Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian) novel Chapter 333

Chapter 333

The living room of the mansion had become the heart of our family gathering. We were all spread out across the plush sofas and leather armchairs, with Ginger weaving between us like a small, furry ambassador, collecting affection from one person before moving on to the next. A gentle breeze from the hills drifted through the open windows, carrying the scent of grapevines and the distant sound of crickets, creating the perfect atmosphere for conversations that naturally stretched into the night.

‘And Grandpa?” I asked, settling more comfortably on the sofa beside Annie. “How is he? It’s been a while since

e last talked in person.”

Christian smiled, clearly happy to talk about his grandfather.

“He’s doing great, actually better than he has in years,” he said, taking a sip of wine. “He’s been spending a lot of time at the villa in Valentia with Lucy. He’s calmer there, not as involved in the day-to-day business.”

“That’s good for his heart,” I said, remembering how worried we’d all been about Joseph’s health over the past few years.

“Exactly,” Christian agreed. “The doctor said the lower stress levels have done wonders for him. And Lucy… well, she has a really positive effect on his mood. I’ve never seen him this relaxed.”

“They’re arriving tomorrow for Matt’s party, right?” Annie asked, gently petting Ginger, who had decided her lap was the perfect place for a nap.

“Yes, they should get in around lunchtime,” Zoey confirmed. “Joseph is really excited about the party. And Lucy can’t wait to see you all.”

The conversation flowed easily after that, moving from party preparations to funny stories about Matt, to updates on everyone’s work. Matthew talked about his projects in Ascia, Gwen shared vacation gossip from Valentia, and Marcus chimed in with observations about cultural differences he’d noticed during his business trips.

When the clock on the wall crept close to midnight, Annie let out a discreet yawn beside me, trying to hide the exhaustion from the long journey.

“I think it’s time we get some rest,” I suggested, standing and offering her my hand. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

“Good idea,” Annie agreed, carefully transferring the sleeping Ginger into my arms.

We said goodnight to everyone, promising to pick up the conversations the next day. Then we climbed the marble staircase to the room they’d prepared for us-a spacious suite overlooking the vineyards, decorated in soft shades of blue and white that made it feel calm and welcoming.

“Wow, it’s so warm,” Annie said, heading straight for the balcony. “I forgot how intense the Verdanian climate can be, even at night.”

The balcony doors were wide open, letting the night breeze move through the room, but the air was still heavy with heat and humidity. I gently set Ginger down, and she immediately trotted out onto the balcony, sniffing around the corners and the potted plants that decorated the space.

“Come here, Ginger,” Annie called, patting the bed. “Time to sleep.”

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But our puppy had other plans. She circled the balcony a few times before settling into a cool spot near the plants, where a cross-breeze created a pocket of fresher air.

“Even she’s looking for a cooler place to survive the Verdanian heat,” I joked, watching Ginger stretch out comfortably on the cool stone floor of the balcony.

Annie laughed, starting to unbutton the light blouse she’d worn during the day.

“Smart girl,” she said, tossing it over a chair. “She’s already figured out that survival in Verdania is all about finding the right breeze.”

I watched Annie get ready for bed, struck by how at ease she looked here-how her movements softened, how everything about her seemed more relaxed in this familiar place. There was something about being in Verdania, surrounded by her family, that made everything feel more real. More permanent.

After a quick shower to take the edge off the heat, we lay down on the cool sheets, grateful for the brief relief they offered. But the closeness of our bodies soon created a different kind of warmth. Annie turned onto her side, watching me with that look I knew so well, tired from the trip, yet still filled with quiet desire.

I traced slow, gentle lines along her skin with my fingertips, admiring the way she glowed under the soft light drifting in from the balcony. The tropical heat had left her skin warm and luminous, and I couldn’t resist kissing the curve of her neck, breathing her in.

One touch led naturally to another, and soon we were wrapped up in each other, moving together in an unhurried, intimate rhythm that matched the calm of the Verdanian night. It wasn’t rushed. It was deep, slow, and full, like we had all the time in the world.

Afterward, as we lay tangled together, warm and content, I noticed Annie make that gesture again. Without thinking, her hand drifted to her stomach, fingers resting there in an unconscious, hopeful caress.

I let out a quiet breath, careful not to show the tightness that always settled in my chest when I saw it. She did it almost every time, so instinctive I wasn’t sure she even realized it. As if, somewhere deep down, she was still wishing for life to grow there.

I knew Annie was truly at peace with the idea of adoption. We’d talked about it so many times, honestly and openly. Her acceptance was real. Still, it hurt to think I was denying her an experience she so clearly wanted, even if only in some unspoken part of her heart.

Pushing those thoughts aside, knowing they wouldn’t lead anywhere good, I pulled her closer, kissed her temple, and breathed in the familiar scent of her hair mixed with the night-blooming flowers drifting in from the balcony.

“I love you,” I murmured against her skin.

“I love you too,” she replied sleepily, snuggling closer against my chest.

Soon her breathing deepened, steady and peaceful, and I knew she’d fallen asleep. I stayed awake a little longer, staring out toward the balcony where Ginger slept quietly beneath the stars of the southern hemisphere, thinking about family, the future, and the quiet, complicated weight of real love.

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