Chapter 31

“It’s my fault,” the leader sobbed. “I won’t let it happen again. I’m so sorry.”

“Useless trash!” Brad’s icy expression didn’t waver as he delivered a powerful kick to the man’s chest, sending him sprawling. Brad, impeccably dressed in a fancy suit, looked down at the writhing figure. “I’ll spare your life this time, but if you’re still so useless next time, you’ll die a horrible death!”

At Icovine Estate, Emma received a thorough examination from Liam’s private doctor and nurses. “Mrs. Hall has a strong constitution,” the doctor stated, “but the anesthetic dosage was a bit high, so she might sleep for two or three days.”

“Thanks,” Liam replied.

After the doctor left, Liam sat by Emma’s bedside, his gaze fixed on her, his doubts lingering. Why were those items in her car? What about the photographs? And what had she meant by that statement at the cliff?

Emma awoke earlier than expected the next morning. As she looked at Liam, memories of the previous night flooded back. She remembered Liam’s sudden appearance, his hand gripping hers as she teetered on the precipice—and that he wasn’t in his wheelchair. The driver’s speed in assembling her device pointed to specialized training.

For the first time, Emma realized she had underestimated Liam’s capabilities. She had secrets, and so did he. A deep voice softly broke the silence, “What are you thinking about?”

Emma’s startled gaze met Liam’s already open eyes. “Mr. Hall.”

“Do you know who attacked you yesterday?” Liam asked.

Emma shook her head. She had no idea, but judging by their audacity, she suspected an international assassin organization, likely one of her enemies. Liam had many questions, but seeing her frail face, he only gently stroked her hair. “Rest a bit more. The doctor said the anesthesia hasn’t worn off yet.”

Emma, restless and depleted, didn't want to remain in bed. “Got any food? I’m starving.”

“Nope, you can’t eat anything for six hours after anesthesia,” Liam firmly refused.

Emma’s disappointment was palpable. Leaning against the bed, she anxiously considered what she would eat in six hours.

Soon, Liam wheeled himself in, holding something. Emma’s eyes widened. “What’s that? For me?”

“Yeah, you’ll definitely like it,” Liam grinned.

“Is it food?” Emma’s anticipation was evident.

“Not food, you little glutton,” Liam teased, lightly tapping her nose with a DVD and a gaming console. He’d brought it to stave off boredom.

Emma’s face crumpled. Countless hours spent playing FPS games left her unimpressed by the childish console. “I won’t play. Just put it here.”

Liam opened a package. “There’s a cooking game inside, very realistic.” He paused. “You can quench your thirst with it.”

As he spoke, the television flickered to life, displaying a series of mouthwatering dishes.

“Liam, you did that on purpose!” Emma’s hunger intensified. She lunged for the controller, but Liam effortlessly caught her wrists, his towering figure pinning her against the bed, their noses touching, eyes locked.

“Yeah, I did,” he admitted.

Before Emma could protest, Liam’s hand cupped the back of her head, and he kissed her.

Emma froze, stunned by the intensity of the kiss and his dominance. Liam had clearly planned this. She pushed him away. He had wanted to teach her a lesson, to possess her since seeing the photographs last night, but her injuries had stayed his hand until now.

“What are you doing?” Emma asked.

“Is there anything else here besides you?” Liam teased.

Emma’s cheeks flushed crimson as the meaning of his words registered. “You rascal!”

The usually reserved Liam was surprisingly flirtatious. Emma, emboldened, leaned forward, gripping his chin, and kissed him forcefully. She pulled back, her gaze seductive. “You’re not allowed to force a kiss on me. Only I can do that to you.”

Liam chuckled, a captivating smile spreading across his face. “Is there a difference?”

“A huge difference!” Emma couldn't quite articulate it, but Liam’s usual calm concealed a powerful undercurrent she sensed during his earlier kiss, making her nervous.

“What now? I just forced a kiss on you,” Liam quipped.

Before Emma could respond, Liam ignored her protest, pinning her to the bed. This kiss was deeper, more insistent, his gaze unwavering as he observed her reactions.

Emma's face turned even redder, her grip tightening on Liam’s shoulders. Feeling her nails dig in, Liam murmured, “Relax a bit, it hurts a little.”

Misinterpreting his words, Emma released her grip, only to be met with an even more passionate kiss. She couldn't dodge, her lips aching, a moan escaping her lips. “It hurts…” Liam, however, continued.