?Chapter 2960:


    “Hey!”


    Hadley gasped as he guided her backward, step by step—until the back of her knees hit the edge of the bed.


    In the next instant, she toppled onto the mattress, Eric’s arm steady around her.


    Before she could protest, his lips found hers, firm and unrelenting.


    Her back sank into the soft sheets as he kissed her with a consuming intensity that left her stunned—her eyes wide open in disbelief.


    She couldn’t help but wonder how he could lose control so easily—didn’t he know how to hold back?


    And yet, the way he kissed her… he was far too practiced for her to stay annoyed.


    Hadley’s arms slowly lifted, winding around his neck in surrender.


    Taking that as encouragement, Eric deepened the kiss, his lips moving with hunger until she was nearly breathless.


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    Atst, he drew back, ending the long, dizzying kiss.


    Hadley rested against his chest, her breaths soft and uneven. “Easy,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “My lips hurt.”


    Really?


    Eric chuckled quietly, his tone gentle. “I’ll be easier next time.”


    He cradled her close, eyes tracing the flush blooming across her cheeks.


    Her normally clear gaze now shimmered with a dazed glow, and her loosened hair spilled across the sheets like silk—utterly captivating.


    “Tonight…” Eric’s voice dropped low as he bent closer, his breath brushing her lips. “Can I stay?”


    Hadley blinked, startled.


    Wasn’t he already living at Flynn Mansion?


    But the look in his eyes told her exactly what he meant, and it sent her heart racing uncontrobly.


    Eric still wore his daytime suit, the cor of his shirt slightly undone, his gaze bold and teasing. A crooked smile yed on his lips—mischief and desire intertwined in every inch of him. He looked devastatingly good:posed, refined, yet effortlessly seductive.


    Under that smoldering stare, Hadley felt her resolve begin to waver.


    But…


    She bit her lip and shook her head firmly. “No.”


    cing a hand on his chest, she pushed him back. “You should get going. I need to sleep.”


    “Why not?” Eric stared at her, disbelief flickering across his face. His tone softened, coaxing. “Come on… it’s not just me. You want this too, don’t you?”


    Hadley’s cheeks warmed. In the early days of their marriage, both had been inexperienced. He hadn’t exactly been smooth then, but over the past year, they’d grown more in sync.


    “If you want it,” he murmured, voice low and persuasive, “just say it. You don’t have to be shy.”


    “No—no, Eric…”


    Hadley was still trying to find the right words when—


    Rip!


    The sharp sound of tearing fabric split the air.


    Her thoughts nked.


    Then her eyes red with outrage. “Eric!” she snapped, ring at him. “You barbarian!”


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