William had drifted off for a while.

Elise glanced at the wall clock. It was well past midnight. If he kept sleeping here, she wouldn't wake up in time for work.

She saved her documents, closed her laptop, and walked over to him. "William, wake up," she said softly.

He stirred, his brow furrowing in agitation.

"It's very late. You should go home and sleep properly—oh!"

In a flash, Elise found herself pinned beneath William on the couch, his weight pressing her into the cushions.

Before she could process what was happening, his warm lips captured hers in a firm kiss.

"Mmph!"

She struggled against him, but his strength overwhelmed her. He held her so tightly she could barely breathe. The intensity made her fear she might suffocate.

Narrowing her eyes, she bit down hard on his lip. The metallic taste of blood instantly filled both their mouths.

William seemed to snap back to reality, his eyes focusing on her delicate form trapped beneath him. Her face was flushed with anger as she glared at him.

"Finally awake? Get off me—mmph!"

He kissed her again, but this time the savagery melted into tenderness so quickly it felt like a different man entirely. For a moment, Elise almost lost herself in it.

The next second, she wriggled fiercely, fighting to free herself from his embrace.

He finally released her, watching as she stared at him with pure disdain, his name a growled accusation through clenched teeth. "William!"

Her fury was palpable, yet inexplicably, William began to laugh. He even touched the blood on his lips, amused.

Elise turned away sharply. That handsome face wouldn't work its magic on her anymore.

"Sorry," William apologized, though Elise knew it was merely empty words.

"Get off," she commanded coldly.

He complied, rising from her soft body.

While asleep, he'd had a nightmare—Elise was drifting further and further away from him...

The despair had made him lose control the moment he woke, and even now, the lingering fear chilled him.

But he buried those feelings deep, maintaining his composure as Elise urged, "You should leave now."

"What about my pasta?" he asked.

"It's congealed into paste by now. Would you still eat it?" she retorted sharply.

He had no comeback, forced to accept defeat and leave.

Elise followed him to the door, slamming it shut before he could utter another word.

She really, truly didn't want to see him at all.

William's eyes narrowed dangerously—it seemed he needed to accelerate his plans.