Bound by Fate

Chapter 7: Stubborn

Seeing the serious expression on her face, Ethan Blackwood frowned and asked, “Why?”

Lily Thompson’s face was full of sympathy and concern as she said, “You don’t need to pay attention to those bad women. I know you’re a good person!”

Ethan was growing impatient. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“It’s just… don’t do anything rash…”

“Rash?” Ethan looked at her, puzzled by her worried expression. He almost wanted to pry open this little rabbit’s head to see what was inside.

“So, what do you want?” It was a miracle that he hadn’t thrown her out yet, despite his growing irritation.

“I want to watch over you!”

“You want to watch me while I shower too?”

Lily nodded, thinking he might harm himself while she wasn’t looking.

With a bang, the door slammed in her face, and Lily rubbed her nose, which was almost flattened by the impact. She looked at the closed door, pouted in frustration, and furiously twisted the doorknob. “Let me in…”

“Get out!” Ethan’s icy voice cut through the sound of running water.

“No…” Lily stubbornly stood outside the door, refusing to leave. Every half minute, she would ask if he was okay, and if he didn’t respond, she would bang on the door, making Ethan wish he could grab her and throw her out.

“Smack!” Lily’s hand didn’t hit the door but instead landed on Ethan’s bare chest. Seeing his cold expression, Lily let out a sigh of relief and smiled before returning to the sofa to sit down, her eyes fixed on him.

“I’m going to rest now. Could you please leave?”

“No.”

Ethan’s patience, already thin, was now completely worn out. He got up and grabbed her, heading for the door. But Lily quickly turned and clung tightly to him, shouting, “No… I don’t want to leave…”

“Let go!” His devilish eyes glared at the small woman in his arms, as if ready to devour her.

“No…” Lily clung to him even tighter, her large, watery eyes staring right back at him.

Ethan rarely hesitated, but this time he did. “You’re not afraid of me?”

Lily looked at him, puzzled. “Why would I be afraid of you?” He wasn’t scary-looking at all!

“Then why do you always avoid me?” She always acted like she was terrified of him.

At this, Lily pouted in frustration. “Isn’t it because you don’t like me?”

“Because I don’t like you, you avoid me?” Did she really not fear him?

Seeing her nod, Ethan studied her closely, his expression complex. His tone softened slightly. “Let go.”

“No…”

“I want some coffee. Go make it for me.”

“Uh…” Lily tilted her head, thinking it over. Her job was to serve him, so if he wanted coffee, she should make it for him. But what if he did something foolish while she was gone?

Her thoughts were written all over her face, and even though she currently had a messy face, Ethan could read her clearly. He wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry—did he really look like someone who would harm himself?

“Will you wait for me to come back?” Lily asked uncertainly.

“Mm.”

“Then wait right there, I’ll be back in a minute!” With that, she shot downstairs like a rocket.

“Where’s the coffee?” Ethan asked, displeased, as he stared at the white liquid in front of him.

“Too much coffee is bad for your health. Milk is better.”

“I only drink coffee. Take this back and get me some.”

Despite Ethan’s displeasure, Lily wasn’t afraid at all. She stood her ground stubbornly, refusing to move.

“Lily Thompson!” When had his words ever been so ineffective? Was he being too lenient with her? Indeed, he should have kicked her out long ago. Letting her fool around like this was out of character.

“Take it back, or get out. I won’t keep someone who’s useless!”

Lily puffed up, placing her hands on her hips and glaring back at him. “You’re only allowed to drink milk, no coffee!” She had her limits too!

Ethan stared at her for a while, narrowing his eyes. Lily braced herself, expecting him to toss her out, and was prepared to fight back. But instead, he scowled, then downed the milk in one go.

Seeing him finish it, Lily beamed with a sweet smile, nodded in satisfaction, and took the cup away.

But she returned soon after. Ethan frowned, asking, “What now?”

“I’m staying here to watch over you!” she declared, before curling up on the sofa, her eyes fixed on him.

Ethan decided to ignore her. There was no reasoning with this girl. He never imagined this little rabbit could be so stubborn!

As he lay down, Lily kept her eyes on him, only moving to turn off the lights after hearing his steady breathing. But she didn’t return to her own room. Instead, she curled up on the sofa, eyes open, watching the direction where he slept, as if afraid he might suddenly get up. However, her eyelids grew heavier and heavier.

After a while, Ethan opened his eyes and looked at the little woman on the sofa. Although the room was dark, his vision was unaffected.

Her small body was curled up, her face smudged with dirt, and in her sleep, she looked as innocent as a baby.

He had actually let her stay in his room overnight! This had never happened before. Not even with that other woman—back then, he had still been somewhat innocent. Afterward, women were merely tools for release, and he never allowed anyone into his private space unless necessary.

Perhaps uncomfortable, Lily shifted slightly. But she seemed to forget she was on a small sofa and not a large bed, and was about to tumble to the floor. Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. In the blink of an eye, he was at the sofa, catching her small body and glaring at her dirty little face.

The room was large, and the sofa wasn’t close to the bed. The speed at which he moved was beyond human limits, showing just how extraordinary Ethan Blackwood was!

Lily had no idea of the danger she had just been in. She moved in his arms, found a comfortable spot, and continued sleeping.

Ethan kept staring at her, unsure if he was angry at her carelessness or at his own unusual behavior. The warmth from her small body made him reluctant to let go. He reached out to touch her dirty face, feeling the smoothness of her skin, and a strange emotion stirred in his heart. A rare smile appeared in his eyes—this fool probably didn’t even realize she had been walking around with a dirty face all day!

His deep blue eyes narrowed. Suddenly, he felt an intense desire to claim her as his own. His lips curled into a wicked smile—whatever he wanted always belonged to him!

His lips brushed against her soft, pink ones in a fleeting kiss. Watching her continue to sleep soundly, Ethan traced her lips with his thumb, chuckling softly, “From now on, you’re mine.”