Chapter 287

William had always been a man of restraint.

He rarely got drunk. In his memory, there were only two exceptions. Once at seventeen, when he ended up in a bloody brawl with street thugs. The other time was recently, drowning his sorrows over Emily.

"Sweetheart, one more sip." William swirled the wine glass, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks.

Emily was already dazed, shaking her head weakly. "No more... I think I'm drunk..."

He pulled her onto his lap, fingertips tracing her burning earlobe. "Then let me feed you?"

She draped herself over him like a lazy cat. "No... I want to sleep..."

William chuckled, tilting his head back to take a sip before capturing her lips in a deep kiss.

That kiss was the spark that ignited everything.

Drunk Emily was impossibly pliant, melting into him until he was utterly lost.

When morning light filtered through the curtains, Emily could barely lift a finger. Despite the haze of alcohol, fragments of their reckless night played vividly in her mind.

She opened her eyes, cheeks burning again.

"Awake?" William had been up for a while but refused to let her go.

Emily glared at him. "You did that on purpose last night."

He kissed her, grinning. "Drunk you was irresistible."

"..." She held up three fingers.

William caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Hmm?"

"Punishment." She kept a straight face. "No touching for the next three nights."

"That long?" He frowned.

"Or make it a week?"

He surrendered instantly. "Three nights it is." Then he leaned in, whispering against her ear, "But... you can touch me. I won't resist..."

Emily: "..."

This man was hopeless.

———

After her afternoon recording session, William's car was already waiting downstairs.

They headed straight to Phoenix Mountain in Tongcheng, where George's newly developed hot spring resort hadn't officially opened yet. This was a private invitation.

By the time they arrived, it was nearly nine. Mia was lounging bored in the lobby and pounced on Emily the moment she saw her.

"I was about to leave," Mia complained. "Those two girls are practically conjoined twins."

Emily blinked. "I'll sleep with you tonight."

"Huh?" Mia glanced warily at William. "Why?"

Before Emily could answer, the others approached. Ethan was with Rachel, while Ryan had Vivian in tow—all unfamiliar faces.

The courtyard was alive with the crackle of charcoal, skewered meats sizzling on the grill. Emily sat between William and Mia, completely oblivious to Rachel secretly aiming her phone at them.

An hour later, Rachel abruptly excused herself. Not long after, William also stood and walked away.