Semua Bab Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire: Bab 281 - Bab 290

The humid steam from the hot springs clung to my skin as Nate kissed me with a hunger that made me forget how to breathe. His mouth was relentless, his teeth teasing my lower lip before his tongue swept into my mouth with a rhythm that promised everything that was coming next. I clutched his shoulders, feeling his muscles flex under my hands as he unbuttoned my coat with fingers way too agile for a man with hands that big. "You planned this," I accused between kisses, my body arching when his hands found my waist under the fabric. He laughed, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "Every second," he admitted, his lips finding my neck as he pushed the coat off my shoulders. The fabric hit the ground with a soft thud, and suddenly the hot spring air was on my bare skin, making my nipples tighten under the thin silk top. Nate didn't hesitate. His big hands closed over my breasts through the fabric, his thumbs drawing slow circles that pulled a moan from me. "Nate… please…" "Pl

Nathaniel's POV I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the words I needed to say. The moment seemed perfect—just the two of us alone on the bridge, Bath glowing all around us, Annie leaning against me with that look of pure happiness. It was now or never. The irony was that this was the only part of the day I hadn't meticulously planned. I'd organized every detail—the Jane Austen Centre, the Roman Baths, the underground chamber—but telling her the truth about Wanderer… that had simply hit me in the moment. Maybe because she looked so happy with how the day had unfolded. Maybe because it felt like we'd grown even closer. Maybe because, for the first time, I felt secure enough about us. She'd understand. Wouldn't she? "Annie…" I began, my voice sounding tighter than I meant it to. "I need to tell you something about—" The sound of hurried heels on stone cut through my words. I turned and saw Tori approaching fast, clutching her coat closed and clearly freezing in the sharp n

I was still trying to process the revelation about Nate's old blog when the golden retriever suddenly stood up from the corner where she'd been lying and began pacing in circles, clearly agitated. "Oliver," Richard said, watching the dog with concern. "I think your patient is trying to tell us something." Oliver immediately rose from his seat and moved toward the golden, who was now visibly uncomfortable—panting heavily and searching for a place to lie down. "Showtime," he said, crouching beside her for a quick check. "She's going into labor." "Now?" Sarah asked, springing to her feet. "During Christmas dinner?" "Babies don't follow social schedules," Oliver replied with a grin, already slipping fully into professional mode. "I need to take her to the clinic." That was exactly when every light in the house flicked off at once. "What was that?" Elizabeth asked, her voice echoing in the sudden darkness. "Power outage," Richard said, already navigating the room with the co

After we finished dinner, everyone gathered in the living room around the crackling fireplace. The setting was perfect—soft candlelight mixing with the warm glow of the flames, the quiet murmur of intimate conversations punctuated by occasional laughter, and the comforting smell of the hot chocolate Elizabeth had made for everyone. The Christmas decorations scattered around the room caught the light in a magical way, creating a cozy atmosphere that made me feel like part of the family, even though I was still technically an outsider. Richard had settled near the piano, his fingers brushing the keys now and then in soft melodies that served as the perfect soundtrack for the evening. Oliver and Sarah were curled up on the sofa, speaking quietly about the golden retriever's puppies, who were now sleeping peacefully in the clinic. Tori had claimed an elegant armchair, wine glass in hand, watching the entire family dynamic with that impeccable posture that seemed to be her signature. "W

I woke early on the morning of the 25th, but it wasn't a pleasant feeling. There was a weight in my chest that had nothing to do with Christmas anticipation and everything to do with what was coming. The conversation with Nate the night before had crystallized a reality I would've preferred not to face: Alexandra was coming for lunch, and our first official battle as a couple would be fought at the Carter family dining table. I went downstairs to find the house already moving with its morning rhythm. Elizabeth was in the kitchen, while Richard flipped through a newspaper at the breakfast table. Snow was still falling softly outside the windows, creating a picture-perfect scene that sharply contrasted with the anxiety twisting in my stomach. "Good morning, dear," Elizabeth said when she saw me in the doorway. "Did you sleep well?" "Very well," I lied politely, taking the cup of tea she offered. "Your home is so cozy." "Nate left early," Richard said without looking up from the p