Page 18 of Her Naughty Billionaire

"I know words aren't enough, and that learning a childhood lullaby on the piano won't fix things. But I wanted to show you that I'm willing to step into your world, even if it's just a tiny step."

I tilt my head, regarding him curiously. "Why?"

He meets my gaze directly, those piercing blue eyes searching mine. "Because I'm drawn to you. Not just for the Carter name or the business alliance. I find myself wanting to know you, the real you. And I wanted to prove that I can be more than the ruthless businessman you've seen."

I laugh softly, "You think playing 'Twinkle, Twinkle' proves that?"

Victor smirks, that cocky grin returning. "It shows I'm willing to try, doesn't it? Besides, you can't tell me you weren't impressed with my impeccable musical skills."

I roll my eyes but can't suppress a smile. "You've made your point."

Stepping closer, Victor lowers his voice, the intensity palpable. "Sophia, I've navigated boardrooms and dealt with sharks in the business world. But with you, I'm navigating uncharted waters. I want to get this right. I want us to be more than just a deal."

The atmosphere thickens with unsaid words and raw emotions. "Victor, it's complicated," I whisper, "but I can't deny there's something between us.”

His hand hesitates for a moment, then he reaches into his inner jacket pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper. As he unfolds it, I recognize the contract, the very agreement that had set everything in motion.

"About that debt," he begins, his voice huskier, "I've been thinking."

Before I can respond, he takes a deep breath and, in one swift motion, tears the contract in half, then in quarters, letting the pieces fall onto my desk.

"I don't want this hanging over us," he says, looking into my eyes, searching for a reaction. "I want to be with you, Sophia, for you, not because of your last name. You don’t owe me anything, but I hope you'll choose to give us a chance, on your terms.”

Watching the torn pieces of the contract on my desk, my heart feels like it's caught between racing and standing still. All this time, I've shouldered the weight of my family's legacy, the weight of duty, the expectations, and the sacrifices that came with it. But in this instant, the weight seems a little lighter.

"Victor," I whisper, still processing, "do you understand what you've done?"

He leans in, his blue eyes capturing mine with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. "I think the better question is, do you?"

A rush of emotions floods me. My family's honor, our legacy—it had always been a constant, something I was willing to sacrifice my personal happiness for. But Victor's bold and unexpected gesture makes me realize that maybe the two aren't mutually exclusive. Maybe there's a way to preserve my family's name while also pursuing my own happiness.

"I'm beginning to," I reply, my voice steadier than I feel. “I think it might be time to create my own legacy.”

He reaches out, taking my hand. "Then let's create it together."

For the first time, I feel like I'm on the brink of a new beginning, where the lines between love and duty, past and future, blur into a future filled with endless possibilities.

Chapter 8

Victor

Theremnantsofthetorn contract sit between us, but there's something else in the air, something charged and electric. I can't help but think about how crazy this whole thing is, and yet how right it feels.

Without another word, I pull her close, feeling the rapid beat of her heart against mine. "So, what's the next move, Miss Carter?"

She looks up, her gaze full of promise. "I thought you'd never ask."

With that, her lips find mine in a passionate kiss. Our tongues explore each other hungrily as my hands roam her curves, fisting the fabric of her dress to pull her closer to me. I'm vaguely aware that we're still in her office, but nothing else matters but this moment between us.

I pull away for a moment to catch my breath and take in the sight of her flushed face and shining eyes. She looks up at me, desire radiating from every inch of her body, and I ache to kiss her again, but I can't deny myself the pleasure of taking my time to savor every part of her.

My fingertips trace soft patterns on her skin as I make my way down to explore her neck and shoulders, feeling how much she enjoys the sensation with little moans that escape from her lips.

She grabs my shirt, and I know what she wants, so I oblige her by pulling it over my head. She's tentative at first, her fingertips trailing over the smooth expanse of my chest.

"Victor," she whispers against my lips, "I want you."

My heart races at her words as I slip my fingers beneath her dress and cup her center to feel how wet she is for me. She gasps in pleasure as I rub slow circles around her clit through her panties.

---