Chapter 61

"William... stop..."

"Please... I beg you..."

"It hurts... so much..."

Emily Smith's headphones played the breathless moans as she focused intently on recording a romantic novel scene into her microphone.

William Johnson pushed open the door just in time to hear those provocative lines.

Snap!

He yanked the headphones off her head with enough force to nearly break the cord.

"Who gave you permission to record this kind of thing?" His voice was low, simmering with restrained fury. "Who's the man acting opposite you?"

Emily jumped at the sudden intrusion. Recognizing William, she exhaled in relief—only for her cheeks to flush crimson immediately.

"It's a legitimate job," she defended softly. "Romantic scenes between leads are normal in novels."

"Romantic scenes?" William scoffed, his long fingers gripping her chin. "Then what do you call what's between us?"

Emily pressed her lips together, eyes glistening.

"Speak!" His grip tightened.

"You're the patron. I'm just—" Her voice faded to a whisper.

"Just what?" His gaze turned dangerous.

Emily stubbornly turned her face away, but William hauled her up and threw her onto the bed.

"Ah!"

Before she could react, he pinned her down, one hand beside her head, the other clamping her wrist.

"What do you think you are to me?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

Emily glared back defiantly. "You pay, I perform. Isn't that clear?"

"Perform?" A cold laugh escaped him. "Perform what?"

The words stabbed into her like a blade. She went still, her eyes dimming.

William crushed his lips against hers in a punishing kiss—rough, domineering.

On the desk, her phone vibrated incessantly, the name Daniel Chen flashing on the screen. But neither of them noticed.

Tears streamed down Emily's face from the pain, yet she bit her lip, refusing to make a sound. Her silent resistance only fueled his anger.

When it was over, the room echoed with heavy breathing.

Emily curled into herself at the edge of the bed like a wounded animal. William watched her back, an inexplicable tightness gripping his chest.