From Heir's Ex to His Aunt novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18 Your Body Is Beautiful

Alicia thought, Society doesn’t judge women as harshly as it used to, but in powerful families, reputation is everything. If anyone sees me soaked like this, won’t I become the talk of the town?

Austin’s shirt and tailored trousers were also splashed with water, yet he looked composed, almost leisurely. A faint, knowing smile lingered on his lips.

“So desperate to marry into the Burton family?”

Alicia didn’t deny it. “What woman in Litchbrook doesn’t dream of marrying into this family?”

“So, you agreed to David… just for his identity?”

Finished

Meeting the man’s probing gaze, she immediately sensed his interest. As a woman, she was aware of her own advantages. I have a flawless face and a figure that makes other women envious.

Men are creatures of the eye, and even David, who’s seen countless beauties, can’t help but be captivated by me. There’s no way he feels nothing.

The strength in her hands eased, and she let her body sink softly into his chest. Like a serpent, she slid upward, stopping at his ear to breathe, her voice warm and fragrant. “I won’t lie. I came to David for his status. But now… I think you’d make a better match. Austin, will you marry me?”

Water dripped from her chin, trailing down his neck, sending a cool shiver across his skin.

He gave a low laugh at the woman pressing herself against him. “I told you before–I have plenty of choices. You’re not the only one, Ms. Gibson. And since you’re a businesswoman, you should understand- negotiations require leverage.”

Alicia bit back her frustration. When he had chased her earlier, demanding to take responsibility, he hadn’t seemed so difficult.

She tried to read him, but his eyes were fathomless, like the sea. Instead, it was his sharp gaze that seemed to pierce straight into her soul.

“As far as I know,” he continued evenly, “you’re not favored in the Gibson family. Your mother’s wedding gifts ended up in your stepmother’s hands. And as for the Wallace family–well, they’re only distant relatives. Their resources for you are limited.”

The words cut sharply and deep, yet his gaze slid lazily over her water–slicked face. Too beautiful.

Other women’s beauty crumbled once their makeup smudged, but Alicia had only worn the lightest touch. Without the veil of cosmetics, her true, breathtaking beauty emerged all the more striking.

Droplets beaded on her face, sliding down like a tender new fruit–pale and impossibly tempting.

“So, tell me, Ms. Gibson,” he asked, “what advantage do you have that makes me have to marry you?”

She wasn’t foolish. If Austin truly wanted a marriage alliance, he wouldn’t still be single at thirty–two.

When he had first offered to take responsibility for her, it showed he didn’t mind her past.

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Chapter 18 Your Body Is Beautiful

B

Finished

His endless nitpicking now was nothing more than pride–her repeated refusals had struck his ego.

Men were all the same–they were bounded by their pride. He simply wanted to smooth that sting away.

Alicia leaned closer, her fingers brushing his check in a teasing stroke.

Her voice was sultry. “Were you not satisfied that night, Mr. Burton?” Over the years, many have been drawn to me, but I’ve never used my body as a bargaining chip. This man is different–he’s already claimed me.

At her words, his hand slid down to her calf. Her cold skin shuddered against his burning palm.

When Austin touched her, her body trembled. His fingers toyed with the fabric clinging to her skin, sliding upward like a serpent, tracing every smooth inch.

Her heart raced wildly. She hadn’t expected him to be this bold.

As his hand neared the edge of her thigh, she caught it in a panic. “No–Not here…”

They were right by the shore–anyone passing by would see everything.

The next moment, he rose and bent down, lifting her into the covered boat. Inside, to her surprise, was a narrow bed. So this is where he’s been resting.

The wooden frame held only a thin mattress, hard beneath the touch.

Half–damp, he braced his hands on either side of her. “No one can see us now. Tell me, Ms. Gibson–how far are you willing to go to marry me?”

There was no trace of desire in his eyes, only a quiet light, like sunlight veiled behind clouds.

Alicia felt even more unsettled. This man is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. I’ve dealt with countless people before, but never anyone so unpredictable.

He was close enough to touch her, yet not a hint of hunger showed on his face.

Her hands, uncertain, wound around his neck. All she had to do was lift her chin, and her lips would brush

his.

Her heart twisted. She didn’t want this. –

However, she thought of her mother’s death, of her own forced exile abroad, of the years clawing her way through the business world.

She closed her eyes. Nothing matters more than power. I need this marriage!

Her lashes quivered as she leaned in for his lips.

However, just before their mouths met, he caught her chin.

Alicia slowly opened her eyes, meeting the pair of pupils so close to hers, and in them she clearly saw the reflection of her own confusion.

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4:56 pm PPDD.

Chapter 18 Your Body Is Beautiful

H

Finished

“Does it mean that as long as you can marry into the Burton family, anyone would do?”

What kind of madness is this? Why is he always asking these pointless questions? If anyone else had done so, I wouldn’t have deliberately lured David to Sylvoria and had people hold him back.

“At the very least, not David,” she said evenly.

“Anyone else suitable, then?”

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