The trace of fear in her eyes was exceptionally clear, and William Quinn missed none of it. His breathing grew heavier. He absolutely hated seeing that look in her eyes!
He was certain he had treated her exceptionally well. He expressed his love for her at every possible moment. Why was she still so terrified of him?
William Quinn pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing her firmly against his chest. "Baby, don’t look at me like that. It makes me so angry that I might just kill him."
Iris Yates squeezed her eyes shut. Her heart ached terribly, weighed down by immense guilt and sorrow. "As long as you let him go..." she said, her voice trembling. "I’ll do whatever you ask. William Quinn, I’m begging you."
William Quinn tightened his grip around her. His blue eyes glinted with dark malice as he glared at Nathaniel Monroe, who was sprawled out on the ground. "You really should just die."
"No, don’t!" Iris shook her head frantically against his chest. "He can’t die. He’s innocent! Just send him away, get him out of here. I’ll be good and stay by your side from now on. I won’t go anywhere else. Please don’t hurt him, I’m begging you..."
"Enough! Shut up!" William Quinn flew into a rage.
Was this man really that important to her? She was actually willing to stay just to save him!
Nathaniel watched the scene unfold, his eyes wide with murderous rage. "Let her go! If you have the guts, just kill me!"
"Shut up!" Iris whipped her head around and glared at Nathaniel, crystal-clear tears rolling down her cheeks. "Why did you even come? Are you stupid?"
Nathaniel was devastated. Seeing her cry made his own heart ache, and his tone softened. "Iris... I’m so sorry."
Iris’s vision blurred with tears. She bit her lip hard to reel in her emotions, then turned back to William Quinn. Swallowing her pride, she pleaded, "Please let him go, okay?"
"Then kiss me." William Quinn’s blue eyes fixed on her with a gloomy intensity. His face was entirely devoid of expression, and an aura of sharp, biting coldness radiated from him.
Iris trembled. Closing her eyes, she leaned in toward him.
"No, Iris..." Nathaniel watched helplessly, letting out a raw, desperate shout.
But Iris pressed her lips against William Quinn’s anyway.
William Quinn deepened the kiss without a moment’s hesitation. He tasted the salt of her tears. He despised it when she cried anywhere but in bed! Worse yet, these tears weren’t even shed for him! He kissed her fiercely, ensuring she was thoroughly marked by his scent and taste.
"Let her go! You animal, let her go!" Nathaniel roared in absolute despair.
But William Quinn ignored him, ruthlessly plundering Iris’s lips right in front of him. The kiss lasted so long that her strength completely gave out, leaving her limp in his arms.
William Quinn shot Nathaniel a triumphant look. "You should thank her. She’s the one who just saved your life." With that, he scooped Iris up into his arms and strode toward the door.
"You’ll let him go, right?" Iris asked eagerly.
"Of course," William Quinn agreed readily this time. "He’ll even come to say goodbye to you when it’s time."
Iris said nothing more. The sound of his footsteps grew fainter as he carried her away.
Nathaniel tried to shout, but a blinding pain suddenly pierced through his head. He clutched his skull in agony before the sheer intensity of the throbbing wiped out his consciousness, and he passed out cold.
When he finally regained consciousness, he found himself in a hospital ward. The room was stark white, and the harsh scent of disinfectant lingered heavily in the air.