Billionaire's Match

The night was deep as ink. The lights inside their home were out, and through the narrow gap in the floor-to- ceiling curtains, scattered city lights spilled softly into the room. Khloe lay on the bed, still wide awake, when she felt a weight settle behind her. Nick's clean, cool scent enveloped her as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Can't sleep?" She didn't turn around, speaking quietly instead. When she'd gone to shower earlier, Nick had already returned to the guest room. Seeing the lights off just now, she'd assumed he'd gone to bed. "Mmm.

I want to sleep holding you." His voice was low and lazy. Though his tone was steady as ever, Khloe somehow caught a hint of indulgent clinginess in it. The corners of her lips curved upward. "Nick, thank you for standing up for me today-and for speaking to your father like that because of me. I know that wasn't easy for you." He fell silent for a moment, then tightened his arms, pulling her more firmly into his embrace. "You don't need to thank me." There was a faint, almost imperceptible rasp in his voice. "But today...

my heart really wasn't at ease." "Because of me?" Her heart sank slightly. Was he still bothered after all? "Thinking about how you were bullied, and I wasn't there with you..." He seemed to search for the right words, pausing briefly. "...it just makes me uncomfortable. I wish I could erase that time from your life- or that I'd met you sooner." "That's all in the past," Khloe said softly, warmed straight to her heart by his words. She turned, her nose brushing lightly against his chin, her breath gentle.

you now." "Being in the past doesn't mean it never happened." His voice grew deeper, carrying a restrained heaviness." My heart aches for you." He spoke the last words slowly, deliberately, each one weighted. Khloe's chest filled with a bittersweet, burning warmth. She had never imagined that after hearing her past, Nick's only response would be pain for her-without the slightest trace of judgment or reservation. Her eyes grew warm. Unable to resist, she

deep emotions churning in his eyes. He lowered his head, brushing his nose against hers. "That's not enough." His voice was hoarse, tinged with an indescribable stubbornness. "Just cherishing isn't enough. I want to make up-double-for everything you lacked in the past." His warm palm cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over the dampness at the

carried an almost reverent possessiveness-yet he restrained his strength carefully, afraid of hurting her. It was no longer a fleeting touch, but a deep, lingering kiss that claimed her breath. Khloe felt slightly light-headed, her mind blank. She could only respond instinctively, fingers