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

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

a laugh, clinging to his shoulders before

I said, I gave you the choice to leave, but you chose to stay.”

no point in denying it. “Yes.”

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

opportunity to walk

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

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

“Hadley.”

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

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

you trust

a fleeting moment, her heart stammered. A warmth

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

and see.”

a yes nor a no–a

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melted and the walls between them crumbled, the lines of

The next day…

soft daylight streaming through the curtains. The

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

up too. Still

right. I have something for

he

frowned slightly. Where was

a surge of frustration, Eric had tossed something into the backseat and left it there–forgotten in the heat of

dressing table, he nodded toward her.

set her brush down and

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

smirked knowingly. “Looks familiar?”

box, gently taking her left wrist and fastening the strap.

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

wrist back slightly. “Eric,

it were the most natural thing in

dawned on her.

exact same one. Only his was

chuckled. “I didn’t expect it to be ready so soon, but since they had mine as a reference, they basically

of only

weight of the watch on her

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21:09

All

but there

about

off, Eric caught

he spoke. “Each watch has a unique serial number–like DNA. As long as that number exists, it can

brought it close

Hadley. It’s

Her breath caught, her heart skipping a beat.

beautiful sentiment!