Lahat ng Kabanata ng Better Brother, Better Life: Kabanata 531 - Kabanata 540

Alexandra knew Simon had zero shame and was always openly flirty, but there was usually a limit. He'd gone overboard that night. Or maybe he'd just been holding back before and was finally dropping the act after she'd roasted him earlier. She figured that this was the real him."Mr. Landeau, I'm genuinely impressed by your grand ambition to become a top-tier escort. With your looks and build, you'd kill it in that line of work. I'll wish you massive career success in advance," she said.Simon couldn't stand it whenever Alexandra switched on that polished, small-talk mode. Still, he kept pushing, shameless as ever. "Come on, Ms. Cooper. Just think about it. It's not like we haven't done it before. Don't you trust my skills? Think about how many times you came in our one night together."She grabbed a pack of tissues and hurled it straight at his face. "Can you have a little dignity, Mr. Landeau?""I'm just offering you what you like. Why are you so mad? Did you already send the pret

"And why not? You should take a page from Mr. Blackwood's book and pick up some of his class. No one's as slick, shameless, and full of hot air as you." Alexandra took advantage of Simon's shell-shocked state to shove him right out the door.She was about to slam it shut when he clung to the doorframe like a damsel and hissed dramatically. "Ow! You hurt me."Alexandra stared at him."I'm standing right here. Go ahead—slam that door right into my head. If I end up paralyzed, I'm haunting you for life," he continued."You're fine, aren't you?" She glared at him, then smiled sweetly. "Mr. Landeau, we had a deal. It's time to go."For once, Simon actually backed down without kicking up anymore fuss. "Fine, fine. I'm a man of my word.""Then why aren't you leaving?""Because I can't bear to leave you, my neighbor. I just want one more look at you."Alexandra fought the urge to roll her eyes. "One, two, three…"Simon blew her an exaggerated flying kiss, then finally turned and walke

Gideon looked at Phoebe, his eyes flashing with mock irritation and a spark that jokingly told her that she was pushing her luck. He caught her chin and kissed her hard.She tried to lean back, but his mouth followed, full of raw possession. When she finally managed to pull away, his lips were still parted, as if he hadn't gotten nearly enough.She panted and pushed lightly at this suddenly intense version of him that she wasn't used to yet. "Okay, I get it. I really, really get it."The look in his eyes was so deep that it felt like he wanted to devour her whole. She couldn't hold his gaze—there was way too much heat and danger in it. The usual aloof, untouchable man she knew was gone; right now, he looked almost feral, his eyes sharp and predatory.He said, low and rough, "I can make you feel it even more. Want to try?"Phoebe's face burned. "This is already way past the line, Mr. Blackwood. Go change already. Your hair's still dripping wet."Gideon smirked. "We're dating now,

Gideon had gotten used to being alone from a young age. The older he got, the more he hated anyone getting close. Anyone within three feet set off his instincts, making him tense and guarded. So, this was the first time he'd ever felt the warmth of a real, intimate hug.He honestly hadn't expected being with Phoebe to feel this good—good in a way he couldn't even put into words. Just the thought that she was the only person in the world who could give him this feeling made him love her so much.She didn't have to do anything. Just existing, right here with him, was enough. He already loved her so damn much for it.And because of that, he finally realized how truly lonely and empty his life had been before. He'd gotten so used to it that he thought it was normal.Now, everything was different. He let go of that old reflex to push people away and held Phoebe tighter, really savoring how incredible it was to have someone warm and alive pressed against him.The realization hit Gideon

Gideon was still thinking about how Phoebe had thrown up earlier. He was worried that her stomach might still be upset.She couldn't dodge it anymore, so she just wrapped her arms around the one he had draped over her. His arm felt firm and smooth under her fingers; it was surprisingly nice to the touch."How does it feel when I touch you like this?" she asked, genuinely curious.He pressed his face closer to her neck. "I like it. A lot."Feeling encouraged, she grew bolder and slid her hand along his arm. His muscles were solid, tense, and hard when he flexed even a little. They were softer when relaxed, but still packed with strength.Years of consistent training had kept his body fat percentage low, giving him that perfect balance of power and aesthetics. There was nothing extra around his waist; she didn't even need to touch to know that it was tight and lean.Phoebe's hand drifted lower toward Gideon's wrist, planning to settle there so they could fall asleep palm to palm. B