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-!”

her off the floor, her toes barely

but his expression remained serious. “Be serious. I’m talking business.”

back a laugh, clinging to his

I gave you the choice to leave, but you chose to stay.” His voice was steady, sure. “This time, it wasn’t me forcing you–it was your decision. Right?”

softly, seeing no point in denying it.

a little. “If you really didn’t want to be here, Hadley, you wouldn’t

opportunity to

enough. Not yet. Not enough to make her choose him without hesitation. The fact that someone else–just a housemate–could

man didn’t get petty over

“Hadley.”

her effortlessly into his arms. “I’ll make you fall for me, Hadley -more than you already

locked onto hers, the usual turbulence in his dark eyes replaced by something rare–conviction. A quiet certainty that cut through all the unspoken doubts between them.

you trust

stammered. A warmth she wasn’t

the corners of her lips curving into

and see.”

a no–a challenge in disguise.

18.9%

melted and the walls between them crumbled, the lines of their

The next day…

soft daylight streaming through the curtains.

her waist and slipped out of bed. After a quick shower, she emerged wrapped in a towel, running a brush through her damp hair in

door opening. Eric had woken up

right. I have something

she could respond, he left

Where was he

it there–forgotten in the heat of the moment. A few minutes later, Eric returned, holding a

he nodded toward her. “Go

Hadley hesitated but set her brush down and lifted the lid.

sleek, elegant wristwatch. The design felt strangely familiar. She furrowed her brows, trying to place where

smirked knowingly.

box, gently taking her left wrist and fastening the

“Your wrist is so slender, and the

back slightly. “Eric, this is too

a watch.” Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he added, “Besides, it’s a pair–with mine.”

on

had the exact same one. Only his

since they had mine as a reference, they

timepiece. One of only two

weight of the watch on her wrist. It was too much–too extravagant, too

44.5%

21:09

All

brushing over the sleek surface. “Maybe I should just put it away.” Her voice was light, but there

about

off, Eric caught her

a unique serial number–like DNA. As long as that number exists, it can always

her wrist, he brought it

wearing the same watch, Hadley. It’s like we’re always connected, no

stilled. Her breath caught, her heart skipping

a beautiful sentiment!