Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 167: All You Have To Do Is To Fall For Me

Natalie stared at him, torn between fear and hope. Before she could stop herself, she whispered, "What if I never...?"

"You will," Justin interrupted, his tone certain and steady. "I believe in us. So stop overthinking, and let things between us unfold naturally."

A small, hesitant nod escaped Natalie. She wanted to believe him—to trust his words.

Justin straightened, stepped back, tucking his hands coolly into his pockets, watching her with a steady, unreadable gaze.

"I am giving you time, that doesn’t mean I would stay away from you," He began turning to his domineering self, from how gentle he was a moment before. "If we stay away, how would you realize what you feel for me? So, do not expect me to be a gentleman, which I am not. I would be close to you, kiss you when both of us are in a situation. I won’t hold back."

Natalie swallowed hard. This man—he was like a chameleon. One moment, he seemed like the most patient, understanding man in the world. The next, he was unapologetically bold, making it clear that he wasn’t going to play by the rules of restraint.

’One moment gentleman, but the next moment a rouge.’

"But don’t worry," Justin added, his tone calm but unwavering. "The more intimate things—like what we did last night, or sex—those will only happen when you consent to it."

Natalie’s breath hitched, her throat tightening at his blunt words. Her palms grew clammy, and she couldn’t help but wonder, Why is this man so direct?

"And another thing," Justin continued, his gaze steady on her. "If you have anything on your mind—complaints, doubts, or feelings—tell me directly. Don’t jump to conclusions or create misunderstandings in your head and then cry over them like someone weak."

His words, though firm, weren’t harsh—they were matter-of-fact, reflecting his desire for clarity.

"I hate misunderstandings," he went on, "and I prefer open communication, even if the truth might sting. You’re a strong woman, Natalie. Be that way with me too. If something feels wrong, tell me to my face. Got it?"

swallowed hard and awkwardly cleared her

are mine, that Aiden Handrix had already lost you," he said with a

she muttered,

small, satisfied nod. "Good. Now let’s get some

leaving Natalie with a swirl

conditions for the relationship, and he was

the bed and Natalie realised she had yet to thank him for all the help he was offering her

me asking you to," she

on her side of the bed as he lifted the blanket to cover then both. "But, as

the way she

then got serious as he sat in the

But I don’t want that gratitude to become the reason you fall for me. It

to grasp

that doesn’t mean we fall in love with every person who lends a hand. Help should be seen for what it is—just

sink in, and Natalie listened intently,

start to feel like you owe that person. That feeling of debt drives you to please them, to make them happy—and before you

truth she had been avoiding. His insight pierced through her thoughts, bringing

Ivan, believing it was out of love—but was

never really

words. "You’re smart enough to understand the difference,

to feel indebted to Ivan for supporting her all