Page 28 of Ethan: The Untouchable CEO

How the hell am I supposed to tell him that I touched his woman? That my hands were on her body in ways only he should have the right to touch? That I made her come? That my mouth was on her breasts while she gasped my name?

The images refuse to fade.

If anything, they get cleaner every damn night.

And the worst part—the part that makes me feel like the worst kind of bastard—is that just remembering it is enough to make my cock hard as stone.

I drag my hand through my hair, frustrated with myself, then lean my head back against the lounge chair and close my eyes, trying—futilely—to push the thoughts away, even for a few minutes.

Trying to remember that Theo is my friend. My brother, practically.

And I crossed a line I should have never even approached.

While they continue to relax outside, I retreat to my room, take a few work calls, deal with some urgent tasks, and pack my bag.

When I step back into the living room, everyone is already hauling their luggage around.

Thalia remains still the moment she sees where I’m coming from, her eyes dropping briefly to the bag in my hand, then moving toward the stairs just as Irina appears at the top, descending with her own suitcase.

Yeah, guess what? Even I’m not such a player that I touch one woman and then immediately go to another.

She doesn’t say anything, but the surprise is written all over her face.

Before I can ask what’s wrong or maybe enjoy that reaction a little longer, Theo comes down the stairs and walks straight to her.

“You okay going back with Ethan and Irina?” he asks, leaving me momentarily confused. “Or do you want to go with us?”

The question barely registers before the words leave my mouth. “Why would you let your girlfriend ride with someone else when you’re leaving from the same place and going to the same place?”

It’s none of my business. I know that. But curiosity—and something more intense, something almost territorial—pushes the question out anyway.

I’m not made for relationships. I’ll never marry unless I’m forced into some business merger, and even then the idea alone irritates me.

But I know myself well enough to understand one thing—if a woman were mine, I wouldn’t let another man take her anywhere.

My question only provokes laughter around the room. Even Thalia lets out a small, muffled laugh.

“What the fuck is so funny?” I ask.

“Seems like Ethan isn’t up to date on the news,” Aiden says, clearly amused.

Chris starts toward me, but before he reaches me, Colt places a hand on my shoulder. “Man, Theo and Thalia aren’t together,” he begins.

For a long moment, I’m sure I misheard him.

What?

“They’ve never been in a relationship,” Sierra adds, shooting Thalia an accusing look.

The news hits like a punch to the ribs.

What the fuck?

“Yes,” Theo starts. “I asked Thalia to pretend we were a couple because I needed people to think I was in a relationship. The reason behind it is… not important anymore. And I don’t want to discuss it, but as I told everyone the first night here, I’m sorry I kept it from you all.”

My brain takes a second too long to process the words. Pretend. Never together. Not a couple.

Each piece lands separately, like a puzzle breaking apart in slow motion inside my head.