Chapter 293

The night fell, and the warm glow of the villa's lights reflected on the snow-covered ground.

The group didn't disperse until past ten, retreating to their respective rooms. William Johnson wrapped an arm around Emily Smith's waist, whispering in her ear, "Our hot spring is waiting."

As they pushed open the door, warmth enveloped them. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the misty hot spring shimmered under the moonlight.

"I'll go change into my swimsuit," Emily said, slipping into the walk-in closet.

Her fingers had just brushed the clasp of her swimsuit when a scorching body pressed against her from behind. William stood there in nothing but black boxer briefs, his sculpted muscles illuminated by the soft light.

"Don't bother," he murmured against her earlobe, his voice rough. "You'll just take it off later anyway."

Emily turned to press a hand against his chest. "We'll catch a cold if we go in like this."

"Not if we keep moving," he chuckled, pinning her against the closet door, his fingers tracing the delicate wings of her shoulder blades.

The mirror reflected their entwined figures. Emily's nails left faint red marks down his back, like plum blossoms blooming in the snow.

By the time they stumbled toward the hot spring, the water was already rippling in gentle waves. William scooped her up, water droplets splashing against Emily's flushed cheeks.

"I thought we were here to soak?" she gasped.

William nipped at her collarbone with a low laugh. "Consider this a warm-up."

As the warm water rose to her chest, Emily sighed in contentment. But then William suddenly turned her around, pressing her against the edge of the pool.

"What are you doing?" she asked warily over her shoulder.

His hands settled on her waist. "I heard massages are more effective in hot springs."

The water swayed with his movements, Emily's fingers gripping the smooth stones lining the pool. Under the moonlight, their silhouettes flickered in the rising steam.

Later, Emily was carried back to bed, half-asleep. She faintly heard William murmur in her ear, "We're visiting your father tomorrow. You need at least eight hours of rest."

At breakfast the next morning, Mia Harris eyed Emily's radiant complexion and clicked her tongue. "That hot spring works better than cosmetic treatments."

On the way down the mountain, Emily dozed against the car window. William draped his coat over her, his fingers lightly brushing the diamond ring on her finger.

The prison gates gleamed coldly under the sunlight. Emily took a deep breath and tightened her grip on William's hand.