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

Chapter 169

Chapter 169 Perfect Balance Of Strength And…

“Um…” Hadley hesitated before pointing toward the pack of cigarettes on the dashboard. “Can you quit smoking?”

Eric blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Of all the things she could’ve asked for, this wasn’t what he expected. He arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Laying down rules already? That’s pretty strict.”

How was she supposed to explain that she didn’t want his habit affecting her chances of having a healthy baby?

After a beat, she simply said, “I can’t stand the smell of smoke.” Then, as if it were an afterthought, she added coolly, “So if you don’t quit… don’t kiss me ever again.”

Without waiting for a response, she reached for the door handle.

“Hey-”

Eric’s reflexes were quicker than hers. His hand closed gently around her wrist, stopping her before she could leave. “What’s wrong? You mad at me?”

Seeing that she still wouldn’t look at him, he chuckled. “I never said I wouldn’t agree.”

His eyes gleamed mischievously. “But if I quit smoking… do I get a reward?”

A reward?

Hadley blinked, caught off guard. “What kind of reward are you expecting?”

Eric smirked. “Since it’s coming from you, I think you should decide. Where’s the fun if I have to come up with it myself?”

Seriously?

Hadley stared at him for two seconds before a slow, knowing smile tugged at her lips. Without warning, she leaned in, grabbed his tie, and pulled him closer.

“Hadley?”

Eric instinctively straightened, his pulse hitching–but before he could react, he felt it. A soft, fleeting warmth brushing against his Adam’s apple.

She kissed him.

Not on the lips. Not on the cheek. Right against the most sensitive spot on a man’s throat.

Hadley knew exactly what she was doing.

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The kiss lasted barely a second–just long enough to send a jolt down his spine–before she released him and turned away, her gaze skittering to the side.

“That’s your treat. Okay, bye!”

With that, she spun on her heel, pushed open the car door, and stepped out.

Eric sat there, utterly still, watching her walk away. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, his mind replaying the

moment over and over.

Then, out of nowhere-

A low chuckle escaped his lips before it rolled into a full, amused laugh.

had she learned to be

enough to tease. Just enough to

barbed hook into the water–once it caught, every little tug sent a sharp, aching pull through his chest,

teeth, before muttering under his breath, “Just wait, Hadley. I’ll make sure you pay

shift his gaze. His eyes landed on the pack of

it up, rolled down the

up from his desk and

you to contact a renovation company,” he said, his tone crisp and

without hesitation. “Of course. Where’s the project?”

recently, which made the request unusual. “Is there a place that needs

leaned back slightly, tapping a pen against the

send you the details. You have the access code for Silver Villas, don’t you? Take a

“Understood, Mr.

few days

marked Hadley’s long–awaited day off–the first one since she and

date. Eric had been anticipating this for a while. With most of Hadley’s performances scheduled in the evening,

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20:45

His voice carried across the evening air, and she instinctively quickened her pace, jogging toward him. “Hadley!

Eric reached out–pulling her straight into his

tilted his head down and kissed her.

“Mmm-!”

of heat rushed to her face as she quickly pushed against his chest. They were still right outside the

she hissed

her, utterly unbothered. He licked

It’s not like we’re keeping this a secret.”

bother arguing.

“Fine.”

Eric leaned over, smoothly fastening her seatbelt before

there was no avoiding tonight–not that she had intended to. She had already made

shot her a knowing glance.

already had a feeling what her answer would be, given how strict her diet usually

her head without hesitation.

I’m

Hadley added, “But… if there’s an apple, I wouldn’t say

out a low chuckle, his fingertips grazing her cheek in an

pressed down on the accelerator, and they were

him, curiosity flickering in

curled into a mysterious

watched the road as familiar sights passed by–and realization

end, it was just an elaborate way of taking her

Not that she minded–it was exactly what she had intended, too.

up in front of the house, and Eric wasted no time.

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20:45

said, taking her hand and leading her

through the grand living room, past the luxurious furnishings, and headed straight upstairs. But instead of the master bedroom, Eric

slightly. “Where are

glanced over his shoulder, his smirk

unreadable, but there was something playful in his gaze. “Get ready,” he said, fingers wrapping around the doorknob. “I’m about to open it.”

eyebrow.

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