Like always, Eric took it upon himself to inspect things his way.

Trying to pry herself free, Hadley gave his arm a weak tug. Her cheeks burned as she said, “Could you please take it easy?”

“Take it easy?” Eric looked pretty pleased with himself, arching his brow. “You really want me to go easy, even with the door locked and no one else around? Unless you think I can’t handle it…”

Before he could finish, he closed the gap and pressed his lips to hers.

He slipped one hand behind her, supporting her back as he drew her in. Soon, his fingers found the tiny pearl button at her neck and unfastened it.

His lips kept moving, planting kisses along her neck.

His breaths grew ragged, and his voice came out rough. “Feel like cleaning up? Or should we clean up together… what do you think?”

Pausing for a moment, he seemed to reconsider. “Forget it… we’ll shower after.”

Still keeping her close, he scooped her into his arms. “Let’s get in bed.”

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Realization hit her, and she pressed against him, shaking her head in refusal. “What’s wrong?” Eric’s face clouded over, and disappointment flickered in his eyes. “After everything, you’re still turning me down?”

Her lips parted, searching for words, but before she could speak, her phone chimed.

Using the distraction, she slipped out of his grasp, answered the call, and said, “Hello? Yes. I’m ready. I’ll come down in a moment.”

When the call ended, she turned back to him. The look on his face now held nothing but wounded pride.

His words came out heavy. “Where do you have to be?”

Hadley answered, “There’s a brand event happening in Tidebourne. It’s an in-person thing.”

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Eric looked at her with confusion, his brow furrowed. “Why am I just hearing about this?”

A laugh slipped out of Hadley. “Mr. Webster only told me this afternoon. There wasn’t a chance to mention it.”

“So you’re leaving tonight?”

“Yeah. I packed earlier.”

With such a short trip ahead, she hadn’t needed to bring much.

Was she really heading out so soon?

Eric gave in with a sigh. “How long will you be away?”

Hadley’s answer was calm. “I’m heading out now, but I’ll be back the day after tomorrow.”

Eric let go at last, glancing at the closet. “Let me get your suitcase.”

“Thank you.”

In no time, Eric emerged from the closet, suitcase in one hand, her fingers laced in his other as he walked her through the house.

Outside, the driver and bodyguards stood waiting.

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