Chapter 42
The moment Emily pushed open the door, the rich aroma of ginger and brown sugar tea enveloped her.
She froze mid-step, wondering if she was hallucinating.
Taking a deep breath, she confirmed the familiar scent was real.
A faint sound came from the kitchen.
Tiptoeing closer, she saw William's tall figure standing by the stove.
His slender fingers gripped a spoon as he stirred the boiling ginger slices in the pot.
"Awake?"
William didn't turn around, his voice deep.
Emily stood rooted to the spot, watching him expertly strain the tea into a porcelain bowl.
"Come here."
He leaned against the counter, his gaze intense.
She shuffled forward, her fingers trembling slightly as she accepted the bowl.
"When did you buy all this?"
Her voice was soft, the steam obscuring his expression.
William chuckled, pulling her into his arms with one swift motion.
"Does it matter?"
The rim touched her lips, and she instinctively flinched.
"It's hot..."
Before she could finish, a light flick landed on her forehead.
"Clumsy."
His tone was dismissive, but he took the bowl and blew on it gently.
Emily stole a glance at his tense profile, her heart skipping a beat.
As she finished the last sip, warmth suddenly pressed against her lips.
William's kiss caught her off guard.
"Too sweet."
He murmured against her mouth, his breath scorching.
Her fingers clutched his collar as his grip around her waist tightened abruptly.
Just when she thought something more would happen, he suddenly released her.
"Sleep."
He turned and walked away, his back rigid.
Emily stared at the tips of his reddened ears and burst into laughter.
The next morning, the door swung open violently.
William barged in, damp from his shower, water still dripping from his hair.
"Feeling better?"
He knelt on the mattress, his towel barely hanging on.
Emily pulled the covers tighter and shrank back.
"S-still hurts..."
Her voice faltered as her gaze darted around.
William narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"Liar."
In one swift motion, he yanked the covers away and scooped her up.
"Bathroom or here?"
Emily kicked her legs in protest.
"I choose option three!"
William nipped at her earlobe.
"Denied."
Three hours later.
Emily collapsed onto the bed, tears welling as she weakly kicked him.
"Bastard!"
William caught her ankle, grinning wickedly.
"Needs more practice."
Furious, she swung her hand and slapped him.
The sharp sound left them both stunned.
William's expression darkened, but her eyes reddened first.
"Even now..."
She burrowed under the covers, her voice muffled.
William stared at the lump in the sheets before sighing in defeat.