After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 273

Chapter 273

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The moment those words left her mouth, the air around them seemed to freeze.

Louisa looked up at Julian and found herself caught in his deep, gentle gaze. The corners of his lips curved into a knowing smule

He leaned closer, his eyes never leaving hers. That does sound terrifying. I guess I have to rely on you to protect me.

Louisa fell silent. Her mouth really could get her into trouble.

Spotting a convenience store nearby, she quickly said, “You must be thirsty. Ill go get some water. Before he could respond, she scurried away.

Inside the store, she grabbed a shopping basket and started filling it while trying to call Sadie. She needed to know if any progress had been made with George. When Sadie didn’t answer, she headed to checkout with her basket full of items.

The cashier was a young, good–looking guy who kept stealing glances at Louisa. Clearly flustered by her beauty, his hands trembled slightly as he screed

her items.

Louisa found it strange–why was he so nervous? Surely her appearance wasn’t that intimidating. Shrugging it off, she returned to Julian with her large bag

of purchases.

“I bought some snacks and drinks. Would you like anything?” she asked, opening the shopping bag,

Julian was about to decline, but his eyes caught sight of the contents: bottled soda, whole wheat bread, a bottle of bourbon whiskey, bottled water, wet wipes, chocolate bars, and several boxes of condoms.

Julian fought back a laugh. “Planning something special for tonight?”

Louisa didn’t understand his meaning until she followed his gaze–condoms? Her pupils dilated in shock. What on earth had she grabbed?

Her face turned crimson, and she began to stammer. “I–I–I grabbed the wrong things…”

She needed to calm down. Hastily, she grabbed a bottle, opened it, and took several large gulps. Two swallows later, she was coughing violently. She hadn’t even checked what she’d grabbed–not water, but bourbon whiskey.

Julian quickly took the bottle from her and gently patted her back. “Are you okay?

He hadn’t been quick enough to stop her from drinking the alcohol.

He pulled out a bottle of water from the bag, twisted off the cap, and handed it her. Here, drink some water.”

“Thanks,‘ she said, accepting the bottle.

Just as she was about to drink, she spotted a familiar figure approaching them in the distance George? Had he followed them downstairs?

Without thinking, she grabbed Julian’s hand. “Quick, let’s go She abandoned her newly purchased items without a second thought

Julian clasped her hand firmly in his, following her lead while asking with mild cern. “Whats wrong?”

“George found us.”

Unfamiliar with the hotel grounds, Louisa pulled Julian into a patch of bushes toide: Worried the branches might scratch her, Julian pulled her into the

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Chapter 273

protective circle of his arms.

Warmth enveloped her, bringing with it an overwhelming sense of security. Louis looked up at Julian.

‘It’s okay. We’re safe, he reassured her, leading her behind a large tree.

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On the other side of the tree was a wall, making it an excellent hiding spot. Julian positioned himself with his back against the tree trunk, facing the wall. Louisa stood in front of him, trying to peek out to see if George had followed them. As she leaned out, the tangled tree roots beneath her feet caught her off balance. She stumbled forward, falling directly into Julian’s embrace.

Julian’s breath caught as his arms instinctively wrapped around her waist. One of her hands remained in his grasp while the other, along with the rest of her body, was enclosed in his embrace. Her lips were dangerously close to his neck.

For a moment, she stared at that spot, fighting the urge to press her lips against it… What was happening to her? Her mouth went dry. The alcohol was beginning to take effect. Her head felt fuzzy, and her hands unconsciously settled on either side of his waist.

She wanted to kiss him. To touch him. Desire stirred within her. She almost gave in…

Then footsteps sounded nearby. Her mind snapped back to clarity, and she quickly withdrew her hands.

Julian glanced out. “It’s fine. It’s not him.”

He led her out from behind the tree, taking a different path that led them past the lake. Several small wooden boats were docked at the lakeside, surrounded

by white gauzy curtains. These boats were probably used for daytime tours, now resting peacefully along the shore.

The night breeze caused the delicate fabric to dance in the air. It was beautiful, dreamlike. Louisa found herself drawn to them.

Afraid she might fall into the lake, Julian quickly grabbed her arm. “What are you doing?”

“I want to sit in one of those boats,” she said, pointing.

Julian reluctantly walked her over. He boarded first, then helped her up.

Louisa sat in the boat, gazing at the moon on the horizon. She’d hoped the fresh air might clear her head, but with Julian sitting beside her, his scent enveloping her, she felt even more intoxicated. Her body swayed slightly.

Julian put his arm around her shoulders to steady her.

Louisa turned to look at him. “Julian, don’t you think this boat is rocking a lot?

‘Is it?‘ he asked.

“Yes! It’s really rocking!”

Julian smiled and pulled her closer, studying her face in the moonlight. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes misty–clearly tipsy

“You’re drunk,‘ he said.

“No way!” Louisa adamantly denied it. “I have a great tolerance. I used to drink those businessmen under the table.”

As she boasted, she missed the look of concern that flashed across Julian’s face. He wrapped one arm around her waist and cradled the back of her head with his other hand, pulling her against his chest. His voice was impossibly gentle: Alght, our Louisa is the strongest. You’re not drunk–it’s the Kelpie under the boat causing the rocking, okay?‘

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Chapter 273

“Okay, she agreed docilety, nestling comfortably in his arms.

Feeling his warm, strong, protective embrace, her heart raced. When she opened eyes, her head brushed against his neck, and she caught sight of the spot the’d been eyeing all evening

Desire clouded her mind. Without warning, the hooked her arms around his neck and pressed her soft lips against his Adam’s apple

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