Chapter 31 Sexy Nightgown
Liam watched her through the rearview mirror.
“Emma,” Ben continued. “Do you know who Liam really is? Did you think you could marry him?”
Emma stopped, staring at the car in front of her.
She released the suitcase and turned toward Ben.
“Smack!” Her hand landed on Ben’s already swollen cheek.
“This slap is payback. Don’t call me Emma next time. My husband won’t like it. Otherwise, I’ll expose those disgusting videos of you and Chloe,” she warned.
Ben froze in place.
She had truly let go.
“And if you’re a responsible man, don’t let Chloe down. Think more about your child and your family. Don’t make me despise you!” With that, she walked back to the suitcase without looking back.
Liam got out of the car, took the suitcase from Emma, and led her to the entrance.
Resting one hand on the roof, he looked toward Ben.
Even through his glasses, Ben could feel the oppressive pressure emanating from Liam, an aura that couldn’t be faked.
Liam let his lip curl in cool disdain before sliding into the driver’s seat.
The moment he sat down, she threw herself into his embrace, tears silently streaming down her face.
The partition inside the car slowly rose.
Liam held her tightly and gently stroked her hair.
Are they really together?
How could Liam possibly be interested in Emma?
“I don’t believe it, Emma. Wait for me!” Ben clenched his fists.
The car pulled into the underground garage.
Emma forced herself to compose herself, trying not to look too dishevelled.
After getting out, Arthur pushed two suitcases toward the villa.
“I’m sorry, Liam,” she said softly.
“Why apologize? Are you trying to get back together with him?” Liam tilted his head slightly to look at her, his gaze intense.
“No.” She shook her head.
“Good.” His brow relaxed as he turned toward the elevator.
She hurried after him, explaining, “I’m afraid he’ll cause you trouble. He’s a very stubborn man.”
“You really don’t know your husband, Emma.”
His words sent her heart racing.
The elevator’s doors were opening.
Liam took her hand and gently stroked it.
Before she could step out, he shifted the flowers to his coat-clad arm and swept her up with his other arm.
“Ah!” she gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
Soft strands of hair brushed his face, leaving a trail of delicate fragrance.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly, yet his breathing remained steady.
The elevator doors closed once more.
His ears were crimson, and the veins on his forehead were faintly visible. His face was buried against her chest, his position far too intimate to be innocent.
She carefully loosened her grip, trying to create distance.
As the elevator doors opened, they stepped out and headed toward the bedroom.
Clothes and flowers were placed on the sofa, and he took her into his arms.
“Liam…” She trembled slightly, clutching his shirt.
“Mm.” Liam carefully laid her on the bed and leaned down to look at her. “Take a shower and get some rest. You need to work tomorrow.”
He gave her a warm kiss on the forehead before walking into the study.
“Okay.” She murmured.
Is he upset? Because I’d spoken a few extra words to Ben?
After much hesitation, she entered the walk-in closet and pulled several nightgowns from the bottom shelf.
Most were sheer and strappy—the longest reaching mid-thigh and the shortest barely covering her hips.
Gritting her teeth, she closed her eyes and grabbed one at random before heading into the bathroom.
Unlucky—she had picked the shortest one, which barely covered the edge of her underwear. The back was a lattice of openwork straps and sheer fabric.
Standing before the mirror, she patted her flushed cheeks, silently urging herself on.
Come on, Emma.
She opened the bathroom door and headed toward the study.
The room echoed with the clatter of keys as characters danced beneath his long fingers. He hadn’t noticed her approach at all.
Only when she stood beside his chair did his gaze lift from the keyboard to her. He froze. A wave of heat surged through him, igniting a spark of desire.
The intense physical reaction unsettled him. His fingers tightened slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and even the veins in his arms strained as he fought to control himself.
He forced himself to look away, grabbing the coat from the chair, draped it over her shoulders, and turned her around.
She was startled.
What does he mean by this?
Emma could tell that he was holding back.
“Liam…” She paused, trembling.
“I’m ready…” Her voice was soft, threaded with a hesitant, dangerous allure.
No, you’re not ready for it…
You’re afraid, afraid that I might abandon you.
Silly girl… It isn’t what I want. I just want your love.
“Not today… I might have to work late. Good night.” He pushed her back into the bedroom and returned to his study.
He sat down at the computer once more.
He ran both hands through his hair, the turmoil in his chest refusing to quiet.
Emma stood frozen in place, her grip on her clothes tightening.
She burrowed back under the covers and curled into a ball, her heart aching.
Why?
Am I not charming enough?
Or has he become disgusted?
A tightness gripped her chest. Tears slid down her cheeks and disappeared into the sheets.
Late at night…
Liam stood by her bedside, silently watching her.
His warm fingertips gently brushed the tear stains at the corners of her eyes.
Was she crying for Ben?
A twinge of jealousy stirred within him.
“We have plenty of time, Emma,” he murmured.
…
The next morning:
Emma was roused by the familiar sound of her alarm clock.
Her eyes were red and puffy, perhaps from jet lag or from crying too long the night before.
She glanced around, but saw no sign of Liam—not even a trace of where he’d slept.
Recalling the foolish thing she’d done the night before, embarrassment washed over her.
How should I face him?
After washing up, she grabbed her bag and went downstairs for breakfast.
“When did he leave, Zoe?” she asked.
Zoe, who was preparing breakfast, looked up and replied politely, “I didn’t see Mr. Hayes when I arrived this morning.”