Page 21 of Dirty Billionaire

God, saying those words still makes my tongue bitter.

“I’m sorry,” Penelope says with compassion.

This conversation, while naked, feels wrong, but I take responsibility for not having it at any other time, so carry on.

“I don’t intend to marry again.”

Her smile completely vanishes.

“Or date.” I rake my hand through my hair. “Fuck, Penelope, I sh—”

“Wow. Okay, which is why you brought me to your guest room. Like I’m just some whore.” She falls on her back and shakes her head at the ceiling.

“No, that’s not—”

Yeah.It is.

I don’t see her in that way—not at all. I can’t change what I did or why I did it. I’m trying to protect my wife’s memory, and would it really have made a difference if we woke up in my bedroom?

The one with Tina’s things still in a few places?

Wouldn’t that have been a whole lot worse?

For both of us.

“You’re not a whore,” I say firmly, sitting up on my arm. “I thought this was consensual.”

Her head spins back to me. “It was. It is. But... I...you’re right. I knew this wasn’t your bedroom last night and had the opportunity then to say no.”

I swallow.

Of course she knew.

Neither of us could have stopped what took place. It would’ve taken a strong person to say no to that level of attraction. Someone stronger than me.

I let out a sigh.

This is why I didn’t want a woman in my home. I don’t want the guilt, shame, or to hurt anyone. Especially not my kids who come and go as they please.

As they should.

This is their family home.

“I should go.” Penelope flicks back the covers and bends over to pick up her dress.

Desire blasts through my body.

Goddamn it. I was supposed to fuck that right out of my system.

I failed.

I think I want Penelope more this morning than I did last night. I leap out of bed and take the dress out of her hands, cupping the back of her neck. Big vulnerable green eyes lift to mine.

“Wait. Don’t go. Let me make you breakfast.” I kiss her lips gently.

“Why?”

“Stop asking me why, woman. I don’t fucking know. I just know I don’t want you to leave.” I grunt.

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