Chapter 74 You Call Out All Night in Your Dreams
Emma changed and sat at the vanity, applying her makeup heavier than usual in case someone noticed she’d been crying.
Liam stood behind her with his hands on the chair back, watching her in the mirror.
“You’re so beautiful, honey,” he said, smiling.
She met his gaze in the mirror and smiled faintly.
“Should I tie your hair up?” he asked.
“Will you do it for me?”
“I’ll try,” he said, picking up the comb and carefully brushed her hair back.
His movements seemed quite practiced.
Emma was a bit surprised.
Could he have done this for Lily before?
Her heart sank slightly, and she reached out to hold his hands.
“I’ll do it myself. You’re pulling a bit too hard,” she said.
The smile faded from his eyes.
He continued to comb her hair, braiding it loosely, twisted the ends into a loop, and secured it with an orange tulip hairband.
The two walked toward the door.
At the doorway, he pulled her back and pinned her against the hallway wall.
Emma was startled.
“Are you mad at me?” he demanded, frowning.
“I’m not,” she said.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her still.
“Tell me, what did I do wrong? Or did you hear something last night?” he pressed.
“I really didn’t.”
“You didn’t? It looks like you’ll only tell me the truth when you’re lying in bed beneath me, huh?” He was getting annoyed.
Emma’s face flushed, and her hands tightened against his chest.
Why is he always so blunt?
“I really didn’t…”
Before she could finish, he scooped her up.
He then tossed her onto the bed.
Her soft body bounced slightly against the mattress.
Before she could react, he was already on top of her, pinning her beneath him.
He grabbed her hands and pressed them firmly above her head.
Her face flushed instantly.
Buzz…
The alarm went off.
Liam glanced at the phone, turned off the alarm, and placed it aside.
“You’re not leaving until you explain!” he pressed.
Emma looked up at the man on top of her.
Under her gaze, all his earlier fury melted away.
Slowly releasing his grip, he lowered his entire body onto hers and buried his face in the crook of her neck.
“Tell me what’s wrong, okay?” he asked softly.
She lifted her hand and wrapped it gently around him.
“Is it because I look like Lily that you like me?” she asked.
Liam froze.
He propped himself up on his elbow beside her and straightened.
“What on earth are you thinking about? Huh? You two are nothing alike!” he said, gently tapping her forehead.
Emma looked at him.
“Lily was just a girl I admired when I was young. That wasn’t love,” he explained patiently. “You are my wife. No one can replace you.”
“I love you!” he leaned close, his voice low and husky. “I love making love to you. I love seeing you blush. I love everything about you.”
He pressed a firm kiss to her lips before pulling back swiftly. “Understand now?”
“Yes…” Emma nodded, blushing.
“So were you thinking about her the whole time?” he pressed.
She didn’t respond, lowering her head.
“Hmph!”
Annoyed and frustrated, he pinched her waist softly.
“Ah…” she moaned.
“We only held hands. Nothing else happened. If I were that skilled, would I have needed Ryan to teach me how to comb hair?” he continued.
Emma fell silent.
“I was wrong…” she murmured.
Liam’s heart softened.
“Don’t get angry alone next time,” he said.
“I know.”
He smiled and gently tapped her nose.
“I’m hungry, Liam,” she murmured.
“You always use that trick. Every time I try to touch you, you’ll find an excuse,” he said hoarsely.
Emma flushed and bit her lip.
“Call me ‘honey’,” he demanded.
“No way…”
“You called me that all night in your dreams…”
Emma cut him off quickly. “No way!”
“Such a liar.” He kissed her lightly on the lips.
“Call me ‘honey’, or I’m staying right here,” he threatened.
“Honey…” she whispered.
“Mhm…”
His ears flushed crimson as he kissed her neck, his hot breath tickling her ear.
Emma let out a soft moan.
“Honey, we really can’t…”
Liam pinched her cheek and waited a long moment before helping her up.
She kept her head down, catching a distinct outline in his pants.
She hurriedly stood to fix herself.
He chuckled, then went to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face.
Only then did they step out of the room.
“Morning.”
They had barely stepped out when they encountered Patricia and Virgil emerging from the adjacent suite.
“Morning.”
After exchanging greetings, the group walked together toward the elevator.
On the first floor, maids were setting breakfast on the table.
Hunter and Logan had also come down from upstairs.
“Please sit down, everyone,” Hunter said.
The extensive breakfast spread was laid out on a large table.
Emma was about to reach out when Liam gently stopped her.
He poured her a glass of orange juice, picked up a waffle, and placed a few slices of bacon on her plate.
“Are you okay?” Lillian asked, gently nudging Emma’s hand.
“I’m fine,” Emma said with a smile.
“They showed up on their own. If I’d known this would happen, I never would have let this happen,” Lillian whispered, trying to soothe her.
Before Emma could respond, Logan spoke up. “Emma, rest assured—our family recognizes only you.”
Emma’s nose stung.
She hadn’t expected so many people to stand by her.
“We’ve seen plenty of fair-weather friends. No need to take it to heart. That woman was just looking for an excuse to cause trouble,” Hunter snorted.
“I understand,” Emma replied.
Liam slipped his hand under the table to clasp hers.
A wave of warmth washed over her.
She picked up a waffle and took a gentle bite.
“So delicious,” she murmured.
“I had them made especially for you,” Liam said softly.
“He had the kitchen whip them up fresh first thing this morning,” Lillian chuckled.
Emma looked at Liam.
Liam smiled.
“He really knows how to spoil his wife!” Joseph teased from the side.
“How about I make smoked pork ribs for you tomorrow? Let me show you a father’s love,” Hunter said with a laugh.
Everyone at the table laughed along.