Page 86 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“Richard. You came.”

“Of course I did. How are you feeling?” He holds my hand, rubbing my wrists with his fingers.

“Much better. I wanted to talk to you yesterday before the accident happened.”

Richard takes one of the seats beside my bed. “About what?”

“I heard what you did from Chad. Thank you.”

“You did? Do you know him?”

“I’m cooperating with him on the ongoing investigation. Or, let’s say I was, as you’ve pretty much ended the investigation. Why did you make a deal for me?”

He lay his hands on mine. “I promised to keep you from harm’s way, Melissa. That’s why I went crazy yesterday when Celine told me what happened. You have no idea how happy I am that you’re safe.”

“No need to worry. I’m safe now.”

“I’m sorry, Melissa. For the lies and hidden truths. I thought I was trying to protect you, but I was just afraid what we had would end if you found out who I was. I hid behind my lies, like a coward. Alex was right. I’m ready to fix things between us. I also owe Alex an apology. I said some mean things to him yesterday that I didn't mean.”

Alex, who’s been at the window all the while, clears his throat. “Yeah, you did. But, you did make a reasonable point or two.”

Jumping from the chair, Richard staggers, close to falling over. A small grin appears on Alex’s face.

“You freaking ghost. Couldn’t you have warned me or something?”

“I cleared my throat. It’s a nice conversation you had with my sister. Also, there’s no point in holding grudges, so I’ll let you off. Next time though, we’ll punch it out in a ring.”

The two men laugh, shaking hands and slapping each other on the back. Alex turns to me, then back to Richard.

“Looks like I can’t stop this freight train, so I’m getting on it instead. Hurt my sister, though, and I’ll search for you, find you, and – well, you get the gist. I’m off now. Have fun, lovebirds. Let’s go get some soda, Anna.”

“You bet.” Anna steps out with a wide grin, with Alex in tow.

As soon as we’re alone, Richard returns to my bedside, sitting on the bed this time.

“Hey, Richard. What were you saying yesterday? When I was being carried away?

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ears, like in old times. Leaning in closer, his mouth almost on mine, he utters the words I missed yesterday.

“I love you.”

Drawing myself up to him, I meet his waiting lips, enveloping them in a deep kiss. His hand holds my face in place as he takes over, returning the kiss with fervor. Our tongues meet in rhythmic strokes against each other’s, and I move my arms around his neck.

I missed this. I missed Richard. Our lips brushing against each other is enough to send pangs of arousal ringing through me.

His lips leave mine, and I take the opportunity to reply to his confession.

“I love you too.”

Chapter 27

Richard

“Richard.It’stimetomake this official.”

“Of course, John. More than two weeks of preparation has led to this moment.”

We shake hands as the other members of the delegation file in, ready to put pen to paper and seal the merger deal.

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