When He Called Me A Pet, I Became His Enemy

Chapter 2 The First Rebellion

Ethan didn't return until dinner.

He tossed his coat to a servant, walked into the living room, and loosened his tie before dropping onto the sofa.

Just like always, I poured him a cup of his favorite black coffee.

He lifted the cup and took a sip. Immediately, his brows furrowed.

Ethan didn't get angry. He simply set the cup back down and looked at me.

"The coffee's cold today." His voice was calm.

I knew he wasn't talking about the coffee.

In the past, I would've immediately gone over to him. I would've used that unspoken gesture between us to smooth things over.

This time, I stayed where I was. My eyes lowered.

"I'm sorry. I'll make another cup."

He didn't answer. Instead, he held out his hand.

I hesitated. For the first time, I didn't place my hand in his palm right away.

"Lena." His voice dropped.

"Come here."

I obeyed, but I didn't look at him.

The moment I got close, Ethan pulled me into his lap.

Warm breath brushed against my ear. His fingers gripped my chin and forced me to meet his eyes.

"Who upset you?"

His gaze sharpened. "Is this about what happened in the study this afternoon?"

He meant Tara. To my surprise, he brought her up first.

"She's just a pet that's recently learned how to please her owner."

He let out a dismissive scoff. "That little trick? I teach it to everyone who refuses to behave. It's just a way to weed out the idiots."

His thumb brushed across my lips. "They learn it, but you're the standard. That's different."

I turned my head away and frowned. Still, I said nothing.

At last, Ethan's patience ran out. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

He released me and made a call.

"Bring every woman in this estate to the front courtyard. Tell Faye she no longer deserves the privilege of speaking."

After hanging up, he pulled me back into his arms, holding me tightly.

"Lena, you're Mrs. Scott, the only mistress of this house. Don't throw a tantrum over insignificant trash."

He lowered his head and tried to kiss me. "I'll get rid of them all. So stop being upset."

Right before his lips touched mine, a surge of strength rose inside me. I shoved him away hard.

Ethan stumbled backward before regaining his balance.

"You pushed me?"

The darkness returned to his face more terrifying than ever.

"Ethan, do you really think everyone is supposed to fall in line and do whatever you say?"

He froze. As if he couldn't believe those words had come from me.

Then he laughed. "Good. Very good. Looks like I've spoiled you too much. You've forgotten your place."

His hand swung across my face. The slap sent me crashing onto the floor.

He raised his foot, preparing to kick me again.

A cautious knock interrupted him.

"Mr. Scott, your documents."

The voice belonged to Victor Hill, the driver. He stood at the doorway holding a file folder, his face pale as paper.

Ethan's anger immediately found a new target.

"Who told you to come in? Get out."

Victor flinched so hard he dropped the folder. Several sheets scattered across the floor.

The temperature in Ethan's eyes dropped instantly.

"You can't even handle something this simple? Then what am I supposed to do with those hands of yours?"

Step by step, he advanced toward Victor. Victor retreated in panic.

Then I saw Ethan walk to the liquor cabinet. When he turned back, there was an ice pick in his hand.

I knew him. If he said it, he would do it.

Victor's face had already gone gray with despair. I struggled to my feet and stepped between them.

"I asked him to bring the documents."

Ethan stopped. His eyes narrowed dangerously.

"You're protecting him?"

Behind me, I could hear Victor's shaky breathing.

I didn't turn around. I only looked at Ethan calmly.

His expression darkened further. "Looks like today's lesson wasn't enough."

Ethan tossed the ice pick aside and grabbed my hair again, dragging me toward a room on the second floor.

"Lena, I'm going to teach you what happens when you stick your nose where it doesn't belong."