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

Chapter 170 Lovesickness

Their eyes met, and for a moment, tseemed to slow. In Eric's dark gaze, Hadley saw it-the unmistakable

pull of desire, deep and unwavering

His hand cupped her face, warm and slightly calloused, large enough to cover her delicate features entirely.

Hadley’s brows knit slightly, her full lips parting just enough, painted in a shade of red that made her look even

more alluring.

A rush of heat surged through Eric, but he held himself steady, his voice low, coaxing, “Hadley... is this okay?

Hmm?”

Her long lashes fluttered as she lowered her gaze, a breath of hesitation before she finally nodded.

“Hmm.”

There was no more reason to hold back-no more space for doubt.

He had been waiting for this moment forever.

This was the difference between men and women-when a man wanted a woman, every fiber of his being

demanded action. And right now, Eric wasn’t about to deny himself.

Without hesitation, he swept her into his arms, carrying her effortlessly out of the room. His strides were

purposeful, his grip firm yet careful as he headed straight for the master bedroom.

The door swung open with a rough kick-yet when he set her down on the bed, it was with the utmost

gentleness.

He still remembered her resistance from before.

Carefully, he met her gaze, his voice quieter now. “If you're scared... don’t force yourself.”

Hadley bit her lower lip, her fingers tightening slightly. Then, just as deliberately, she reached up, looping her

arms around his neck.

An invitation.

What man could resist that? Certainly not Eric.

He leaned in, the space between them vanishing.

He could feel it-she was still slightly tense, but compared to before, she had softened, her body no longer stiff

with hesitation.

“Is this okay?”

He wasn’t rushing-he would ask as many times as it took.

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“Uh-huh.”

Only after receiving her consent did Eric dare to continue.

He reached over, pulling open the drawer beside the bed.

Hadley’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “What are you doing?”

Eric paused, turning to her with a calm expression.

“Getting something... You don’t want to get pregnant so soon, do you?”

At the very least, shouldn't they wait until marriage before considering that step?

“It’s fine.” Hadley’s voice was firm, though there was a slight tension in her jaw. “No need for... that.”

“Ill take care of it,” she continued smoothly, her tone unwavering. “I cprepared.”

Of course, what she had actually prepared was nothing more than vitamins.

Eric hesitated, his dark gaze scanning her face for any sign of doubt.

“But... That stuff isn’t exactly good for you. Maybe | should-"

“| said it’s fine.” Before he could argue, she pressed on, unashamedly adding, “I don’t like it. I'd rather take the

pill.” Her voice softened just enough to make it sound reasonable. “I asked a doctor-it’s safe, barely any side

effects.”

Eric studied her for a long moment, clearly weighing his options.

But Hadley had made her stance clear. With a quiet sigh, he relented, reaching for the drawer-and closing it.

Finally... His wish was granted.

Afterward, Eric lay beside her, his fingers threading lazily through her damp hair, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

“How about a shower?” His voice was low, teasing. “I'll carry you.”

Hadley, her eyes still closed, let out a drowsy hum before shaking her head. “Not yet. Too tired. Letrest a

little.”

She shifted slightly, reaching for a pillow and tucking it under her waist.

Eric frowned. “What's that for?”

One of her eyes cracked open, and she shot him a pointed look. “Do you really need to ask? My back hurts! Need

ssupport.”

Oh. Was that because of him?

Eric stifled a chuckle, shaking his head.

He let out a hearty laugh, reaching over to pinch her cheek. “I'll go run the bath. Rest for a bit.”

With that, he slipped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom.

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Chapter 170 Lovesickness

Hadley lay still, listening to the steady sound of running water, her expression unreadable.

Back pain? Sure, that part was true. But the pillow under her waist wasn't just for relief.

It was to increase the chances of getting pregnant-so she could leave him sooner.

The thought sat heavily in her mind, but she pushed it aside as Eric returned, his movements gentle as he

scooped her up into his arms.

The bathroom lights were bright, casting sharp reflections across the tiled walls.

As she stepped into the warm water, Hadley’s gaze instinctively drifted to Eric’s back-only for her breath to

hitch.

Scars. They weren't just a few-they were scattered across his skin, jagged and faded, soverlapping like a

brutal roadmap of past wounds.

A chill ran through her.

What happened to him?

Eric caught the way her eyes lingered, his jaw tightening slightly. He knew she had seen them. He hadn't

intended to keep them hidden-not anymore. Not when they had cthis far.

But explaining the past... that was something he still hadn't figured out how to do.

“Hadley...”

But before he could say more, she looked away. She didn’t ask. Didn't press. “I'm done showering,” she

murmured, turning toward the tub. “I'll soak for a while.”

Hadley then turned and walked out of the shower room without looking back.

She had no intention of getting too involved with him. His past? It wasn’t something she needed to know. It

wasn’t something she wanted to know.

Eric stood there for a moment, watching her retreat. She didn’t even mention it?

Was she indifferent? Or... was she afraid?

It wouldn't surprise him. Even he felt unsettled when he caught sight of his own scars in the mirror. It wasn’t

hard to imagine how terrifying it would be for a delicate girl like Hadley.

Still, he decided he wouldn't force it. When she was ready-if she was ever ready-she would ask. And when she

did, he would tell her. For now, he let it go.

Following her out of the shower room, Eric pulled her into his arms once more while soaking in the bath.

For a man who had spent years practicing restraint, indulging even once made it nearly impossible to stop.

By the tthey emerged from the bathroom, fresh and clean, guilt began to creep in. Eric’s fingers found their

way to her waist, his touch gentle.

“I'm sorry,” Eric murmured, his voice laced with guilt. “Does your back still hurt? Letmassage it...”

Hadley clicked her tongue, exasperated.

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< Chapter 170 Lovesickness

This man...

Before his hand could reach her, she grabbed his arm-then sank her teeth into it.

“Ah!”

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Eric tensed but didn’t pull away, letting her bite down as hard as she pleased.

Instead, a low chuckle rumbled from his chest. “Go on, take your revenge... if it helps.”

Hadley shot him a withering glare, her cheeks still tinged with color, her eyes dark and fiery. Grinding her teeth,

she warned, “Try touchingagain, and you'll regret it.”

With that, she released his arm with a sharp exhale and turned her back to him.

Eric let out a helpless laugh, shaking his head. What was with her and biting?

He glanced down at the fresh mark she'd left behind-deep, reddening, just shy of breaking the skin. Sharp teeth,

indeed.

But what he failed to realize in that moment that he was already in too deep. Hopelessly. Irrevocably, in love with

her.

The next day, neither of them stirred until noon.

Unsurprising, really-considering they hadn't fallen asleep until just before dawn.

By the tEric finally dragged Hadley downstairs, the housekeeper had already cand gone, leaving a

beautifully arranged lunch on the table.

Halfway through their meal, Eric suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, right.” He set down his fork, glancing at her.

“Someone from FOUR Hours will be dropping by later to deliver sclothes. Try them on and see if they fit. If

they don’t, or if you don’t like them, just ask them to bring something new.”

Hadley looked up mid-bite.

She sputtered, caught completely off guard, and even choked.

Eric sighed, reaching for a glass of water and passing it to her. “Slow down,” he said, amused. “Here, have some

water,”

Hadley took several gulps before regaining her composure. She set the glass down and frowned. “Wait, why are

you having clothes delivered?”

Eric blinked as if the question was absurd. “Isn't it obvious?”

Seeing her confused expression, he elaborated. “Your wardrobe’s too plain. Since you'll be staying here, | figured

I'd have them sent new clothes over regularly. That way, you don’t have to worry about it.”

Hold on...

Her grip on the fork tightened slightly. “Why would | be living here?”

She found his logic almost amusing

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Eric's expression faltered. He frowned. “What do you mean? After everything, you don’t plan to stay?”

Hadley let out a short laugh, shaking her head. “After everything? Men and women share intimate moments all

the time, Eric. That doesn’t mean they have to live together.”

Setting her fork down, she met his gaze evenly. “I never planned on moving in with you.”

For the first tsince last night, the warmth between them seemed to vanish in an instant.

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