Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 31 The words hung between us, heavy with meaning. The air inside the car felt thick, electric. Christian stayed close -so close I could feel his breath, see every little detail of his face-the faint shadow of stubble, the intense light in his eyes, the lips still damp from our kiss. For a moment-a glorious, hopeful moment-I thought he'd say yes. That we'd get out of the car together, walk into the house hand in hand, and maybe, just maybe, start something real. Something that belonged to us. His hand brushed my cheek, so softly it almost hurt.

The look in his eyes was unlike anything I'd ever seen- vulnerable, almost reverent. "Zoey..." My name left his lips like a prayer. "I want to. More than you can imagine." My heart raced. I leaned toward him, ready for another kiss, ready to pull him inside, to continue what we had started. But his hands gently held my shoulders, keeping a small but decisive distance between us. "But I can't." Three simple words. Three syllables that dropped like stones in my stomach. "Why?" I managed to ask, my voice weaker than I wanted. Christian closed his eyes for a moment, as if gathering strength.

"Because you deserve more than this." When he opened them again, there was a sad determination in his gaze. More than an impulsive moment. More than I can give you right now." Heat rushed to my face, shame quickly replacing desire. Of course. What had I been thinking? That Christian Kensington, billionaire heir, actually wanted something more with the dress shop girl he had hired for a job? "You don't have to come up with pretty excuses," I said, pulling back into my seat, trying to salvage a shred of dignity.

"A simple 'no' would've been enough." "It's not an excuse, Zoey." His voice carried a desperation that didn't fit with rejection. "I want to... damn it, I want to walk into that house with you more than anything right now." "But you won't," I cut in, my voice cold now. "Not like this. Not when we're both confused, emotional." He ran a hand through his hair, that familiar gesture. . You're worth more than a goodbye fling." I swallowed the knot forming in my throat. "Goodbye, Christian." This time, I didn't hesitate. I opened the door and stepped out in one swift motion, without looking back.

time in so little time. As I walked, I heard the Porsche's engine purr. Christian waited until I reached the door before driving off. The sound of the car fading away echoed

31 +25 Bonus my father was free from his debts. I had kept mine-pretending to be his fiancée for a few days.

state, I couldn't help but notice her appearance: messy hair, party clothes, sunglasses indoors-a clear sign of a brutal hangover. "Oh my God, what happened?" She immediately dropped her bag and rushed over. "Did

her everything. The abrupt way we left the vineyard, the long silent drive, the talk in the car, the kiss. And finally, the rejection. "He said you 'deserve more'?" Annabelle repeated, incredulous. "What kind of bullshit is that?" "Apparently, I'm too good for a farewell hookup with the most desired

"You like him." It wasn't a question. I opened my mouth to deny it, but Annabelle's look stopped me. My sister knew me too well. "Maybe," I murmured. "But it doesn't matter now. It's over." Annabelle sighed, leaning back against the couch. "You know what's most annoying?" she said after a moment. "He was probably being sincere." "What?" That pulled a weak laugh out of me through the tears. "You and what army?" "I know people."