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.

0.0%

20:45

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.

before… When had she learned to

tease. Just enough to keep him hooked.

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

exhaled, running his tongue over his teeth, before muttering under his breath, “Just wait, Hadley. I’ll make

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

rolled down the window, and tossed it into

office, Eric glanced up from his desk and gestured

to contact a renovation company,” he said, his

hesitation. “Of course. Where’s the project?”

which made the request unusual. “Is there a place that needs remodeling?” he

back slightly, tapping a pen against the

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

“Understood,

days

off–the first one since

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

17.7%

20:45

His voice carried across the

she was close enough, Eric reached out–pulling her straight into his

he tilted his head down and

“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 glances, others pretending not to

hissed under

her, utterly unbothered. He licked his lips, clearly

the big deal? It’s not like we’re

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

“Fine.”

inside, Eric leaned over, smoothly fastening her seatbelt before settling back

was no avoiding tonight–not that she had intended to.

shot her a knowing

eat?” he offered, though he already had a feeling what her answer would be, given how strict her diet usually was.

shook her head without hesitation.

I’m good.”

if there’s an apple, I wouldn’t say no.”

chuckle, his fingertips grazing her cheek in an absentminded caress. “Apples, huh? Don’t

gripped the steering wheel, pressed down on

curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Where are we going?”

curled into a mysterious smile. “Somewhere

as familiar sights passed by–and realization dawned. They were heading

end, it was just an elaborate way of taking her

shaking her head to herself. Not that she

the house, and

40.9%

20:45

he said, taking her hand and leading her inside.

luxurious furnishings, and headed straight upstairs.

frowned slightly. “Where are

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

there was something playful in his gaze. “Get ready,” he said, fingers wrapping around the doorknob.

raised an eyebrow. “What is

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255