Chapter 111

Steam curled through the bathroom, blurring the reflection on the glass door. Emily Smith was pressed against the cold tiles, warm water cascading over their entwined bodies.

William Johnson's fingertips traced circles on her waist, sending shivers down her spine. She tilted her head back, water droplets sliding down her hair and pooling in the hollow of her collarbone.

"Don't..." Her voice trembled as her nails left faint red marks on his back.

He chuckled lowly, kissing the moisture from her lashes. "Be good. Just a little longer."

Two hours later, Emily slumped weakly against William's chest. He carried her out of the bathroom, droplets from their hair darkening the carpet beneath them.

By the floor-to-ceiling window, William picked up the hairdryer. Warm air ruffled her strands as his fingers combed through her thick hair, gentle as if handling something precious.

Emily drifted in and out of drowsiness. The faint scent of shampoo lingered as her hair brushed against her neck. Even drying her hair felt like sweet torment.

Suddenly, the world spun. Her back met the chilled glass as city lights blurred into streaks of color behind her.

"William..." Her voice cracked, fingers clutching his collar.

He nipped at her earlobe, breath scorching. "Say it properly."

Their silhouettes merged against the glass. Emily bit her lip, gasping the title between ragged breaths.

The night stretched on.

When William finally laid her on the bed, she couldn't even lift a finger. Yet he remained annoyingly energetic, even massaging her ankles with idle care.

The sharp scent of medicated oil filled the room. Half-asleep, she felt soft lips graze her forehead.

"Rest," he murmured.

Emily nuzzled closer to his warmth, sinking into dreams. Moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting lace-like shadows on her lashes.