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

Chapter 169 Perfect Balance Of Strength And...

“Um...” Hadley hesitated before pointing toward the pack of cigarettes on the dashboard. “Can you quit

smoking?”

Eric blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Of all the things she could've asked for, this wasn’t what he

expected. He arched a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Laying down rules already? That's pretty strict.”

How was she supposed to explain that she didn’t want his habit affecting her chances of having a healthy baby?

After a beat, she simply said, “I can’t stand the smell of smoke.” Then, as if it were an afterthought, she added

coolly, “So if you don’t quit... don’t kissever again.”

Without waiting for a response, she reached for the door handle.

“Hey-"

Eric's reflexes were quicker than hers. His hand closed gently around her wrist, stopping her before she could

leave. “What's wrong? You mad at me?”

Seeing that she still wouldn't look at him, he chuckled. “I never said | wouldn't agree.”

His eyes gleamed mischievously. “But if | quit smoking... do | get a reward?”

A reward?

Hadley blinked, caught off guard. “What kind of reward are you expecting?”

Eric smirked. “Since it's coming from you, | think you should decide. Where's the fun if | have to cup with it

myself?”

Seriously?

Hadley stared at him for two seconds before a slow, knowing smile tugged at her lips. Without warning, she

leaned in, grabbed his tie, and pulled him closer.

“Hadley?”

Eric instinctively straightened, his pulse hitching-but before he could react, he felt it. A soft, fleeting warmth

brushing against his Adam's apple.

She kissed him.

Not on the lips. Not on the cheek. Right against the most sensitive spot on a man’s throat.

Hadley knew exactly what she was doing.

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The kiss lasted barely a second-just long enough to send a jolt down his spine-before she released him and

turned away, her gaze skittering to the side.

“That's your treat. Okay, bye!”

With that, she spun on her heel, pushed open the car door, and stepped out.

Eric sat there, utterly still, watching her walk away. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, his mind replaying the

moment over and over.

Then, out of nowhere-

A low chuckle escaped his lips before it rolled into a full, amused laugh.

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She wasn't like this before... When had she learned to be so damn seductive?

Just enough to tease. Just enough to keep him hooked.

Like tossing a barbed hook into the water-once it caught, every little tug sent a sharp, aching pull through his

chest, leaving him craving more.

Eric exhaled, running his tongue over his teeth, before muttering under his breath, “Just wait, Hadley. I'll make

sure you pay for that-sooner or later.”

Only when she was completely out of sight did he finally shift his gaze. His eyes landed on the pack of cigarettes

beside him.

Without a second thought, he picked it up, rolled down the window, and tossed it into the nearest trash can.

At the office, Eric glanced up from his desk and gestured for Phillips to step in.

“I need you to contact a renovation company,” he said, his tone crisp and direct.

Phillips nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Where's the project?”

As far as he knew, Eric hadn't purchased any new properties recently, which made the request unusual. “Is there

a place that needs remodeling?” he asked, curiosity creeping into his voice.

“Yes.” Eric leaned back slightly, tapping a pen against the desk.

“I'll send you the details. You have the access code for Silver Villas, don’t you? Take a team there later and make

the necessary arrangements.”

Phillips nodded sharply. “Understood, Mr. Flynn.”

A few days later.

Tomorrow marked Hadley’s long-awaited day off-the first one since she and Eric had officially defined their

relationship.

And it meant one thing: they had an entire day for a date. Eric had been anticipating this for a while. With most

of Hadley’s performances scheduled in the evening, finding uninterrupted ttogether wasn’t easy.

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20:45

When Hadley finally emerged from the dance studio’s entrance, Eric was already there, waiting. His voice carried

across the evening air, and she instinctively quickened her pace, jogging toward him. “Hadley! Over here!”

The moment she was close enough, Eric reached out-pulling her straight into his arms.

And then, without warning, he tilted his head down and kissed her.

“Mmm-!"

Hadley’s eyes widened in shock. A wave of heat rushed to her face as she quickly pushed against his chest. They

were still right outside the studio, for god's sake-colleagues were passing by, sstealing glances, others

pretending not to notice.

“Let go!” she hissed under her breath.

Eric released her, utterly unbothered. He licked his lips, clearly pleased with himself.

“What's the big deal? It's not like we're keeping this a secret.”

Hadley shot him a glare but didn’t bother arguing. Instead, she huffed. “Get in the car first!”

“Fine.”

Once inside, Eric leaned over, smoothly fastening her seatbelt before settling back into his own seat.

Hadley knew there was no avoiding tonight-not that she had intended to. She had already made arrangements

at home.

Eric shot her a knowing glance.

“Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?” he offered, though he already had a feeling what her answer

would be, given how strict her diet usually was.

Hadley shook her head without hesitation.

“No, thanks. I'm good.”

After a brief pause, Hadley added, “But... if there's an apple, | wouldn't say no.”

Eric let out a low chuckle, his fingertips grazing her cheek in an absentminded caress. “Apples, huh? Don’t worry.

I've got plenty.”

With that, he gripped the steering wheel, pressed down on the accelerator, and they were off.

Hadley glanced at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Where are we going?”

Eric's lips curled into a mysterious smile. “Somewhere nice.”

Somewhere nice? She watched the road as familiar sights passed by-and realization dawned. They were heading

straight for Silver Villas.

So, in the end, it was just an elaborate way of taking her to bed, wasn't it?

Hadley let out a silent chuckle, shaking her head to herself. Not that she minded-it was exactly what she had

intended, too.

The car pulled up in front of the house, and Eric wasted no time.

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“Let's go,” he said, taking her hand and leading her inside.

They walked through the grand living room, past the luxurious furnishings, and headed straight upstairs. But

instead of the master bedroom, Eric steered her down the hallway.

Hadley frowned slightly. “Where are we going?”

He glanced over his shoulder, his smirk deepening. “You'll see soon enough.”

They finally stopped in front of a closed door. Eric's expression was unreadable, but there was something playful

in his gaze. “Get ready,” he said, fingers wrapping around the doorknob. “I'm about to open it.”

Hadley raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

Eric simply gestured grandly. “Take a look, my lady...”

With that, he twisted the knob and pushed the door open, his palm resting lightly against the small of her back

as he guided her inside.

The moment the lights flickered on, Hadley’s breath caught.

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The space before her was bright and expansive-rows of light strips glowed along the ceiling, mirrors lined three

walls, and a sleek wooden barre stretched across one side.

A fully equipped practice room!

Hadley stood frozen in place, staring in stunned silence. Then, slowly, she turned back to Eric, her lips parting as

if to speak-only to find herself completely speechless.

“Did you... did you do all this?”

Eric nodded, a pleased smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah.” His gaze swept over the room, a hint of pride in his

expression. “Twas tight, so | had them rush the work. They only just finished it last night...”

Satisfied with the result, he turned back to her, watching her closely.

“So? What do you think? Do you like it?”

Hadley’s lips parted slightly, but no words came. She stood there, utterly still, her thoughts tangled.

It was too sudden, too unexpected-her emotions a whirlwind of feelings she couldn't quite name.

“What's wrong?” he asked, his brows drawing together.

“Is something off? They assuredit was built to international standards. If there's a problem, | swear, Ill call

them right now-"

Before he could take another step, Hadley grabbed his wrist.

“Hadley?”

She met his gaze and shook her head lightly. “It’s not that it’s not up to standard... | just-” She exhaled, a rare

softness in her voice. “I really like it. Thank you.”

“That's all | needed to hear.”

Relief washed over Eric, a slow smile breaking across his lips. Nothing felt better than 1**

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this-accepted what he had done for her.

With an easy grin, he opened his arms and gestured toward the room. “Want to give it a spin?”

“Why not?”

“I'll put on smusic for you.”

As the soothing melody filled the space, Hadley moved to the center of the room. She planted her feet firmly,

her body instinctively falling into precision. With a practiced elegance, she stretched, her form taut yet effortless.

She was slender but not fragile-her skin smooth, supple with the perfect balance of strength and grace.

From where Eric stood, he could see the gentle upturn of her nose, the faintest shimmer of soft down on her

cheeks under the glow of the lights.

That wild, untamed energy of youth and passion radiated from her, bold and reckless.

“Hadley.”

Her nleft his lips in a hushed breath before he surged forward.

She barely had tto react before he caught her, pulling her securely into his arms. Before she could say

anything, his lips found hers-deep, consuming, leaving no room for hesitation.

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