Chapter 269
The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains as Emily Smith finally slipped free from William Johnson's embrace.
Her bare feet touched the cold marble floor.
She darted into the guest bathroom like a startled rabbit.
The warm water cascaded over her skin, but it couldn't wash away the lingering traces of last night's intimacy.
The walk-in closet in the master bedroom stood empty.
The dress she had worn yesterday had vanished without a trace—not even a scrap of fabric remained.
"Looking for this?"
William leaned against the doorframe, swirling a cup of black coffee.
The morning light gilded his silhouette, but it couldn't mask the darkness swirling in his eyes.
She tightened the towel around herself and took a wary step back.
On the dining table, the fried eggs still sizzled in the pan.
Suddenly, William set down his coffee and closed the distance between them in three quick strides.
He pinned her against the kitchen counter.
The cold marble dug into the small of her back, while his body burned against hers.
"Wear my shirt."
It wasn't a request.
When Emily appeared in the dining room drowning in his oversized white shirt, the milk glass trembled in her hand.
The hem barely grazed the tops of her thighs, and the tantalizing glimpses of skin made William's throat tighten.
The doorbell rang at that exact moment.
Eight luxury boutique attendants filed in, their arms laden with shopping bags piled high like a small mountain.
Olivia Davis stood at the front, her nails digging into her palms.
She saw the marks on the girl's neck.
She saw the tenderness in William's eyes as he rolled up the sleeves for her.
The walk-in closet became a sea of luxury.
Emily crouched among the piles of price tags when strong arms wrapped around her from behind, the scent of sandalwood enveloping her.
"These..." She clutched the tag of a silk nightgown, her voice strained. "Don't buy them anymore."
William's lips brushed her ear, leaving no room for argument. "You deserve the best."
The car's air freshener diffused the crisp scent of cedar.
Emily watched the cityscape blur past the window before suddenly turning to him. "I don't want to move."
The brakes screeched.
William's fingers drummed against the steering wheel before he chuckled darkly.
"Then you'd better remind Mia Harris..." He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "...to ring the doorbell next time."
The seatbelt clicked open.
Emily flushed crimson and covered his mouth. "I'll move!"
Sunlight streamed through the sunroof, casting their tangled shadows across the leather seats.
In the distance, the glass facades of office towers glittered like scattered diamonds.