexpected that I froze.

"Such a brave little thing," he murmured, his thumb brushing my cheek. "So defiant."

I took a step back, heart racing. "Mr. Bennett, have you already told Blake? About... us?"

His eyes narrowed slightly. "What is there to tell?"

I struggled to find the right words. "About our... relationship. Our arrangement."

Ethan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What kind of relationship would that be?"

I turned my head away, unable to meet his predatory gaze. "The kind that's not... entirely professional."

His hand on my bottom tightened suddenly, fingers digging in painfully. "You're my woman now," he growled through clenched teeth. "How is that 'not entirely professional'?"

Tears sprang to my eyes at the sharp pain. "You're hurting me, Mr. Bennett."

His expression changed instantly, his voice dropping to a low, intimate register. "Baby, I haven't even started yet."