Emma Johnson let out a long sigh as she sat on the edge of the bed.
"What a wonderful day. Oh, my darling daughter. This is the first time I've prepared brand new sheets and quilts for you, so you absolutely must sleep on them tonight." Sophia Johnson entered the room mysteriously, clutching the bedding in her arms.
"Mom, about me and Liam... nothing happened between us."
As God was her witness, Emma wanted to finish that sentence. But the words died in her throat the moment they reached her lips. "Even if we're married now, that doesn't mean we have to..." Facing her mother's open and anxious expression, Emma could barely get through the first two words.
"You don't understand, sweetie. Let me tell you something—on the very first night of marriage, a wife must behave properly and serve her husband well. That's your duty and your obligation."
"..." Help! Someone please come and take her away!
"Alright, I've said everything I needed to say. You behave yourself now. I won't disturb you any longer." Sophia spotted Liam entering the room and left with a satisfied smile. Before closing the door behind her, she deliberately helped them shut it, grinning from ear to ear.
"..." Emma was about to lose her mind because of her mother!
"My dear wife." Liam walked over, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
"You're just in time. I have something to tell you." Emma glared at him, rose to her feet, and gritted her teeth. "Liam Williams, since you've decided to stay here tonight, then you sleep on the floor. I'll take the bed."
"Really? What a pity. I prefer sleeping in a bed. I just can't get used to the hard floor..." Liam completely ignored Emma's presence, strode over to the bed in two or three steps, and lay down with his hands behind his head, gazing at her lazily.
Emma was furious. She rushed over and grabbed his arm. "Liam Williams, you big jerk! Stay away from my bed!" But her strength was far too weak. Not only did she fail to drag him even an inch, but she also lost her balance and nearly tumbled right into his arms.
"I think it would be better if you took a shower first. Save some energy so we can exercise together in bed later. I've already washed up, so you should go as soon as possible. The sooner you're clean, the sooner we can get down to business." Liam spoke seriously, though a mischievous smile lingered at the corners of his mouth.
"You pervert! Why don't you just drop dead? Who would do that with you..." Just talking about this kind of thing made Emma's face burn crimson. She couldn't even imagine anything more.
The man's lazy demeanor vanished instantly. His dark, indifferent eyes now radiated a fierce intensity.
Just as Liam was about to lean down and kiss her—"Smack!" Emma's hand landed heavily on his forehead.
After she completed that action, both of them froze in shock.
"Are you trying to slap me?" Liam stared at the woman beneath him.
"I..." Emma had no idea what to say. Her eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed red, her lips pressed tightly together. Her face was filled with grievance and discontent.
In all his years, Liam had never been hit like this before. And by a little woman who clearly didn't know her place!
Rage ignited in his heart instantly. He looked at her pale face, her reddened lips, which shimmered under the light with a kind of blurred temptation that made a man want to taste them.
Without another word, Liam reached out with his free hand, gently pinched Emma's chin, and pressed his lips down onto hers.
At that moment, Emma's eyes flew wide open. She was startled by Liam's serious, cold expression. She didn't dare to move or make a sound. She could only watch as his stern face drew closer and closer to hers, until his thin lips finally touched hers.
Emma could feel the man's strong breath, his hot chest pressing against her. Such an ambiguous atmosphere surrounded them both.
For the first time, Emma felt breathless. Her heart was pounding wildly, as if every single cell in her body had come alive.
But this feeling lasted less than five seconds. Suddenly, Emma remembered something and immediately snapped back to reality. She pushed hard against his chin and turned her face away stubbornly, refusing to let him kiss her.
"Liam Williams, let me go..."
By now, the man had completely lost all his patience. He raised his hand rudely and grabbed both of her wrists with one hand, pinning them above her head. He knelt with one leg between hers while his other hand quickly unbuttoned her coat.
Emma was terrified. Her entire body struggled violently, causing the bed frame to creak loudly.
Finally, after two minutes, Emma realized that Liam's strength was overwhelming. All her struggles and resistance were completely useless.
So she had no choice but to raise her hand in surrender. While Liam released her lips and began kissing her collarbone, Emma said weakly, "Liam Williams, what's the rush? It's not like I'm not going to give it to you. Just let me go first. Let me take a shower, and then it won't be too late..."
In truth, Emma had no real intention of taking a shower. She just wanted to use this opportunity to escape from Liam's grasp. Who would be stupid enough to know that nothing good was about to happen and still obediently go wash up?
Right now, Emma's mind was filled with only one thought: run. She had to run.
When Liam heard her cooperating, he was stunned for a moment.
Was this little wench cooking up some other trick again?
Given her current behavior, Liam wouldn't believe a single word she said.
"It's fine. It's fine if you don't take a shower. I don't mind. After all, you're my wife now." Liam showed no intention of letting her go. Instead, he lowered his head again to kiss her lips.
Damn it. He didn't believe her.
What should she do? If things continued like this, she would fall into this bastard's hands sooner or later.
"Liam Williams, listen... You might not believe me, but I haven't showered in several days. Really. If you don't believe me, just give me five minutes. Just five minutes. That's not too much to ask, is it?"
No matter how impatient he was, five minutes should be acceptable.
After hearing Emma's sincere plea, Liam finally stopped his actions. He looked into her innocent, pleading eyes with satisfaction. "Fine. Five minutes. You'd better not try any tricks, or I'll make sure you pay a heavy price for it."