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.

When had she learned to

tease. Just enough to keep him

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

his breath, “Just wait, Hadley. I’ll make sure you

out of sight did he finally shift his gaze. His

the window, and tossed it into

Eric glanced up from his desk and gestured for Phillips to step in.

company,” he said, his tone crisp and

hesitation. “Of course.

hadn’t purchased any new properties recently, which made the request unusual. “Is there a place that needs remodeling?”

tapping a pen against the desk.

have the access code for Silver Villas, don’t you?

nodded sharply. “Understood, Mr. Flynn.”

few days later.

Hadley’s long–awaited day off–the first one since she and Eric had officially defined their

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

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20:45

from the dance studio’s entrance, Eric was already there, waiting. His voice carried across

reached out–pulling her

warning, he tilted his head down and

“Mmm-!”

in shock. A wave of heat rushed to her face as she quickly pushed against his chest. They were still right outside the studio, for god’s

she hissed under her breath.

her, utterly unbothered. He licked

like we’re keeping this a

him a glare but didn’t bother arguing. Instead, she huffed. “Get in the car

“Fine.”

fastening her seatbelt before settling back into his

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

a

he offered, though he already had a

head without hesitation.

thanks. I’m

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

out a low chuckle, his fingertips grazing her cheek in an absentminded caress. “Apples, huh?

the steering wheel, pressed down on the accelerator, and they were

curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Where are we

a mysterious smile. “Somewhere nice.”

watched the road as familiar sights passed by–and realization dawned. They were heading straight

just an elaborate way of taking her to

silent chuckle, shaking her head to herself. Not that she minded–it was exactly what

up in front of the

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20:45

said, taking her

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

frowned slightly. “Where are

glanced over his shoulder, his smirk deepening.

was unreadable, but there was something playful in his gaze. “Get ready,” he said, fingers

eyebrow.

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