Chapter 20
William Johnson yanked Emily Smith into an empty private room next door, the force sending her stumbling several steps.
The door slammed shut behind them. Emily's back pressed against the cold surface.
She braced her hands against his chest, voice trembling. "Not here..."
William caged her in with one arm, his other hand gripping her chin. His hot breath fanned across her face. "Two days apart, and you've grown bold?"
"I didn't..." Her lashes fluttered, voice barely audible. "I thought you didn't want me anymore."
He stilled.
His eyes narrowed as his thumb brushed the reddened corner of her eye. "Flirting with another man, then playing the victim?"
Emily bit her lip. "You called me a thief."
A low chuckle escaped him before he suddenly nipped at her earlobe. "A heart thief."
She shuddered, fingers clutching his wrinkled shirt. "Your clothes... they'll crease..."
William's gaze darkened. He hoisted her up by the waist. "What's more important? The clothes or me?"
Her eyes glistened as she whispered, "Let me do it myself."
He stepped back with an amused scoff. "Fine. I'll watch."
......
The fallen shirt revealed brutal bruises across her back.
William's expression turned glacial. "Who did this?"
Emily shook her head, wrapping her arms around his neck. "It doesn't hurt."
The gesture shattered his restraint.
A ringing phone sliced through the tension.
When she reached for it, he pinned her in place. "Keep going."
"Hello, Michael..." Her voice quivered. "I ran into... my cousin..."
"Cousin?" William's eyes flashed dangerously as his movements turned punishing.
By the call's end, only whimpers escaped her lips.
Afterward, he fastened her buttons with deliberate slowness before gripping her chin. "Mislabel me again, and you'll regret it."
She turned away, tear-damp lashes refusing to meet his gaze.
"Tonight," William flicked cigarette ash, "remember where you belong."
Emily glared.
"Relax," his smirk turned predatory. "I'll spare you tonight."
......
Back in the dining room, everyone awaited her return.
Emily kept her head down, ears burning crimson as she picked at her food.
Upon leaving, she spotted William's group exiting.
Emma Clark froze mid-step toward a car. The door slammed shut, leaving her standing in mud-splattered skirts.
"Should we offer her a ride?" Michael asked.
Emily nodded. "You're too kind, Michael."
The descending window revealed the car's occupant. Emma's face paled. "Get lost!"
Michael floored the accelerator, spraying her with gutter water.