Chapter 279

Her heart skipped a beat as she stumbled backward.

The expected pain never came. Instead, she landed on something soft.

Turning her head, she saw a giant teddy bear had been placed behind her.

Sam Wilson and David Zhang paled, rushing forward too late to help.

William Johnson was already pinning Emily Smith beneath him, nuzzling into her neck. The two men exchanged awkward glances before turning away.

"Miss Smith, the roses from Mr. Johnson are here. Please rest well." David hastily placed the bouquet down and dragged Sam out, closing the door behind them.

"William!" Emily gasped for air, shoving at his chest. "Get off me!"

"Emily," he murmured, unmoving. "Do you like the bear and flowers I bought you?"

"Yes, yes!" She answered distractedly, still struggling.

William suddenly lifted his head, cradling her face. His dazed eyes burned intensely. "Do you prefer the gifts... or me?"

"You, obviously." The answer came without thought.

He grinned like a child begging for candy. "Why?"

Emily nearly rolled her eyes.

Was this really the ruthless business tycoon she knew?

"Because you give me presents."

"What if I didn't?" He pressed. "Would you still like me?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because you're handsome, have a great body, and you're really good at..." She froze, feeling something hard press against her thigh.

A memory flashed—William once said truly drunk men couldn't get erect.

"William," she sneered. "Having fun pretending to be drunk?"

The man above her stilled.

When he looked up again, his eyes were terrifyingly clear, without a trace of intoxication.

"Emily," he chuckled darkly. "You promised to take care of me." His lips captured hers before she could respond.

......

Later, wrapped in a bathrobe, Emily asked, "Hungry?"

"Starving." William stretched lazily, thoroughly satisfied.

In the kitchen, Emily prepared oysters. Plump and juicy this season, they were perfect for garlic roasting.

She expertly mixed the sauce as the oven dinged.

William entered after a phone call, watching her sprinkle scallions over the oysters. The sizzle of hot oil released an aromatic cloud.

"Trying to replenish my energy?" He embraced her from behind, whispering in her ear. "Was my performance unsatisfactory earlier?"

Emily's hand jerked, nearly spilling the oil.