\[Elise’s POV\]
William’s heat rushes through my body, driving me wild and threatening to make my heart, which I swore I would never be allowed to feel again, come to life.
This was bad. This was really bad, but with him inside me, I couldn’t help but hope that maybe I could have one more chance.
Whimpering, I try to push away any unpleasant thoughts as William pulls out of me long enough to flip me around and shove me against the side of the pool.
“Arch your back for me, baby.” He growls close to my ear, igniting the fire within and making me do as he commands. “That’s a good girl.” He continues, nipping my shoulder before shoving deep into me once more.
"Oh, fuck, William!” I moan as he reaches around and clutches one of my breasts. “Just like that! Oh fuck!”
Goddess, this man knew what he was doing, which was a surprise given his gentlemanly demeanor, but didn’t I already see a different side of him? Was this side meant only for those who he was interested in, or did he allow others to see him be so flirtatious and dominating?’
I didn’t know why, but I didn’t like the thought of others seeing him that way, but it truly had nothing to do with me.
Closing my eyes, I let myself get lost in the feeling of him fucking me until I’m exploding around him.
Groaning, he pulls out of me, and I know by the way his body jerks that he's cumming.
“You could have stayed in.” I point out, disappointed that he pulled out before he came.
“Are you asking me to get you pregnant?” He asks, causing my heart to squeeze. “Sorry, but there’s no way that will happen.”
“You’re right,” I agree, trying to hide the pain I feel. “Since I’m on the ring, there is no way I’m getting pregnant.”
For a moment, William doesn’t speak as he considers what I’ve just said, and I hear a hiss of disappointment escape him.
“Why didn’t you say that sooner?” He snarls, flipping me around and pushing into me again. “Nevermind, I’m not done with you anyway.”
I don’t know how many times William took me in the pool beneath the stars while I was sure those below listened in to our escapades before I’m finally being carried back into the building and being held underneath the steaming hot water of the shower.
Afterwards, I drift in and out as I’m dried off and changed, then placed in bed, but when the world comes to me once again, the sun is already beginning to bleed in through the large windows of the room I’m in.
Sighing, I slowly move while my body screams at me until I find William still sleeping soundly behind me.
From this angle, I get a perfect view of his handsome face, from his tan skin to his plump lips and the stubble that peppers his chin.
“How can someone who looks so innocent be so vicious?” I grumble, reaching out and brushing a strand of his messy brown hair behind his ear. “It truly isn’t fair.”
Growing quiet, I continue to take him in while a torrent of emotions rush through me. Although I want to stay here in this moment, enjoying the view, I needed to get up and get going.
From the very beginning, I knew that he brought me here so he could have his way with me where no prying ears could hear us. Since he achieved his goal and I got what I also wanted, there was no reason to stay here any longer, and by rule, when I had a one-night stand, I always left in the morning.
Slowly, I begin to climb out of bed, being sure not to jar William and wake him.
Once I’m free, I quietly start to make my way across the room, but stop as a low growl reaches me.
Turning, I brace myself for whatever look William may be giving me, only to find that it isn’t any of the ones I thought. Instead, he watches me with a look of hurt evident in his dark eyes.
“What do you think you’re doing?” He asks, propping himself up in bed so that the blanket covering him slides down enough for me to see his hickey covered chest. “Are you just going to use me and lose me?”
“Wasn’t that the plan from the very beginning?” I ask, trying to fight the urge to attack him. “That was why you brought me here in the first place, no?”
Instead of responding, William climbs out of bed so that his naked body comes into view in all its glory. Licking my lips, I try to keep my gaze from his erect dick.
“Is that what you think I did?” He asks when he reaches me. “Do you take me as that type of man?”
Did I? Well, if I were being honest, that was how I took every man. As humans, we all had needs, and once those needs were met, we went on as we pleased. In the past, Alexander was the only one who I didn’t treat like that, and he was the one who ultimately hurt me. And even if William wasn’t going to be like him, I just couldn’t let my guard down and put myself in a position to feel that hurt again.
“Look at me,” William says gently when I avert my gaze. “Don’t try to hide.”
Heart hammering, I feel my breath hitch as William’s rough fingers touch my chin and then my lips while his dark eyes take me in.
“Just so you know,” he begins when I stay silent. “You aren’t the only one who is dealing with conflicting emotions.”
“Is that the best thing to say right now?” I ask, understanding completely what he meant. “Especially when you’re trying to convince me that this isn’t a one-and-done type of thing.”
“Maybe,” he chuckles. “It’s been a while since I’ve actually wanted something, so I’m a bit rusty. The last time was long ago, and because of my greed, that person no longer lives.”
“No longer lives?” I squeak, my eyes growing wide. “What is that even supposed to mean?”
“That I seem to have a habit of falling for the wrong women.” William responds, continuing to caress my skin. “I know that asking you to have faith in me is a lot given my future position and your past, but I didn’t just bring you here to fuck you and leave. I actually fully intend to make you mine.”
"What are you saying?" I ask quietly, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach.
"That I want you to let down that guard and give me a chance." William responds, planting a kiss on my lips. "And trust that I won't hurt you like everyone else in the past has done."
"Even though I'm a criminal?" I ask, trying so hard not to hope. "Does that mean nothing to you?"
"Whether or not you are actually a criminal is for me to determine."