Page 47 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

Reaching out, he tucks a strand of hair behind my right ear. I stop short of resting my cheek on his warm and inviting palm.

“Your bedroom is upstairs, the first door to the right in the hall. I’ll be going to my study. There’s food in the kitchen – you know where that is. You can have anything you want. Text me if you need anything.” He gives me his number, then leaves.

Don’t leave me. Not again.

Sighing, I glance at my wristwatch. It’s fifteen minutes until nine. I’m still dressed in my office clothes. Time to change.

After a shower, I fix myself a quick meal of noodles and eggs. Richard still isn’t out of his study.

As I finish dinner and head for my room, I opt for a text, as I still haven’t seen him.

Good night, Richard. Thanks for today.

The room has a carpeted floor, a mahogany bed with a mattress of moderate thickness, a walk-in closet, and a private washroom and toilet as well. The walls are painted blue, with spots of white as a sort of design, and ceiling fluorescents serve as lighting.

It’s not until I’m donning my semi-transparent pink nightdress, which extends just below my knees, that I get a reply from Richard.

Goodnight, Melissa. Sorry I couldn’t show up for dinner. Hope the bed is to your liking.

I toss and turn in bed, unable to sleep. After long minutes, I go to the kitchen for a cup of milk. I’m just finished pouring myself a glass when that smooth voice of a rich baritone booms behind me.

“Can’t sleep?”

I jump, nearly spilling the milk in my hand.

“Richard? What are you doing here?”

He shrugs a shoulder. “I live here. You can’t sleep?”

Right. I don’t live alone anymore. I put a hand on my chest.

“Yeah. It’s been a crazy day.”

He walks over to the fridge. Taking a bottle of cognac, he walks over to me.

“This will work better. Trust me.”

He reaches out and grabs two glasses from behind me. Pouring the cognac into each glass, he hands me one.

“Try it.”

I sip the cognac. It has a mild taste.

“You can’t sleep too?” I ask him.

He chuckles. “Yeah, for very different reasons than yours, I’d imagine.”

After drinking more of the liquid, I set my cup on the kitchen cabinet.

“Richard, thank you again. For everything.”

He steps forward, bringing us close. “It’s no matter.”

“I should be going to bed tonight. Good night.”

As I walk away, he holds me back by my wrist, before pulling me closer to him.

“Aren’t you going to give me a goodnight kiss?”

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