Page 54 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

Heat pooled low in my belly, and I swallowed hard. Tonight was going to be a long night. In the best possible way.

Slipping my hand into Ethan’s waiting grasp, I pasted on my socialite smile. “Lead the way.”

We descended the stairs into the sea of revelers, cameras flashing as we went. I kept my smile fixed in place, squeezing Ethan’s hand. His warmth was grounding, a reminder that this madness would be over soon.

Ethan kept a firm grip on my hand, his thumb tracing slow circles on my skin. A subtle reminder of the intimacy to come.

My cheeks heated at the thought, and I glanced up to find Ethan watching me, a knowing glint in his eyes. He leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “Keep thinking about tonight, and that pretty blush of yours will give us away.”

I smacked his arm, fighting a losing battle against my smile. “Behave yourself.”

Ethan’s chuckle was low and throaty, sending another wave of warmth through me. “I don’t know the meaning of the word.”

Halfway across the room, a tall, handsome man in an expensive tailored suit approached us, the fabric practically screaming money. He extended his hand to Ethan with a confident grin. “Congratulations on your marriage, Ethan,” he said as they shook hands. His smile was polite but didn’t quite reach his eyes. “And you must be the new Mrs. Hamilton. I’m happy to finally meet the woman who managed to conquer Ethan’s heart.”

I shook the proffered hand. “Thank you. Chloe Hamilton. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Thomas,” his handshake was firm, calculating. “Thomas Harrington.”

“Mr. Harrington is an acquaintance from the business world,” Ethan said smoothly. “We’ve had a few dealings in the past.”

My curiosity was piqued. “There probably aren’t that many billionaires named Thomas, so I’ll take a chance—are you the one trying to become the mayor of Pinegrove?”

Thomas’s eyes twinkled with amusement, but he nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“Look, I promised Jess I wouldn’t interfere in your business, but I just want you to know—if you hurt her in any way, I will kick your ass into next week.” My voice was firm, and I meant every word.

Thomas regarded me with a mixture of amusement and respect. “You can rest assured that Pine Grove’s well-being—and Jess’s happiness—are my top priorities.” He shook my hand again. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Chloe. Again, congratulations to you both.”

With that, he strolled off into the crowd. I looked up at Ethan, who was watching me with a strange expression.

“What?” I asked.

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Remind me not to get on your bad side, Mrs. Hamilton.”

I smirked, sliding my arm through his. “Don’t worry, Mr. Hamilton. You’re safe… for now.”

Ethan’s chest rumbled with laughter. “Comforting as always.”

A smile lit up my face as he led me through the crowd. I most definitely liked being married.

Epilogue

Chloe

The warm night breeze caressed my face as I stood on the rooftop of the city’s tallest building, gazing out at the glittering skyline of the city below. The skyscraper belonged to Ethan, and now, in a way, it belonged to me too. The thought felt weird, almost surreal.

I was comfortable in the role of a billionaire’s wife, but it was hard to wrap my head around just how much wealth Ethan had—not just money, but real, tangible things. Sometimes the opulence of Ethan’s world felt suffocating, like this building that loomed around me, all sleek metal and glass. But other times, like now, with Ethan’s arm around my waist and his warmth seeping into my skin, it felt perfect.

Ethan’s hand found mine, strong fingers intertwining with my own, as he stood next to me. Ethan was in the middle of an intense phone call, his voice a low rumble as he stared out at the city. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, longing for his attention. He glanced at me and his stern mouth curved into one of his heart-stopping smiles, his jade green eyes silently pleading for patience.

As Ethan continued his conversation, my gaze drifted back to the panorama of the city, twinkling like a sea of stars below us. Since Ethan’s world was now mine, like it or not, I might as well use our wealth and influence for good.

“Sorry about that,” Ethan finally said as he slipped his phone into his pocket and pulled me close, nuzzling my hair. I closed my eyes briefly, breathing in his familiar scent—a mix of cologne, leather, and something uniquely Ethan. It was intoxicating.

“Who was it?” I asked.

“Gordon’s lawyer,” he said, his voice slightly raspy but always comforting.

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