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

Chapter 223 Together All

The Time

Eric’s gaze was unwavering, filled with a quiet resolve that left no room for retreat.

He was gambling now–testing the waters, searching for any sign that this woman felt something, for ham

Did Hadley even have a choice? Her clear eyes held his for a moment, unreadable. Then, ever so singly, she nodded. Rising onto her tiptoes, she whispered against his lips, “Okay”

Her mouth brushed against his–a kiss so soft, so fleeting, it barely fingered before pulling away

But that single touch was all it took. Desire coiled instantly in Eric’s chest.

Before she could step back, his arm slid around her waist, pulling her in, pressing her close. His lips found hers again–but this time, there was nothing hesitant about it.

Then, his mouth parted against hers.

“Mmm.”

This wasn’t just a kiss. It was a claim. A bite. A warning

Hadley winced, a sharp sting pulling her out of the moment. Her brows furrowed as she whispered, “Eric, that hurt.”

“Did it?”

Eric’s breath was heavy as he pulled back, his hands still cradling her head. His gaze flickered over her face before settling on her now–swollen lips.

Regret crossed his features.

Lifting a hand, he traced her lips gently, his touch a stark contrast to the roughness of the kiss moments before. “I’m sorry.”

He had lost control.

His forehead pressed against hers, his palms framing her cheeks. His voice, low and husky, carried both tenderness and a dangerous edge–much like his own contradictions.

“You kissed me, Hadley. There’s no escaping now”

Before she could react, his lips captured hers again

“I gave you a choice once, and you chose to stay.” His voice was low, his breath warm against her skin quiet promise, a firm command. “There’s no chance for regrets now!

0.0%

< Chapter 223 Together All The Time

Hadley leaned into him, her fingers tightening around his shirt as she shook her head. “I never planned to

regret it.”

Oh.

Just that one sentence–simple, unadorned–meant more to Eric than any confession, more than a thousand

sweet words or empty reassurances.

His heart, which had plummeted with disappointment earlier, soared.

A slow smirk curled his lips as his thumb brushed her cheek. “Alright then, since you seem sincere, I’ll let you off the hook for tonight.”

“Thank you, ah-!”

finish, Eric suddenly lifted her off the floor, her toes barely grazing his

widened, but his expression remained serious. “Be serious.

a laugh, clinging to his shoulders

but you chose to stay.” His voice was steady, sure. “This time, it

no point in denying it. “Yes.” She

a little. “If you really didn’t want to be here, Hadley, you wouldn’t be.” His voice was lighter now, teasing but certain. “Admit it–being

she had the perfect opportunity to walk

her choose him without hesitation. The fact that someone else–just a housemate–could

real man didn’t get

“Hadley.”

lifting her effortlessly into his arms. “I’ll make you fall for me,

by something rare–conviction. A quiet certainty that cut through all the

you trust

just a fleeting moment, her heart stammered.

it effortlessly, the corners of her lips curving into a smile.

and see.”

nor a no–a challenge in

18.9%

walls between them crumbled, the lines of their relationship

The next day…

against the soft daylight streaming through the curtains. The clock read almost

moved Eric’s arm off her waist and slipped out of bed. After a quick shower, she emerged wrapped in a towel, running a brush

bathroom door opening. Eric had woken up too.

have

he left the

Where was he

surge of frustration, Eric had tossed something into the backseat and left it there–forgotten in the heat of the moment. A few minutes later, Eric

it on the dressing table, he nodded

hesitated but set her brush down and lifted the

was a sleek, elegant wristwatch. The design felt strangely familiar. She furrowed her brows, trying to place where she had seen it

knowingly. “Looks familiar?”

the box,

wrist is so slender, and

pulling her wrist back slightly. “Eric, this

as if it were the most natural thing in the world,

on

it looked familiar–he had the exact same

didn’t expect it to be ready so soon, but since they

a bespoke timepiece. One of only two

watch on her wrist. It was too much–too

44.5%

21:09

223 Together All The Time

should just put it away.” Her voice was light, but there was a tinge of unease. “It’s too precious. If I scratch it or worse–lose it, wouldn’t that be

worry about that.”

take it off, Eric caught her

strap as he spoke. “Each watch has a unique serial number–like DNA. As long as that number exists, it can always be found.” His voice dipped lower, coaxing. “So just wear

brought it close to her ear.

deepened. “We’re wearing the same watch, Hadley. It’s like we’re always connected,

Her breath caught, her heart

a beautiful sentiment!