James knocked on the door for half an hour,
using various methods and all sorts of coaxing, but he couldn't get the bathroom door to open.
Finally, defeated, James conceded:
"Alright, alright, come out. I really won't touch you this time, I swear."
"I'm serious. Come out and let's go to sleep."
"What will it take for you to believe me?"
Shirley Taylor remained silent inside.
It became evident that if a girl was determined, certain things were just impossible.
It was very late by now.
James, worried she might stay in there all night, gave up on his plans.
He left the suite.
He went next door, booked another room, and lay in bed, thinking about the beauty he'd just had in his arms. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
James was upset.
This was his first defeat.
Previously, neither Tailsa nor Amanda had resisted him in the slightest.
He had thought this younger, more innocent girl would be even easier to win over.
Instead, he had stumbled.
The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He got dressed and decided to head to the W Hotel's bar.
He planned to have a couple of drinks and then pay a pretty girl to spend the long night with him.
Just then, his phone rang.
It was a message from Shirley Taylor:
"Brother, I'm sorry."
James was annoyed and didn't want to reply, but he thought she was young and it was normal for her to be scared.
James: "I was too hasty. I didn't consider your feelings."
Shirley Taylor: "It's my fault. I shouldn't have acted like that."
James: "Hehe, if you regret it, we can continue."
Shirley Taylor: "Brother, do you love me?"
James was surprised. How did this girl suddenly become so bold, asking such a direct question?
Without hesitation, he replied, "I love you. You're the woman I love the most."
Shirley Taylor: "Then come back. I'm ready this time."
Overjoyed, James rushed next door and knocked.
Moments later, a dazed, flushed Shirley Taylor opened the door.
James stepped inside and caught a whiff of wine, frowning.
"Have you been drinking?"
"Yes."
Shirley Taylor hooked her arms around his neck and smiled sheepishly.
"How much did you drink?"
"I don't know."
James was silent for a moment, then gently picked her up and carried her to the bed.
Shirley Taylor clung to him like a koala, nuzzling his cheek and whispering in his ear, "Brother, I love you too. You know, when I saw you this afternoon, I was stunned. You're so handsome, even more handsome than in the pictures. I really, really want to be with you, but they say I'm a country bumpkin. I'm afraid I'm not good enough for you..."
James listened to the girl's murmurs.
He noticed the two opened bottles of wine on the table, realizing this naive girl had drunk quite a bit.
Although she looked tempting, James didn't want to take her first time while she was drunk.
He was a billionaire, after all. Did he really need to resort to such tactics?
He gently placed Shirley Taylor on the bed, intending to get her some water to sober her up.
But she clung to him like an octopus, refusing to let go.
"I thought a lot just now. Whether you're sincere or just trying to get me into bed, I'm willing to give myself to you because you're the first man who's made me feel like I can hold my head up high."
"Then why did you hide in the bathroom?" James asked softly, inhaling her wine-scented breath.
"I was afraid you'd disappear after you'd had your way with me."
Shirley Taylor's tears started to fall again, despite her smile.
"And I didn't want to sleep with you just because you gave me money. I feel like that's wrong, but the truth is, I only came out here because you gave me money. I don't know what to do. I don't even know what I'm trying to say..."
She wiped her tears, let go of James, and shakily stood on the bed, untying her towel.
Under the warm yellow light, her exquisite body was completely bare.
"If you like it, take it. It's all I have."
James was stunned for a moment.
The visual impact was overwhelming.
Luckily, he'd been a bit unrestrained these past two days; otherwise, he would have pounced on her.
He didn't want her to go through such a beautiful night in a daze.
Moreover, a drunk rabbit probably wouldn't taste as good as a sober one.
So, James picked her up in a princess carry and tucked her into bed.
"I'll take it when you're sober. Now, sleep quietly,"
he said, turning to get her a hot towel and water.
Shirley Taylor stared at his back, the alcohol hitting her hard. She mumbled,
"Why?"
"Because I like you," James said, wiping her face with the towel. "And I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to do. I want my woman to be happy and joyful."
"I like you too, brother," Shirley Taylor smiled.
"Okay, sleep tight," James replied perfunctorily.
"Sleep with me, brother," Shirley Taylor said, raising her arms.
"..."
Alcohol really was a wonderful thing.
It made the timid bold and gave couples an excuse to tangle together.
James gently held her, coaxing her to sleep after much effort.
He sighed.
No going to the bar now.
He had to resist temptation and take care of her.
Damn it, he shouldn't have replied to her message.
Cursing under his breath,
James took off his clothes and lay down beside her.
Fortunately, the three-meter-wide bed was spacious enough.
They were separated by a vast gulf.
Without physical contact, James slowly calmed down and drifted into a dream.
In his dream, Tailsa was on his left, Amanda on his right, and Shirley Taylor clung to him like a koala in the middle...
...
The next morning,
Shirley Taylor woke up.
Opening her eyes and not finding herself in her dorm, she was confused.
The white sheets, the extravagant ceiling, and the man so close to her.
She was naked, curled up in his arms.
All of this left her bewildered.
After a while, her mind slowly pieced together the events of the previous night.
Recalling her shameless behavior, she was too embarrassed to open her eyes.
Luckily, the man was still fast asleep.
With her eyes open, Shirley Taylor carefully examined the man before her.
His eyes were closed, his skin a bit rough, as if weathered by the elements.
His features were ordinary individually but combined to create a handsome, masculine face.
His strong, defined jawline added to his three-dimensional appeal.
What's it like to wake up and find your dream prince sleeping beside you?
As Shirley Taylor gazed at him, her eyes filled with a hazy affection.
This man was young, wealthy, and considerate.
He hadn't taken advantage of her when she was unwilling.
Instead, he had taken care of her all night and promised her happiness.
At this thought, Shirley Taylor felt a wave of intoxication wash over her again.
She boldly leaned over and kissed him on the corner of his mouth.
This small act seemed to awaken the sleeping princess.
The man before her slowly stirred awake.