Chapter 111
Victoria wanted to refuse, but she felt so sore and weak that she agreed.
She got into Alton's car, which was warm inside. Victoria leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes, pretending to nap.
Alton glanced at Victoria through the rearview mirror. She seemed asleep with a faint smile, looking serene and charming.
He turned his attention back to the road and drove towards the hotel.
The hotel was only a ten-minute drive from the exhibition center. Before long, Alton's car pulled up in front of the hotel.
He turned to look at the still-sleeping Victoria and gently called, "Victoria, wake up. We're here."
Hearing this, Victoria opened her eyes, rubbed her throbbing forehead, and prepared to get out of the car.
Just then, her phone rang. The caller ID showed it was William.
She swiped to answer.
"Where are you?" William's voice was cold.
"At the hotel," Victoria replied honestly.
"Who are you with?" His tone was low, with a hint of anger.
Victoria frowned, disliking his aggressive attitude, but given their current relationship, she patiently explained, "A colleague."
"Male or female?"
"Female," Victoria lied quietly, turning away.
The call ended abruptly.
Victoria held the phone, stunned for a moment, then snapped out of it and smiled apologetically at Alton as she prepared to get out of the car.
Alton, ever the gentleman, opened the car door and helped her out.
"Thanks," Victoria said, taking a step forward when suddenly, someone grabbed her arm, pulling her back.
Startled, she didn't have time to react before she was enveloped in William's embrace, his firm chest pressing against her, his unique scent filling her nose.
"What are you doing here?" Victoria looked up at William, her almond-shaped eyes wide with surprise.
She felt the heat radiating from William, transferring through their contact, making her whole body tense.
"If I hadn't come, would you have run off with another man?" William's voice was low and hoarse, filled with restraint.
Victoria blinked her wet eyes, looking innocent. "I wouldn't."
Alton, also startled by William's sudden appearance, quickly greeted, "Mr. Scott!"
William shot him a cold glance. "Aren't you leaving?"
Alton awkwardly cleared his throat, touched his nose, and wisely stepped aside, waving to Victoria. "I'm leaving now."
With that, he quickly got into his car and drove off.
Only after Alton's car disappeared did William shift his gaze back to Victoria.
His eyes were like magnets, making Victoria feel like she was being roasted. She struggled to break free. "William, can you let go of me?"
He didn't budge, holding her tightly, his tone lazy. "No."
Victoria frowned, trying to reason. "Alton's gone."
"So what? It doesn't concern us, does it?"
"But..."
William's gaze turned menacing, his voice icy. "Didn't you say you were with a female colleague?"
Victoria fell silent, feeling a chill. Now she wished she could slap herself for lying.
Victoria looked up, timidly explaining, "I was just afraid you'd be mad."
William snorted, his expression softening a bit. "Victoria, do you really not know what Alton's intentions are?"
Victoria was taken aback, then nodded. "He did pursue me, but I clearly rejected him. Now we're just colleagues!"
As soon as she finished speaking, William kissed her hard, silencing her.
After a long time, William finally let her go.
His lips were red from the kiss, his eyes deep, burning with anger.
"I've told you many times to stay away from other men. Are you ignoring me?"
Victoria bit her lip, stubbornly replying, "I'm not. Do you expect me to limit my work interactions? William, we only have a one-month deal. Don't you think you're overstepping?"
"Say that again." His tone dropped to freezing.
Victoria pressed her lips together, meeting his gaze without fear.
William stared at her for a long time before finally giving in. He grabbed her chin, speaking harshly. "Don't let me catch you getting close to other men again, or else..."
"I'm hungry!" Victoria suddenly interrupted.
William stared at her, saying nothing.
Victoria continued, "I'm starving."
Her pleading look made it impossible for William to stay angry. He finally relented.
He took out his phone, made a quick call, and then hung up.
"Come with me."
He turned and walked ahead, his long strides quickly putting distance between them. When he noticed Victoria wasn't following, he stopped and waited.
Victoria pointed to her legs, looking pitiful. "I'm too tired to walk."
William frowned, walked back to her, and crouched down. "Get on. I'll carry you."
His back was broad and strong, exuding a sense of security.
Victoria hesitated for a moment before slowly climbing on, wrapping her arms around his neck.
William stood up, supporting her, and strode forward.
Victoria clung to his back, inhaling his scent, feeling reluctant to let go.
His body was much warmer than hers, with a faint smell of tobacco mixed with the sweet scent of his body wash.
"Victoria, if you keep moving, I'll throw you off," he threatened.
"Okay." Victoria obediently stayed still, lying quietly on his back.
William's lips curved into a smile.
Victoria, resting on his shoulder, could feel her breath on his face, tickling him.
She couldn't resist touching his smooth, firm cheek.
William raised an eyebrow, his voice cold. "Victoria, what are you doing?"
"Nothing." Victoria quickly withdrew her hand, staying silent.
William, seeing her guilty look, didn't pursue it further and continued walking.
They remained silent until they reached the restaurant. William gently set Victoria down.
A waiter approached.
"Welcome! Do you have a reservation?" the waiter asked respectfully.
"Yes, a window seat on the third floor," William replied coolly, then led her towards the stairs.