Hired a Gigolo, Got a Billionaire

Chapter 284 Nathaniel's POV I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the words I needed to say. The moment seemed perfect-just the two of us alone on the bridge, Bath glowing all around us, Annie leaning against me with that look of pure happiness. It was now or never. The irony was that this was the only part of the day I hadn't meticulously planned. I'd organized every detail- the Jane Austen Centre, the Roman Baths, the underground chamber-but telling her the truth about Wanderer ... that had simply hit me in the moment. Maybe because she looked so happy with how the day had unfolded.

Maybe because it felt like we'd grown even closer. Maybe because, for the first time, I felt secure enough about us. She'd understand. Wouldn't she? "Annie..." I began, my voice sounding tighter than I meant it to. "I need to tell you something about-" The sound of hurried heels on stone cut through my words. I turned and saw Tori approaching fast, clutching her coat closed and clearly freezing in the sharp night air. "Sorry to interrupt," she said once she reached us, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "But Mom's calling for you two.

It's time to get ready for dinner." A wave of frustration crashed through me. Just a few more seconds and I would have told Annie everything. Now the moment was gone, and I had no idea when I'd get another perfect opportunity like that. "Your feet must be freezing," Annie said, eyeing Tori's elegant shoes with a mix of admiration and concern. " And you're still standing on those heels. I'm impressed!" "Mom was getting anxious," Tori replied, grimacing as she flexed her feet. "And honestly, I'm kind of used to the torture." Annie laughed softly.

arrived, I saw the two of them share a genuine smile. Maybe there was hope for them after all. As Tori stepped closer, the streetlamps catching her face, she gave Annie's hair a curious look.

images of our hour in the underground baths flooded my mind. The steam, her hands tangled in my hair, the way she whispered my name... "Sure!" Annie agreed. "Thank you!" Tori watched us with that sharp, familiar curiosity, like she was trying to figure out exactly

warmth wrapped around us immediately, along with the delicious smell of something roasting in the oven. The kitchen was buzzing. Elizabeth moved between pots and pans with the ease of someone who'd orchestrated dozens of Christmas dinners. From the back of the house, the soft sound of the piano drifted through. My dad was playing one of the classic Christmas pieces he always practiced this time of year, probably something by Bach or Handel. "Where's Oliver?" I asked, noticing he wasn't part of

said he'd be back in time for dinner." "Oh, you're back!" my mother said, looking over her shoulder while stirring something in a pot. "Tori, I need you to finish that sauce

"Elizabeth," she corrected automatically with a smile. "And thank you, sweetheart, but Tori's already here. You two can go upstairs to change. Dinner will be in an hour." Tori sighed and went to the counter, pulling her phone from her pocket. "I need to look up the recipe online..." she muttered, staring at the screen. "Damn, it's dead."