Page 78 of Billion Dollar Vow

“We should do this more often.” Paige sighs, stretching out.

But all too soon, our time is up. I change back into my clothes and prepare to leave. The lingering scent of relaxation clings to my skin, but the peace I’d found inside is already slipping away. Eden is deep in conversation with someone she knows, her laughter light and carefree. Paige disappeared into the bathroom a few moments ago, leaving me to find Oliver on my own.

Rounding a corner, I collide with what feels like a brick wall, stumbling back slightly before glancing up. My heart drops as I meet Liam’s hard, piercing gaze.

“You and Oliver aren’t real,” he says. The venom in his voice feels like a slap. I take a step to the side, attempting to move around him, but he shifts to block me.

I square my shoulders, crossing my arms over my chest as my heart races. “Yes, we are,” I reply firmly.

Liam’s lips curl into a sneer. “So it’s just a coincidence that Dan mentioned one of us should settle down, and suddenly, Oliver’s married? That doesn’t add up.”

I shrug, forcing a nonchalant expression. “Maybe you should focus on your own life. You’re way too invested in ours.” I try to sidestep him again, but his hand darts out, gripping my arm firmly.

“I’m going to figure this out,” he says.

Anger flares in my chest as I yank my arm free, my voice steady despite the unease tightening my stomach. “Let me go before I tell my husband.”

He laughs, a hollow, chilling sound that makes my skin crawl. The unease turns to outright fear as I push past him, practically sprinting down the hallway.

When I see Oliver waiting by the reception desk, a relaxed grin on his face, relief washes over me. But as soon as he spots my expression, his smile vanishes, replaced by concern.

“What happened, Petal?” he asks, pulling me into his arms. His embrace is warm, strong, and grounding, exactly what I need after Liam’s unsettling words.

I melt into him, letting the tension seep out of my body. My arms wrap around his waist, and I press myself closer, burying my face against his chest. His scent, a mix of cedarwood and something distinctly him, fills my senses and helps steady my nerves.

“Liam,” I mutter, my voice muffled against his chest. “He gave me a warning.”

Oliver stiffens, his body taut with anger. He tilts his head back to look down at me, his eyes blazing. “He what?”

I shake my head quickly, tightening my hold on him. “It’s fine. Forget about him,” I say, though my voice wavers. I don’t want him to let go just yet. For once, I allow myself to lean into someone else’s strength, even if it feels dangerously vulnerable.

His hands smooth up and down my back in soothing strokes, the rhythm calming my ragged breathing. I focus on the steady beat of his heart, letting it settle me, as his chin rests lightly on the top of my head.

After a few moments, I take a deep breath and step back, though part of me doesn’t want to. His hands linger on my waist as he studies me, his piercing eyes searching my face.

“You okay?” he asks gently.

Our eyes lock, and for a second, the world around us fades away. But I feel too raw, too exposed. I need to pull myself together before I fall even further into something I know I can’t keep.

“Yeah,” I say with a small nod, forcing a smile. “I’m good. What’s next?”

He narrows his eyes slightly, clearly not convinced, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he reaches for my hand, linking his fingers with mine. The simple gesture feels more intimate than it should.

“It’s time to go,” he says, offering me the reassurance I desperately need.

I nod. Paige and Eden are back. Across the lobby, I spot Liam talking to Mr. Warne, his expression tense. My stomach twists as I wonder what he’s saying; if he’s sharing his accusations about Oliver and me.

I’ve never wanted Oliver to get something more in my life, so I do something stupid… I lift onto my tiptoes, grab Oliver's face, bring my lips to his, and I let go. I kiss him like I’ve always wanted to. His mouth is already slightly parted, so I take advantage and sweep my tongue in and passionately kiss him. His hands move to my lower back, pulling me flush to his body as his tongue tangles with mine.

The room fizzles out, and all I feel, taste, and smell is him. I tentatively bite his lower lip, and he moans. We’re lost in our own world as we kiss and explore.

A sudden clearing of a throat startles me. I spin around, my cheeks instantly heating as I realize everyone is staring. My gaze lands on Liam, his jaw tight and his eyes narrowed. My lips curl into a smug grin.Take that, Liam.

Mr. Warne steps forward, his warm smile easing some of the tension. “We’re heading off. Thanks for joining us today. You should come out with us again sometime.”

I untangle myself from Oliver and offer my hand. Mr. Warne shakes it firmly, then turns to Oliver with a playful wink. “She’s amazing. You’re a lucky man, Oliver.”

Oliver’s gaze meets mine, sincerity shining in his eyes, as he replies, “I am.”

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