He gently brushed aside the loose strands of hair from her forehead, his movements tender. While unbuttoning his own shirt, his eyes never left hers, maintaining their gaze.

Sophia blinked calmly, having somehow regained her composure. Just as he was about to lean down again, she turned her face away and asked, "Does it have to be this way?"

William found her irritating and covered her mouth with his hand. "Right now, I just want to—"

Before he could ...