Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 74 A Kiss Is Of Help

The instant the spray hit Hadley’s tongue, an unbearable bitterness seized her senses, nearly knocking the breath out of her. The taste was so vile it felt like poison itself.

Hadley clenched her jaw, trying to endure the assault on her taste buds.

Eric, as if anticipating her every move, reacted in a blink. Just as she turned her head, he swiftly pressed a firm hand over her mouth, blocking any chance of escape.

His eyes, sharp as a blade, locked onto her with an unyielding glare.

“It helps with the burn, Hadley. You are not spitting it out,” Eric commanded, his voice brooking no argument. Hadley froze, confusion flickering across her face like a candle in the wind.

The sheer awfulness of the taste sent a shudder through her, and she instinctively tried to pry his hand away, unable to withstand the lingering bitterness.

Eric’s voice turned cool, almost teasing, yet lined with steel. “Disobeying me again, are you?”

Then, without warning, he stood and pulled his hand away.

Hadley barely had a second to react before Eric grasped her cheeks, leaned down, and captured her lips in his

Own

She could only stare, stunned, as realization struck like a thunderclap.

Hadley was taken aback for a second, unsure of what to say.

Was he-

Was he kissing her again?

As if bewitched by the moment, Eric seemed to savor the contact, his senses sharpening at every tiny detail. When Hadley’s long lashes brushed against his skin, the soft, fleeting touch sent a tremor through him, like the whisper of a breeze stirring embers into flames.

His breath, warm and steady, curled against her lips as he murmured, “Still bitter?”

Hadley’s lips parted, her thoughts scattering like dry leaves in the wind. She stammered, “N–no… it… it is not bitter anymore.”

“Is that so?”

A low chuckle rumbled from Eric’s throat. “One kiss, and it is gone, just like that?”

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“What?” Hadley blinked, utterly baffled, wondering if she had misheard him.

“Silly girl,” Eric muttered, voice tinged with an odd fondness.

Then, as if something primal overtook him, he seized her by the waist and pulled her flush against him.

Hadley stood frozen, lips slightly parted, the ghost of the bitter medicine still clinging to her breath.

“Hadley.”

The way he spoke her name was slow, deliberate, each syllable curling over his tongue with an unsettling certainty.

stone, Eric declared, “You and Denver do not belong together. Tomorrow, you will tell

into Hadley. Her heart pounded, a wild rhythm drumming

only then that Hadley realized she had been leaning into his chest. A startled jolt ran through her, and she pulled away as if burned. She stumbled back, putting as much distance as she could

contact.

I listen

could hardly process the fact that Eric, who had always acted like he despised her, was now kissing and embracing

as she shook her head.

just fine! My life is none of your

she turned on her heel and dashed away.

“Hadley!”

voice rumbled with frustration, thick with anger.

look back. She was unnerved by Eric’s unpredictable behavior and couldn’t make sense of

What was driving him?

sleep eluded

his kiss flooded her thoughts. No matter

slipped out of the Flynn Mansion

the circumstances, facing her felt like climbing a mountain. The longer Hadley stayed in the mansion, the more fear crept into her heart.

resolved to apologize

a sigh of relief. She coul

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arrived at

makeup, she stopped to pick up her phone and dial

“Nyla.”

“Where did you go? I

been staying with the Flynn family for a few days, so I won’t be coming

“What? But…”

agreed I’d only stay with you for a few days, remember?”

was simply sticking to their original

“Alright, but promise me you’ll visit us often. We’ll always be your

with a light laugh.

as Hadley ended the call, Lennon strolled

other holding a bouquet of flowers. The dressing

said, flashing a playful grin.

Hadley felt no joy at

her, and an uneasy feeling settled in her chest, leaving her heart racing with

wrapped up, Hadley received

knew she couldn’t

choice but to pick

tone was firm. “I’m on my way. Wait for me.

“That’s not necessary…”

cut her off. “I’m not asking for your

he hung

Hadley anxiously

head around

of the world well

behaving in a way that clearly hinted at

thought of Eric actually liking her? That