Chapter 264
Their eyes met, and William's lips found hers again.
His kiss was gentle yet intoxicating, sending tremors through her heart.
"Emily, won't you be my girlfriend now?" His voice was husky, laced with tender persuasion.
Emily gazed into his deep eyes and suddenly asked, "Did you know I was in danger because of that phone call?"
She hadn't held out hope for that faint, indistinct cry for help.
Yet at her most desperate moment, he had appeared like a savior.
Once or twice might have been coincidence.
But every time she fell into darkness, he pulled her back.
This was more than just gratitude.
She realized with startling clarity—she had fallen in love with this man.
"How did you find me with just one word?" she whispered.
William cradled her face, his thumb brushing her flushed skin. "Emily, I've had people protecting you all along."
Her pupils contracted slightly.
All those unexplained incidents suddenly made sense.
"Why?" Her voice trembled.
He kissed her lightly. "Too many people want to harm you. How could I not worry?"
Her heart skipped a beat.
He had been guarding her in the shadows all this time.
"Do you do this for other women too?"
"No," he said firmly. "Only you."
Only her.
The truth hardly mattered anymore.
Mia was right—life was too short to deny oneself happiness.
"William, I can be with you," she met his gaze steadily, "but I don't need the title of girlfriend."
"If you ever grow tired of me, or decide to marry someone else, just say the word. I'll leave quietly."
"Emily..."
"Do you promise?" she pressed stubbornly.
William studied her for a long moment before finally nodding. "Alright."
He knew she still didn't fully trust him.
But that title—he would place it upon her himself.
This kiss lingered, only breaking when she gasped for air.
"Let's get you cleaned up first, then eat something?" He stroked her crimson cheeks.
Emily nodded wearily.
The warm bathwater soothed her aching muscles.
As William's hands glided over her smooth skin, his desire stirred again.
Suddenly, Emily wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him first.
His breath hitched, control nearly slipping.
"Does it hurt?" she teased with a sly smile. "You can keep going."
He pinched her nose playfully. "You're already swollen. Doesn't it hurt?"
"In the water... it feels different," she murmured, ears burning.
"Really?" His voice turned gravelly.