Page 16 of A Billionaire's Second Shot

And yet, everything has changed.

Three YearsAgo

The sound of her laughter filled my penthouse, echoing off the walls as she waved a paintbrush at me, her cheeks streaked with blue and green. We’d decided to paint one of the accentwalls in my study—a ridiculous idea, considering neither of us had any artistic skill. But she insisted, and I couldn’t say no to her.

“You’re terrible at this,” I teased, dodging a splatter of paint as she flicked the brush in my direction.

“So are you,” she shot back, grinning. “But at least I’m having fun.”

I grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer, the paintbrush dropping to the floor as she laughed again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Fun is overrated,” I said, my voice low as I leaned in.

Her smile softened, and for a moment, everything else faded away. “Not when it’s with you.”

I clenchmy jaw as the memory fades, the ache in my chest sharper than the whiskey’s burn. Back then, things were simpler. We weren’t bogged down by responsibilities or expectations—just two people who couldn’t get enough of each other.

But I ruined it.

I let my ambition get in the way, prioritizing deals and meetings over her. And when she finally called me out, instead of fighting for her, I let her walk away. I told myself it was for the best—that she deserved someone who could give her what she needed.

Now I realize that was just an excuse.

The truth is, I was scared. Scared of failing her. Scared of letting her see the cracks in the carefully constructed image I built for the world. It was easier to push her away than to admit I wasn’t perfect.

But seeing her again, being close to her, it’s like a second chance I don’t deserve.

And that kiss… God, that kiss.

I pour another drink,staring out at the skyline. This fake engagement was supposed to be a business arrangement, nothing more. But with every passing day, I feel the lines blurring, my resolve weakening.

What if this is my chance to make things right? To show her that I’m not the same man I was back then?

But then I remember the guarded look in her eyes, the walls she’s built around herself. She doesn’t trust me—and why should she? I gave her every reason to doubt me.

Still, I can’t shake the thought that this time, things could be different. If I’m careful, if I tread lightly, maybe I can prove to her that I’m worth the risk.

But there’s another part of me—a darker, more cynical part—that wonders if I’m just setting myself up for failure again.

Chapter Twelve

Tania

The early morning sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Levi’s penthouse, casting long shadows across the sleek, minimalist furniture. I sit at the dining table, scrolling through my tablet as I review the list of events and meetings we’re scheduled to attend this week.

This arrangement is becoming more real by the day, and I need to establish some rules before I lose my mind—or my heart.

Levi strolls in, his hair slightly tousled from sleep, wearing a white dress shirt with the top two buttons undone. He looks infuriatingly relaxed, like he didn’t spend the night tormenting me with his presence in my thoughts.

“Good morning,” he says, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “You’re up early.”

“I had work to do,” I reply, keeping my tone even as I focus on the screen in front of me. “We have another investor dinner tonight. I’ve already sent you the talking points.”

“Efficient as always,” he says, leaning casually against the counter and sipping his coffee. His eyes linger on me for a moment too long, and I resist the urge to shift in my seat.

“We need to talk,” I say, setting the tablet down and looking directly at him.

He raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting from casual to curious. “About?”

“Boundaries,” I say firmly. “We need to set some.”

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