Chapter 34
Emily initially resisted, but soon became active under William's guidance.
The bathroom lights shimmered through the steam. As William carried her into the bathtub, his fingers lingered at her waist. Her skin felt like the finest silk beneath his touch.
"Don't..." Emily shrank back when she sensed his intention. "We have to get up early tomorrow."
William chuckled darkly, pulling her back with one long arm. He tilted her chin with slender fingers, brushing his lips against hers. "You started this fire. Shouldn't you put it out?"
Emily closed her eyes, pretending to sleep. "Can't be put out," she murmured.
"Ten minutes," he whispered against her earlobe.
She shook her head, but he pressed her against the edge of the bathtub. As warm water rippled around them, she finally surrendered to his advances.
Afterward, William kissed her with satisfaction. "Who said it couldn't be put out?"
Too exhausted to speak, Emily curled against him like a contented kitten, water droplets still clinging to her lashes.
Back in bed, William toyed with her hair. "Stay away from Michael Thompson."
Half-asleep, Emily mumbled an acknowledgment.
"Like Hermès?" he asked.
She gave another drowsy "Mmm," not really hearing him.
When the morning alarm sounded, William was already gone. Only the lingering scent of fir on the pillow and the evidence in the trash bin remained from last night's passion.
Emily smiled wryly at herself—until she spotted the black card on the nightstand.
Her phone buzzed with William's message: [Buy whatever you want]
She set the phone down and headed straight for the bathroom.
While packing, Michael suddenly stared blankly at the hotel entrance.
"What's wrong?" Emily asked.
"Thought I saw the eldest Johnson heir," Michael frowned, then laughed. "Probably mistaken."
After a full day of factory inspections and meetings, they went straight to the airport. While waiting, Emily quietly paid the bill, making Michael shake his head. "The company can afford this."
They landed late at night. Emily declined Michael's offer to drive her home, only to see William's missed calls and texts when she turned on her phone.
[Call me after landing]
After hesitating, she dialed the number.
"Come out. License plate 88188," William said before hanging up.
A black Rolls-Royce waited silently by the curb. Emily opened the door to find William resting against the seat with closed eyes.
As the partition lowered, he patted his thigh. "Get on."
Emily obeyed, settling onto his lap. He gripped her chin. "Know how long I've waited?"
"I didn't ask you to wait," she whispered.
William's eyes narrowed dangerously as his hand tightened around her waist. "Your move or mine?"