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!

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< 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-!”

off the floor, her

eyes widened, but his expression remained serious. “Be

Business.” Hadley bit back a laugh, clinging to his

brow, clearly enjoying this. “Like I said, I gave you the choice to leave, but you chose to stay.” His voice was steady, sure. “This time, it wasn’t me forcing

in denying it. “Yes.” She

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 entirely against

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

enough. Not yet. Not enough to make her choose him without hesitation. The fact

real man didn’t get petty over

“Hadley.”

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

the usual turbulence in his dark eyes replaced by something rare–conviction. A quiet certainty that cut through all

you trust me?”

her heart stammered.

it effortlessly, the corners of her lips curving into a smile. “I suppose I’ll just have to

and see.”

nor a no–a challenge in

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melted and the walls between them crumbled, the lines of

The next day…

stirred awake, blinking against the soft daylight streaming through the curtains. The clock

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

the bathroom door opening. Eric had woken up too. Still toweling off his hair, he walked past

have something for

she could respond, he left

slightly. Where was he going?

and left it there–forgotten

dressing table, he nodded toward her. “Go on–open it.”

set her brush down and

design felt strangely familiar. She furrowed her

smirked knowingly.

he plucked the watch from the box,

“Your wrist is so slender, and the strap sits just

slightly. “Eric, this is too expensive.”

it were the most natural thing in the world, he added, “Besides,

on her.

exact same one. Only his

expect it to be ready so soon, but since they had mine as a reference, they basically just replicated

bespoke timepiece. One of

watch on her wrist. It

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223 Together All The

was light, but there was a tinge of unease. “It’s too precious. If I scratch it or worse–lose

worry about

could take it off, Eric caught her hand, holding

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,

wrist, he brought it close to

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

caught, her

beautiful