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

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.

like this before… When had she learned to be so

enough to keep

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

tongue over his teeth, before muttering under his breath, “Just wait, Hadley.

sight did he finally shift his gaze. His eyes landed on the pack of

rolled down the window, and tossed it into the

desk and gestured for Phillips

a renovation company,” he said, his tone crisp and

nodded without hesitation. “Of

he knew, Eric hadn’t purchased any new properties recently, which made the request unusual. “Is there a place that needs remodeling?” he asked, curiosity creeping into

Eric leaned back slightly, tapping a pen

Silver Villas, don’t you? Take a team there later and make

“Understood, Mr.

few days

long–awaited day off–the first one since she and Eric had officially defined

been anticipating this for a while. With most of Hadley’s performances

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20:45

waiting. His voice carried across the evening air, and she instinctively quickened

she was close enough, Eric reached

warning, he tilted his head down

“Mmm-!”

of heat rushed to her face as she quickly pushed against his chest. They were still right outside the studio, for god’s sake–colleagues were passing by, some stealing

hissed under her breath.

released her, utterly unbothered. He licked his lips, clearly

big deal? It’s not like we’re keeping this

bother arguing. Instead, she huffed. “Get in

“Fine.”

her seatbelt before settling back into his own

avoiding tonight–not that she had intended

a knowing glance.

you hungry? Do you want something to eat?” he offered, though he already had a feeling what her answer would be, given how strict her diet

her head

thanks. I’m

a brief pause, Hadley added, “But… if there’s an

cheek in an absentminded caress. “Apples, huh? Don’t worry. I’ve

pressed down on the accelerator, and they

glanced at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

lips curled into a mysterious smile.

She watched the road as familiar sights passed by–and realization dawned. They

was just an elaborate way of taking her to bed,

herself. Not that she minded–it was exactly what she had

in front of the

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20:45

he said, taking her hand and leading her inside.

the luxurious furnishings, and headed straight upstairs. But instead of the master bedroom, Eric steered her down the

frowned slightly. “Where are we

glanced over his shoulder, his smirk deepening. “You’ll see soon enough.”

expression was 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.