Page 15 of Auctioned to the Billionaire

I don’t give myself time to second-guess. Leaning in, I cup her face in my hands and press my lips to hers.

The kiss is soft at first, tentative, as if I’m afraid she might pull away. But she doesn’t. Instead, she leans into me, her hands gripping the front of my shirt as the kiss deepens.

When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathing hard, our foreheads resting against each other.

“Hugh,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “What… what was that?”

“That,” I say, my voice rough, “was me failing miserably at keeping my distance.”

She stares at me, her green eyes wide and searching. “Why were you trying to keep your distance?”

“Because I didn’t think that you were interested in me,” I admit. “Because I was trying to keep things professional between us.”

Her breath hitches, and I pull back slightly, needing her to see the truth in my eyes.

“I think that plan kind of went awry when you bought me at the auction,” she says, a soft giggle escaping her lips.

“It’s been going awry for months before that,” I admit, and her gaze softens.

This is it. Tell her how you feel.

“I’ve been in love with you since the day you walked into my office,” I say, my voice shaking with the weight of the confession. “I wanted you from the very beginning, but I thought I couldn’t have you. And now… now I’ve gone and done everything backward.”

She blinks, her lips parting as if she’s about to say something.

“This isn’t how I wanted this to go,” I continue, my throat tightening. “I wanted to take you out on real dates—to show you how much you mean to me. Not to…” I trail off, my voice breaking.

“Not to buy me,” she finishes softly.

I flinch, but she reaches for my hands, squeezing them tightly.

“Hugh,” she says, her voice steady. “You didn’t buy me. You saved me.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the chest, and I feel a lump rise in my throat.

“I’ve wanted you too,” she says, her cheeks flushing. “Since the day I started working for you. But I didn’t think you’d ever see me that way.”

“How could I not?” I ask, my voice thick. “You’re… everything, Letty. Smart, kind, funny, beautiful. You’ve had me wrapped around your finger from the start.”

A small, shaky laugh escapes her, and she leans forward, pressing her forehead to mine.

“I love you too, Hugh,” she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion.

Relief crashes over me like a wave, and I pull her into my arms, holding her close.

For the first time in months—maybe years—I feel like everything is exactly as it should be. I’ve got my dream girl, and I’m not letting her go. Ever.

SEVEN

Letty

Hugh kisses me hard,his hands cradling my face as he presses his toned body against mine. He feels so good against me, and I find myself leaning more against him. My hands run up his chest, and I want to rip off his clothes and feel his skin against mine.

“Should we…” I ask as he kisses his way down my neck.

“Hmm?” He asks distractedly.

“Should we go upstairs?” I whisper hoarsely.

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