?Chapter 143:


    Even though she reminded herself that he was gay, being carried like that still made her feel a little…


    As he gently lowered her, she meant to grab the back of the chair for bnce. But maybe her weight had shifted too suddenly, or her angle was off, because instead, her hand ended up grabbing his waist by mistake.


    Through the thin fabric of his shirt, she could feel the firm, defined lines of muscle beneath.


    Her breath hitched. A wave of heat rushed to her face, and she immediately pulled her hand back as though she’d touched something scorching. Oh no. What had she just done?


    William nced at her flushed cheeks and let out a soft chuckle. “Come on, this isn’t the first time you’ve ended up doing something like this. You should be used to it by now.”


    Ste shot him a sharp re, clearly unimpressed by hisment. She’d never tried to take advantage of him on purpose, so how could he say she was used to it? That was ridiculous.


    “Looks like you’re pretty skilled at carrying people around. I take it this isn’t your first time?” she quipped.


    Instead of getting annoyed, William simply grinned. “Yep. Practically mastered it.”


    Ste opened her mouth but couldn’t think of aeback. There was no beating him in a battle of wits.


    She took a breath, letting her irritation melt into calmness. “Anyway, thanks for helping me out today,” she said gently.


    William lifted a brow. “No need to thank me. Just happened to be walking by.”


    Technically, he had been passing by—through a small alley where he saw her parting ways with her friend. Not exactly a lie… but not the full truth either.


    Ste lightly scratched the tip of her nose. “Mr. Briggs, that move back there… you’ve definitely had some training, haven’t you? That was quite impressive.”


    Feel inspired by ga  ln o vels .


    If she hadn’t witnessed it herself—William kicking a motorcycle and dragging that man off the ground, she wouldn’t have believed someone like him would ever get physical.


    William nced down at Ste, seated on the chair and appearing smaller inparison. With a cool expression and a raised brow, he remarked, “It’s not me being impressive. You’re just that weak.”


    Ste’s breath hitched at his blunt words. “Says who? That was a surprise attack! I didn’t have time to react, that’s all. I can totally take care of myself!”


    But just as her emotions surged, she moved a little too quickly. Her knee bumped against the chair leg, throwing off her bnce. She staggered forward, and, before she could catch herself, her forehead lightly collided with William’s abdomen with a soft thud.


    Flushed with embarrassment, she tried to get up quickly, reaching out to grab anything for bnce, but unfortunately, her handsnded—of all ces—right on his crotch.


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