FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS (Ophelia Corrigan) novel Chapter 161

CHAPTER 161

AMIE

Silence slammed down over the terrace.

I looked at Eloise.

Then Stephen.

Then Simon.

His expression had completely changed. Five seconds ago, he’d been relaxed with a glass of whiskey in his hand. Now he was staring at his best friend like he was mentally reviewing every crime in the penal code.

“You two did what?” Simon asked.

Eloise closed her eyes.

“Perfect.”

Stephen leaned back.

“I didn’t say we did anything.”

“You just said you woke up in the same bed.”

“Technically, that does imply something,” Eloise said, taking another sip of wine.

I almost laughed.

Simon didn’t.

“Stephen.”

“Simon,” Eloise cut in, getting to her feet. “Don’t start. I’m an adult, he’s an adult, and it happened a long time ago.”

Stephen looked at her.

“Not that long ago.”

She shot him a murderous look.

“I’m leaving.”

“Eloise,” I said, standing too. “Stay. Aren’t you sleeping here?”

She smiled at me, and the shift was instant. All the irritation vanished from her face.

“I’d love to, but I’m staying at a hotel, and honestly, I love hotels. Crisp sheets, room service, and nobody going full caveman because they want to know who I’ve slept with.”

Simon rubbed a hand over his face.

1954

FAKE DATING WITH BENEFITS: MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

“I wasn’t asking.”

our face was.”

20 vouchers

Apparently, Simon’s jealousy wasn’t reserved exclusively for me. His honorary sister got her own dose of possessiveness too.

She came over and hugged me.

“It was so good meeting you, future sister-in-law.”

“I already told you, you can stay here if you want. We have plenty of room.”

“I know. But I genuinely love my hotel.”

She stepped back and took both my hands.

“And I want to see you again before I leave. Without those two.”

“I’d love that.”

“Perfect. I’ll text you.”

Stephen stood.

“I’ll walk you down.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know.”

“Then sit down.”

“No.”

She rolled her eyes and headed inside.

Stephen followed her.

Simon still looked like he was processing an international betrayal as he went after them toward the elevator.

I stayed on the terrace.

I rested one hand on the glass railing, my wineglass in the other, and stared out at the city. From up there, Manhattan looked endless. Buildings rose in every direction, illuminated windows stacked on top of one another like hundreds of tiny private worlds.

I thought about Eloise.

She had the kind of confidence that came from walking into any room knowing exactly who she was, without ever needing to make anyone else feel smaller to prove it.

I absolutely loved meeting her.

13:25 Sat, Oct 3 UT.

FAKK DATING WITH BENEFITS: MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

I heard the glass door open behind me.

en the heavy click of the lock sliding into place.

My smile deepened.

“They’re gone,” Simon said.

“I noticed.”

His footsteps came closer.

“Stephen walked her down to the car.”

“I assume you issued formal authorization, Mr. Possessive.”

“Don’t be a smart-ass.”

“Can’t help it.”

He stopped behind me and slid his hands around my waist.

I leaned back against his chest.

“Why did you lock us out here?”

“Privacy.”

“We’re on a terrace surrounded by buildings.”

“And?”

I turned my head.

“And those buildings have windows, Simon.”

“They do.”

“With people behind them.”

“Probably.”

“You’re doing a fantastic job of reassuring me.”

He laughed against my ear.

Then he turned me around in his arms.

“You liked Eloise?”

“I loved her.”

His expression softened.

T25 Sat, Oct 3 U

FAKA DATING WITH BENEFITS: MY BILLIONAIRE BOSS

“She loved you too.”

She told you?”

“She didn’t have to. I know my family.”

“You seriously didn’t know about Stephen?”

His smile disappeared.

“Don’t ruin the moment.”

I laughed.

20 vie

Simon guided me backward until the backs of my legs hit the sofa. With one firm movement, he eased me down onto it and leaned over me, one hand planted beside my hip.

“Simon.”

“Hmm?”

“Buildings.”

He glanced around with infuriating calm.

The sofa sat well back from the edge of the terrace, shielded by a wooden privacy wall and two rows of tall potted plants. Above us, the pergola extended far enough to block the view from the upper floors of the surrounding buildings.

Simon gestured around us.

“From here, the wall, the plants, and the overhang block the sight lines. Someone would have to be at a very specific angle, with equipment, deliberately looking for us.”

He lowered his head and brushed his lips over mine.

“Besides, I only want to kiss my future wife.”

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