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.”

chuckled. “Thank

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

remained serious. “Be serious. I’m

course. Business.” Hadley bit back a laugh, clinging

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?”

in

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 with me wasn’t

all, she had the perfect opportunity to walk away tonight… and yet, she stayed.

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

whatever. A real man didn’t get petty over these

“Hadley.”

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

onto hers, the usual turbulence in his dark eyes replaced by something rare–conviction.

trust

just a fleeting moment, her heart stammered. A warmth

the corners of her lips curving into a smile.

and see.”

yes nor a no–a challenge

18.9%

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

The next day…

against the 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

bathroom door opening. Eric had woken up too. Still toweling off

I have

respond, he left

Where was he

something into the backseat and left it there–forgotten in the

the dressing table, he nodded toward her. “Go

Hadley hesitated but set her brush

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

knowingly.

answer, he plucked the watch from the box, gently taking her left wrist and fastening

“Your wrist is so slender, and the strap sits just right. The color

slightly. “Eric, this is

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

dawned on her.

looked familiar–he had the exact same one. Only his was

it to be ready so soon, but since they had mine

of

weight of the watch on her wrist.

44.5%

21:09

223 Together All

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

about that.”

take it off, Eric caught her hand, holding it firmly

it?” He smirked, shaking his head. “That’s impossible.” His fingers traced the 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

her wrist, he brought it close

Eric’s smile deepened. “We’re wearing the same watch, Hadley. It’s like we’re always connected, no matter

stilled. Her breath caught, her heart skipping a

beautiful sentiment!