Just as her fingers were about to brush the shoes, Liam suddenly pulled his hand back, leaving Emma grasping at empty air.
"After all I've done for you, you won't even say thank you?" Liam's voice dripped with mischief.
"Thank you? For what? If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be in this mess!" Emma snapped, her anger getting the better of her.
The moment the words left her mouth, Liam's expression turned cold again.
Was it his fault?
If she hadn't been flirting with Elijah at The Waterfront, talking nonsense about how she hadn't seen him in ages and missed him terribly, would Liam have stormed down there and dragged her home in a rage?
Liam pressed his lips together. It seemed he'd been too gentle with her. She was getting bold enough to walk all over him.
"Emma, I think you've got a death wish..."
Before she could process his words, he shoved her to the ground. His lips crashed down on hers, leaving her no time to think or react.
"Mmph..." She tried to speak, but only muffled sounds escaped.
Emma was pinned beneath him, her arms trapped. All she could feel was his tongue invading her mouth, demanding and possessive.
Worried the weeds might scratch her head, Liam slid his left hand beneath it. His right hand was still injured, so he could only press his elbow against her shoulder.
The sudden kiss left Emma's mind blank. Her eyes wide open, she couldn't fight back. She just tensed up, hoping he'd finish quickly and let her go.
The night was like ink. Looking up, she could see stars scattered across the sky and the bright moonlight. A gentle breeze passed by, carrying the faint fragrance of orchids.
But in such a beautiful setting, how could Liam do something so reckless to her?
Emma closed her eyes helplessly, refusing to look at his infuriating face.
After a long moment, Liam's fierce kiss gradually softened.
He realized Emma had gotten smarter. Since she couldn't break free, she'd simply surrendered.
Pleased, he pulled back to look at her. Her face was flushed, probably from lack of oxygen. And her eyes were closed?
Liam raised an eyebrow, leaning close to her ear. "Enjoying yourself, hmm?"
When did she say she was enjoying it?
And why did he look so smug about it?
Emma's ears were her most sensitive spot. His warm breath sent her heart racing. She turned her head away, refusing to answer.
Not talking?
That meant yes?
After that lingering kiss and her obedient behavior, the anger in Liam's chest had almost faded. A flicker of joy lit up inside him. His voice dropped to a low, magnetic tone. "Should I let you go... or keep going?"
He watched her with amusement. When Emma heard the first option, she wasn't stupid. She looked at him eagerly and nodded four or five times.
"Keep going?" Liam knew exactly what she meant, but he pretended not to.
Afraid he'd misunderstand again, Emma whispered, "You can let me go... right?"
Her voice was uncertain. How could she trust a man like Liam to believe her easily?
"Fine, as long as you admit you were wrong. And don't you dare make me angry again."
Emma was speechless.
Whose fault was it?
And who was making who angry?
Where did Liam learn to twist the truth like this?
Emma choked back her retort. She didn't dare say another word. She raised her hand to wipe the corner of her mouth and said softly, "I was wrong, okay? I won't make you angry again..."
She'd take the loss for now. As long as Liam let her go, she could deal with the rest later.
Keep the green hills, and you'll never run out of firewood.
Seeing her so obedient, Liam let her go.
As soon as she was free, Emma scrambled to sit up. Liam straightened up too, crossing his legs and leaning back on his hands. He looked up at the stars, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes before disappearing.
He let out a deep sigh. He was actually happy. Beautiful scenery, a lovely woman by his side...
But Emma was too fierce to be called a "lovely woman."
Liam glanced at her, her cheeks puffed out in anger. As long as she was beside him, he felt an indescribable peace and satisfaction.
This bastard always took advantage of his strength. What could she do?
If she had the chance, she'd teach him a lesson.
Emma fumed silently. She reached for her shoes, ready to stand up, when she heard a rustling sound. A dark shadow flashed before her eyes.
"Ah! A monster!" Emma screamed instinctively, throwing herself onto Liam.
Monster?
There was no monster. Liam looked around and saw nothing. Then he realized it was probably just a mouse.
Looking down at her clinging to him, Liam sneered. "What monster? It's just a mouse."
Emma relaxed a little. No monster?
Then she processed what he said.
A mouse? The thing she feared most?
"Ah! A mouse!" Her piercing scream nearly burst Liam's eardrums.
The moment she screamed, Emma lunged forward, burying her face in his chest. She didn't dare lift her head.
Liam was speechless.
He felt a tightness in his chest. Was she really throwing herself at him?
He was used to forcing her. Now that she was taking the initiative, he wasn't about to let her go so easily.