Chapter 77: Empty
"He’s just a child—don’t mind him," Anna said softly, trying to excuse Gabriel’s behavior after he walked away.
But William didn’t acknowledge her attempt. Instead, without warning, he took hold of her waist and lifted her effortlessly onto his lap, settling her against his hips. Their upper bodies were so close now, Anna could feel the warmth radiating from his skin, a heat that seemed to seep into her own.
"Will, I—"
"It’s fine," William cut in, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His fingertips grazed her flushed cheek, and his gaze lingered. "I heard what I needed when you answered my question. And I know... that you don’t care for men anymore."
Anna flinched, her pulse quickening as echoes of her conversation with Gabriel resurfaced—sharp, fresh, and unresolved.
"You’re right," she replied with a faint, bitter smile, placing her hands on William’s shoulders for balance. "I don’t. I don’t want to be swept away by a man again. My heart is closed now. No one’s allowed in anymore."
"No one?" William scoffed, sliding the back of his hand across Anna’s warm cheek. "Strangely enough, I find that very reassuring."
His hands trailed slowly down her back, sending a cascade of goosebumps rippling across her skin. When they reached the small of her back, he held her there, firm yet gentle, his lips curling into another one of his cunning, knowing grins. "You understand your position well. I’m glad we’re on the same page."
Anna responded with a faint smile of her own, but it faltered the moment William’s expression shifted. His playful charm vanished, replaced by something colder—sharper. His eyes darkened, as if some bitter memory had surfaced without warning.