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Chapter 14: The Almost Kiss

Author: Ruby
last update Last Updated: 2025-07-12 14:15:24

Brett's POV

I found Riley in my study at midnight, curled up in the leather chair with a book. She'd fallen asleep reading, her auburn hair cascading over her shoulder like silk.

She looked peaceful. Vulnerable. Beautiful.

This was how she should always look – without the tension that constantly tightened her shoulders, without the wariness that shadowed her eyes whenever I entered a room.

In sleep, she was simply Riley, not the woman I'd been systematically breaking down for weeks.

The realization hit me like a physical blow: I liked her better broken. It made her easier to control, easier to keep at a distance. But seeing her like this, unguarded and trusting even in unconsciousness, something twisted painfully in my chest. Something I refused to name.

I should have left her alone. Should have walked away and let her sleep.

Instead, I found myself moving closer.

"Riley," I said softly.

She stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For a moment, she looked confused, then awareness crept i
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    Victoria's POVI found Riley in the kitchen the next morning, looking like she hadn't slept. Perfect."Good morning, dear," I said, settling at the breakfast bar. "You look tired.""I'm fine.""Are you? You seem... upset about something."Riley continued chopping fruit, her movements mechanical. "Just tired.""Hmm." I picked up a strawberry, examining it. "I suppose last night was difficult for you.""Why would it be difficult?""Well, Brett calling me. Asking me to come over. We talked for hours."Riley's knife stilled. "That's nice.""It was more than nice. It was... revealing.""I don't need to hear this.""Don't you? I think you do." I took a bite of strawberry, savoring both the sweetness and Riley's discomfort. "We talked about us. About what we had.""Victoria""About what we could have again."Riley set down the knife. "What do you want?""I want you to understand something. About Brett. About what he really needs.""And what's that?""He needs someone who can challenge him. S

  • The Billionaire’s Broken Contract   Chapter 24: Jealousy's Sting

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  • The Billionaire’s Broken Contract   Chapter 23: The Comparison

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  • The Billionaire’s Broken Contract   Chapter 22: Revelations

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  • The Billionaire’s Broken Contract   Chapter 21: The Maid Treatment

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  • The Billionaire’s Broken Contract   Chapter 20: Victoria's Entrance

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