The Contract With Her Father's Billionaire Rival-Chapter 99. Moment of truth.

What just happened?

What did he just do?

What did he just say?

It was too late, and Alaric knew that as he rolled to his side. His heart was racing so fast, he thought it might tear out of his chest.

Nicolette lay beside him, breathing heavily, her hand resting gently on his chest. She exhaled, then rested her head against him.

"I miss you so much," she whispered, hugging him tightly.

His heart squeezed at the heaviness of his emotions. He knew exactly what it was—what that nameless, overwhelming feeling was.

It was love.

Fuck.

He loved her.

He chuckled with disbelief as he wrapped an arm protectively around her, the emotions pounding harder with every heartbeat.

He loved Nicolette.

Now should he tell her or what?

She nestled into his arms like she was meant to be there. Maybe she was.

"I had no idea you were coming," she said, crossing her leg over his. "You didn’t tell me."

Her words brought the painful reality flooding back. He sighed, his mind racing with everything that had happened.

"Well, I solved the case in Australia," he said softly, his heart tightening as he recalled Ian’s betrayal. "And... I was told my father had a stroke."

Nicolette sat up sharply, her eyes wide. "Oh my God. Is he okay?"

He nodded slowly. "Yeah. I went to see him as soon as I landed."

Her expression softened as she reached for his hand. "I’m sorry, Alaric."

He smiled, emotions surging inside him. "Thank you," he murmured, pulling her closer for a kiss. "You make everything better."

She caught the change in his tone and studied his face. "Are you okay?"

"I am now," he replied with a wry smile.

She rested on his chest again, and he kissed her forehead.

Who would have thought his heart would beat this hard for this woman? She had come into his life vulnerable, seeking help with a sharp tongue and her unpredictability.

And now here he was, wanting her more than ever.

"A lot happened while you were away," she said, her hand gently rubbing his chest.

He shut his eyes, savoring her touch as bliss washed over him. "Hmm."

"But I’m not going to talk about it just yet," she continued, then she stiffened slightly in his arms. "Are you going back to Australia?"

He heard the tightness in her voice and instinctively tightened his hold on her.

"Hopefully not anytime soon," he said. "And even if I have to... you’re coming with me."

He felt her body relax in his arms, and his heart broke a little, realizing how afraid she had been of him leaving her.

"I’m sorry for everything that happened," he said softly, threading his fingers through her hair.

"It’s okay," she whispered, her arms tightening around him.

He kissed her forehead again, then his thoughts drifted to that Q-girl.

Nicolette shifted slightly, her fingers tracing his chest. "What’s wrong? Your heart is beating so fast," she said, concern in her voice.

He sighed and pulled his hand away.

Moment of truth.

"What is it?" she asked, sitting up, her eyes wide with worry.

He knew he had to face her for this. And he could only hope she would forgive him.

He swallowed hard. "That day... when I saw the news about you and that bastard... I lost it. I went to a club."

She arched a brow. "Okay?"

He rubbed his hands together, his heart pounding with anxiety. "I ordered a girl because I... I was pissed. I thought you were with Luciain. And I... got jealous."

Admitting it felt strangely light. Easier than he thought.

"Okay," she said again, her voice still soft.

Alaric searched her expression for anger, but found none. Only curiosity.

"I couldn’t do anything, I..." he trailed off, the awkwardness of that night creeping inside him. "I couldn’t bring myself... to... do anything."

He paused, finally understanding why he was awkward that night.

It was because he was in love with Nicolette. That’s why he couldn’t touch the girl.

"I’m sorry," he said, finally, his voice dropping.

He lowered his eyes, bracing himself for her anger.

Maybe he should leave before she sent him away.

But instead of anger, Nicolette took his hands and kissed them.

"I’m sorry I made you jealous," she said softly.

He looked at her, his eyes wide in shock.

That was it?

That was what she was going to say? 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

She leaned in and kissed him, and he collapsed into her small body, returning the kiss with the same intensity.

His hands cradled her face, holding her tighter so he could take in every inch of her lips. She shivered as his hand found her breast, and then her nipple.

She moaned against his mouth, pressing herself closer. He dropped kisses from her lips to her chest, and his fingers slid between her legs, finding her hot and ready.

She gasped as he dipped into her, guiding his fingers with practiced need, her hips grinding to his rhythm. Moans filled the room as he took her in fully.

He let her do her thing as he lowered his mouth to her nipples.

She leaned in, sucking on his ear. "I want to come on your face, baby."

"Fuck," he groaned, already weak from the way she said it.

He shifted down as she climbed over him.

But it was damn late.

She was already close. She rubbed her clit against his nose before lowering herself to his mouth.

She cried out, her body jerking as she gripped his hair and rode his tongue. He gave her everything, plunging deeper until she gasped and came, pouring onto him.

He didn’t give her time to recover. He turned her over, positioning her on all fours and entered her from behind.

She cried out at the suddenness, but she was soaked and ready. He pounded into her, lasting even less than before.

He crashed on the bed, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I’m sorry... That was... fast."

She laughed. "It’s been a while. Don’t be so hard on yourself."

She leaned in and kissed him, then slid out of bed.

She was beautiful. Her body was perfect, her face was radiant.

And she was all his.

Before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "I love you, Nicolette."

She froze.

"I love you," he repeated, feeling lighter, even through the confession.

Before she could respond, his phone rang. She reached for it and handed it to him. "It’s Richard."

His heart jumped as he answered. "Hey, Richy. Is Dad okay?"

"Yes, he is," Richard said quietly. "But... I just got word that George Reel left our company for Voss House."

Alaric’s heart pounded. "George Reel? Wasn’t he one of the people Ronald stole his information?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Richard replied. "And I’m worried Ronald might be planning to steal Mystic too."

Alaric’s stomach turned.

Ronald wasn’t giving up. Not yet.