Page 19 of A Billionaire's Second Shot

The accusation stings more than I expect, and for a moment, I can’t find the words to respond. She’s not wrong—Damon’s meddling puts everything I’ve been working toward at risk. But that’s not the only reason I’m angry.

“Tania,” I say, my voice quieter now. “This isn’t just about the deal.”

“Isn’t it?” she fires back, her eyes blazing. “Because from where I’m standing, everything you do seems to come with a price tag. Including me.”

“That’s not fair,” I say, taking a step toward her. “You agreed to this, Tania. You knew what it was.”

Her laugh is bitter, her arms falling to her sides. “I knew it was a business arrangement. What I didn’t know was that you’d use it as an excuse to bulldoze over my life.”

“I’m trying to protect you,” I say, my voice rising despite myself.

“I don’t need your protection,” she snaps, her hands clenched into fists. “I can take care of myself, Levi. I always have.”

The fire in her eyes, the strength in her voice—it’s the same spark that drew me to her in the first place. And for a moment, all the frustration, the anger, the tension between us boils over into something else entirely.

Before I can stop myself, I close the distance between us and pull her into a kiss.

It’s not calculated or controlled. It’s raw, desperate, a clash of emotions that neither of us seems able to contain. Her hands press against my chest, but instead of pushing me away, her fingers curl into the fabric of my shirt, pulling me closer.

The world around us blurs, the weight of our argument giving way to something deeper, something neither of us can deny. Her lips are warm and soft, her breath mingling with mine as the kiss deepens, and for a moment, nothing else matters.

But then she pulls back, her breathing uneven, her eyes searching mine.

“This doesn’t change anything,” she says, her voice trembling.

“I know,” I say, though the words feel hollow. Because for me, it changes everything.

She takes a step back, putting distance between us. “I need space, Levi. You need to figure out what you really want—because I’m not going to keep playing this game with you.”

“Tania,” I start, but she shakes her head, her expression resolute.

“Goodnight, Levi,” she says, turning on her heel and walking out of the room.

I watch her go, the weight of her words settling heavily in my chest. She’s right—I need to figure out what I want. Because if I keep pushing her away, I might lose her for good.

Chapter Fourteen

Tania

The weekend retreat is everything I expected it to be: picturesque, extravagant, and mildly suffocating. Levi’s family estate sits on sprawling acres of manicured gardens and pristine woods, a place so polished it looks like it belongs on the cover of a luxury magazine. It’s the kind of place where everything feels staged, like the people who live here exist only to maintain the illusion of perfection.

Levi’s family, however, is far from perfect.

“Welcome to the circus,” Levi mutters under his breath as we step out of the car, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. “Brace yourself.”

Before I can ask what he means, the front door swings open, and a tall man with the same dark hair and sharp green eyes as Levi strides out to greet us.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to show up,” he says, a broad grin splitting his face. “Levi Nichols in the flesh.”

“Andrew,” Levi says, his tone equal parts exasperation and fondness. “Don’t start.”

Andrew’s gaze shifts to me, and his grin widens. “And who’s this?”

I hesitate, but Levi doesn’t miss a beat. “This is Tania, my fiancée.”

“Fiancée?” Andrew repeats, his eyebrows shooting up in mock surprise. “Did hell freeze over, or did you finally lose a bet?”

“Very funny,” Levi says dryly, his hand tightening slightly on my back. “Where’s Mom?”

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