In that exact moment, a deep masculine voice spoke from directly behind her. "I didn't know you had such interests, Ms. Scott."

Elise's heart nearly leaped from her chest.

She spun around to find William standing there, having entered the study without her noticing.

She hadn't heard him come in at all, though she'd been too absorbed in her research to pay attention.

That wasn't the worst part. The woman in the video continued moaning shamelessly.

Elise frantically turned back to close the video, but her trembling fingers couldn't properly control the mouse. She fumbled desperately, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Then a large, capable hand covered hers, guiding the mouse to close the offending window with a single click.

Silence descended upon the study, and Elise wished the floor would swallow her whole.

She had repeatedly claimed she disliked physical intimacy with men, that it made her uncomfortable... and now William had caught her watching this?

There was no reasonable explanation for this.

As she hung her head, blushing crimson to the roots of her hair, William spoke again. "Look at me, Ms. Scott."

She was practically burying her head in her chest like an ostrich.

Elise bit her lip, knowing she had to offer some explanation or this misunderstanding would linger.

She released a heavy sigh and lifted her gaze, only to have William lean in unexpectedly.

Their lips met in that instant, and both their bodies jolted with surprise.

The contact was completely unexpected, catching them both off guard... yet it sent her pulse racing wildly.

The very air seemed to thin around them as everything else faded into stillness.

Their eyes locked intensely, and Elise found herself nervously twisting the fabric of her sleeves.

She knew perfectly well that if she didn't pull away, William would take things further.

And if she did retreat... he would respect her boundaries.

Her lips pursed instinctively, the slight movement almost like an invitation.

William's Adam's apple bobbed enticingly. Both his eyes and lips seemed to burn with intensity, as if consumed by fire.

His large hand came up to cradle the back of her head. Even with her limited experience, Elise knew exactly what was coming next...

Her heart hammered uncontrollably against her ribs. Her breathing grew ragged and uneven.

She closed her eyes just as his tongue began to trace the seam of her lips, and...

BANG!

The front door slammed shut with startling force somewhere in the house.

The sound was loud enough to make both of them jump.

Elizabeth immediately regretted her dramatic entrance.

She could feel the murderous glare directed her way even before she turned around.

Fear made her want to flee immediately.

Their positions made it perfectly clear what she'd interrupted... and she absolutely hadn't meant to return at this particular moment!

If she'd known William was visiting tonight, nothing could have made her come home.

She watched helplessly as her cousin released Elise and began striding toward her.

Was there time to dig a hole and bury herself alive?!