Semua Bab Falling For The Billionaire I Was Hired to Protect : Bab 41 - Bab 50

River’s eyes widened at the sudden press of Jace’s mouth against his own. For a heartbeat, he froze, shocked, confused, and overwhelmed all at once. But then Jace leaned in harder, deepening the kiss, and River felt his resistance snap like a weak thread.“Jace....” he tried to whisper, pulling back slightly, but Jace only kissed him harder, desperate and unrelenting.River’s fists curled into the fabric of Jace’s shirt, ready to push him away, yet the warmth of Jace’s lips, the way he trembled against him, melted every ounce of self-control. His resolve dissolved in the heat of that kiss, and before he knew it, River’s mouth was moving eagerly against his, lips parting to taste him, to claim him.A low, guttural sound left Jace’s throat, and the sound alone shot straight through River’s chest. His heart hammered as Jace shifted, straddling his lap with a boldness that made River’s blood run hot.River pulled back, panting, his lips swollen and slick. “We should stop,” he said, his vo

Jace stood by the window of his penthouse, looking out at the lights below. His reflection in the glass looked softer than usual, his smile still lingering from earlier. He couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed so much, real laughter, the kind that shook his chest instead of the polished kind he gave cameras.Behind him, River was stretched out on the couch. His head rested back, one arm draped lazily over the cushions. He looked half-asleep, but Jace knew better. River was always alert, even when his eyes were closed.“You’re staring again,” River’s voice came, low and calm.Jace turned with a grin. “You make it sound like a crime.”“It might be.” River cracked an eye open. “Depends who’s watching.”Jace padded across the room and flopped down beside him. “Well, it’s just you and me and unless my couch has cameras, I think we’re safe.”River gave him a dry look. “Don’t joke about cameras.”Jace leaned closer, smirking. “You’re paranoid.”“I’m careful,” River corrected.“Mm-h

The bar was dimly lit, shadows curling around the corners while the low hum of conversations filled the air. River sat at the counter, his broad shoulders hunched forward as if the weight of the world was pressing on them. His fingers tapped restlessly on the wooden surface.“Beer,” he muttered, voice low and gruff.The barman nodded and slid a cold bottle his way. River twisted the cap off with one hand and took a long gulp. The bitter taste filled his mouth, but it did little to drown out the thoughts crashing inside his head.Everything is falling apart.His chest tightened as he thought of Jace, Eli, the threats… it was too much. He rubbed his temple and sighed heavily.“You look like you need something stronger than that.”The voice came from his right. It was smooth and familiar. Too familiar.River turned his head slowly, his stomach dropping when he saw who it was.Cole.River groaned inwardly. Of all the people in the world, why him?“What the hell are you doing here?” River

Sasha tapped her nails curiously on her hand as she stared at River standing outside her door. He shifted from one foot to the other, looking like a guilty teenager caught sneaking out of school.River scratched his head. “Come on, Sasha. Please let me in.”Sasha let out a dramatic groan and pulled the door wider. “Fine. But don’t bring your storm cloud energy into my place. I just vacuumed.”River stepped inside, his boots heavy on her polished floor. His sharp eyes darted around, taking in the living room. The walls were a soft pink, with framed art pieces and delicate fairy lights strung across the shelves. A white rug lay in the center, and pastel throw pillows covered the couch.River frowned, tilting his head. “It looks like a rainbow threw up in here.”Sasha gasped and slapped his arm lightly. “Excuse you! This is an aesthetic. It’s called cozy chic, not that you’d understand.”River smirked faintly and dropped onto the couch with a loud thud, sinking into the mountain of pillo

River slammed the car door shut harder than he meant to. His anger hadn’t cooled at all by the time he drove across the city and pulled up in front of Sasha’s apartment. The pink curtains glowing through her window felt like the opposite of how he felt, bright, soft, and calm.He knocked once, sharp and loud.A muffled voice came from inside. “If that’s you, River, you’d better not have brought more drama to my door!”He didn’t answer.The door opened and Sasha stood there in an oversized sweater, a mug of tea in her hand. Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, great. You again.”River pushed past her into the apartment, his shoulders stiff. “I need to talk.”“Hello to you too,” Sasha muttered, shutting the door behind him. “What’s wrong this time?”River paced the length of her living room, his boots heavy on her pink rug. His fists kept clenching and unclenching. “It’s Jace. He’s driving me insane.”Sasha sipped her tea calmly. “You mean the man who just saved his company from being swallowed by C