**Chapter 32: The Test of Restraint** Ethan felt an electric charge in the air, intensifying with every heartbeat as he pressed his body against Janet's. She quickly found herself gasping for breath, desperately attempting to push him away. "Ethan... please, don’t bite me…! You’re too heavy; you're crushing me!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with both annoyance and a hint of delight. In a swift movement, she twisted away, seeking to escape his grasp, but he gently trapped her by cupping her cheeks with both hands, holding her captive in a vulnerable gaze. Their lips met again, this time more fervently, igniting sparks that danced in the confines of the car. In a heartbeat, Ethan swept Janet onto his lap, his hands skillfully finding their way to her curves. Just as the intensity of their kiss reached new heights, the car skidded violently to a stop, the screeching tires echoing in the quiet night as Sean slammed on the brakes. The momentum caught them off guard, propelling both of them forward. Janet's head came perilously close to hitting the dashboard. Sean, still recovering from the sudden stop, gasped, “That was too close! I almost hit that dog…” He spun in his seat, only to be met with the unexpected sight of Ethan and Janet tangled in a passionate embrace. Shock coursed through him as he processed what was unfolding before him, causing his cheeks to flush deeply. Without a word, he hurriedly faced the other way, trying to preserve some semblance of professionalism. Ethan inhaled deeply as he regained his composure, glancing sideways at Sean, who was visibly trying to redirect his gaze. “You’re a phenomenal driver, Sean,” he commended, masking the tension that raced through him. Summoning his strength, Ethan exited the car, lifting Janet effortlessly into his arms. As he carried her inside, he cast a parting glare at his assistant. “I’m deducting fifty percent of your salary this month to support stray dogs, just in case your driving puts any in future peril,” he announced, a smirk playing on his lips. Sean stomped his foot in frustration. “How can the Boss penalize me for something so trivial?!” he thought, scowling. With a gentle grace, Ethan placed Janet on the bed, brushing her tousled hair behind her ear. “Just rest; I’ll prepare a hot bath for you,” he murmured softly before slipping into the bathroom. In the softness of the room, Janet, feeling a sense of stuffiness, shrugged off her coat and succumbed to sleep, her eyes fluttering shut before the world faded away. When Ethan returned, he found her deeply asleep, a serene expression gracing her face. He shook his head, bemused. “You just never listen to me, do you?” His heart softened at the sight of her peacefulness as he tugged the quilt around her. No sooner had he settled down beside her than Janet unexpectedly rolled over, pulling him down with her. Taken aback, Ethan lost his balance, landing heavily on the bed. She wrapped her legs around his, snuggling against his waist, her head resting on his chest—a picture of innocence, utterly oblivious to the ramifications of her actions. Her tiny toes brushed against his skin, igniting a rush of warmth and passion within him that he had been trying to suppress since their departure. Suddenly overwhelmed by desire, Ethan flipped them so that he was above her, his body pressing against hers, while the intoxicating scent of her skin sent his heart racing. He couldn’t help but admire the way her chest rose and fell with each of her breaths; the sight of her form enveloped in loose clothing only hinted at the figure beneath—a tantalizing blend of curves and grace that made her seem more ethereal than ever. With a hunger he could hardly contain, Ethan leaned down to kiss her neck, but in an instant, clarity struck him like a cold wave. He froze, pulling back abruptly, his breath shaky. Resisting the urge to succumb to his baser instincts, he cradled his head in his hands, swearing softly to himself. Janet lay there, blissfully unaware, but Ethan knew better than to take advantage of her in this state. Leaning back against the headboard, he gazed at her—a rare chance to truly appreciate her beauty. Soft, youthful cheeks still held remnants of baby fat, creating a striking juxtaposition against her stunning features. Her face was a harmonious blend of innocence and beauty, and while the world might deem her more glamorous if she shed a few pounds, Ethan found her current appearance captivating. She was a pristine beauty, one he could not ignore. As her breathing stabilized, he took one last yearning look before lifting the quilt and silently slipping out of the room, his heart tangled in conflicting emotions. Entering the bathroom, Ethan found the water he had drawn for Janet now cold—no matter, he needed that chill. Sighing heavily, he stripped off his T-shirt and stepped into the cool water, hoping it would extinguish the fire within.