Page 104 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“Chad’s was a lot of money,” I say as he hits the ball, and I hit it back.

“But I asked you to spend it on yourself, and you refused.”

Grabbing the ball, I lower my paddle to the table and pull out my wallet, sliding his black card back to him. He shakes his head, leaving it on the table between us. “Keep it.”

“No,” I say firmly. His posture stiffens, his hand still resting near the card, as if he’s challenging me to push back. His gaze never wavers, a mix of determination and something unreadable flickering in his expression.

I stare at him with a tightness in my chest. I feel hot, like the walls are closing in around me. This is too much. “I need some air,” I murmur, immediately heading outside. The fresh air hits my face, and I breathe deeply, trying to calm my racing heart.

He’s beside me in an instant, his eyes wild and frantic. “Are you okay?”

“No, you can’t keep rescuing me,” I say, my voice trembling.

“I care about you,” he replies softly.

“I know, but I promised myself I’d never depend on a man for money again. So please, don’t make me take your card.” My voice breaks as I plead.

Guilt flashes across his face. “I had no idea.”

“I’m not ready for this step.”

He’s only trying to be nice, but he needs to understand how smothered I feel and like he’s trying to control me.

“I can go slow,” he assures me, his voice gentle.

“Not too slow…” I tease, trying to lighten the mood again.

His eyebrow raises, stepping closer until our shoes touch. He takes my chin in his strong hand, lifting my head up to meet his gaze. When he kisses me, I melt into him, feeling his warmth seep into my skin.

It’s been so long since I’ve felt desired, and my whole body responds to his tender touch.

When he pulls away, I whimper, not wanting him to stop. He chuckles softly, his eyes filled with longing as he gazes down at me. “Do you have any meetings this afternoon?”

I sigh, remembering the responsibilities waiting for me. “I need to work.”

“And I need you,” he says, and the words send electricity through me.

I blink at him, stunned. No one has ever said that to me before, and I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him. I want more. I’m not usually one to take risks, but with him, I’m willing to jump off the cliff and see where we land.

There’s nothing pressing that can’t wait an hour…

“Where are we going?” I ask when we abandon the food.

He grins. “My place.” Taking my hand, he walks me back to his car. I don’t argue. The thought about food is completely forgotten because I’m only hungry for him.

“At least you didn’t say a motel, but I guess your penthouse is the same thing,” I joke as I get in the car.

His eyebrows lift, amusement sparking in his eyes. He leans in, bracing a hand on the car's roof, his face inches from mine. "For the record," he says, his voice low and deliberate, "you’re the first woman I’ve ever brought back there."

With a wink, he shuts the door, leaving me stunned as I settle into the leather seat, loving that new piece of information. I trust him. He’s never lied to me, and for once, I want to be selfish and indulge in what I want. I deserve this.

Twenty minutes later, we step into his penthouse, and the familiar scent of him hits me. It’s comforting, and the energy between us intensifies. My eyes drift over the light wooden floors and the open-plan space, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer a spectacular view of New York. Sunlight floods the entire floor, casting a warm glow over the cream leather sofas that look invitingly cozy to sleep on, yet I’m sure he wouldn’t need to sleep there.

Soon, I’ll have my own place. Nothing grand as this, but it’ll be all mine.

I take in the large wooden dining table, big enough for eight, and a sleek kitchen along the back brick wall, with dark wood, marble countertops, and chandeliers hanging above the island. When I came here the first time, after I fainted, I didn’t get the chance to have a good look around. Today, I soak it all in.

“This is insane. How long have you lived here?” I ask, unable to keep the awe out of my voice.

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