Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 111

Chapter 111: An Undeniable Connection

Xander couldn’t help the amused chuckle that escaped his lips as Aurora crossed her arms defensively, unintentionally amplifying the effect of her compressed chest. His gaze flicked downward again, mischief dancing in his eyes.

“Sweetheart,” he teased, “you’re only making things worse.”

Aurora followed his gaze and immediately realized her actions had backfired. Her arms, pressed tightly against her chest, only highlighted the curve of her skin. Narrowing her eyes at him, she muttered, “You…”

“This problem,” he said, his voice laced with mock seriousness, “can only be solved one way.”

Annoyed by his teasing but unwilling to give him the satisfaction of arguing further, Aurora flopped onto her stomach. “Fine. Just tie it back,” she huffed, her irritation barely masking the small grin tugging at her lips.

Xander expertly knotted the bikini strings behind her back and gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder, signalling it was done. Aurora sat up, casting him a warning look, but before she could say more, two servants approached carrying a fancy breakfast basket.

“The weather’s a bit warm,” Aurora commented as she reached for a plate. “Why don’t you take your shirt off?”

Xander smirked, watching her pick at the grilled homemade chicken sausage. “I’ll take it off when it’s time for a swim,” he replied before snatching the sausage stick from her hand after she’d barely had a bite.

“Really?” Aurora raised an eyebrow, shaking her head as she reached for a glass of chilled orange juice which was just something her body needed at the moment.

Xander’s playful antics never ceased to amaze her. They were moments like these—lighthearted and carefree—that made her wonder how he’d manage once they had children. The fleeting thought of parenthood made her pause, but she quickly brushed it aside, shaking her head in the process. She wasn’t ready for that chapter of their lives yet.

“What kind of unacceptable thoughts are you having over there?” Xander asked, interrupting her daydreams as he scooped some baked beans with his spoon.

Aurora tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Why don’t you open my head and find out the kind of unacceptable thoughts that are there?”

Xander pretended to think deeply about her request before meeting her gaze. “I will think about it,” he replied with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

—

After breakfast, the two house-helps from earlier returned to clear the dishes, leaving the couple free to enjoy the pool. Laughter echoed through the yard as Aurora and Xander splashed around, challenging each other to races.

By the third round, Aurora swam to the edge, panting heavily. “I’m done!” she declared, hoisting herself out of the pool.

Xander chuckled, his tone teasing. “Giving up so soon, Sweetheart? I would have let you win this time.”

Aurora shot him a sharp look as she reached for a towel at the foot of one of the sun loungers. “You’ve been saying that since the first race, yet here we are. Do I look stupid enough to believe you again?”

Xander burst into deep throaty laughter as his head dipped backwards. Lifting his head again, he watched as she dried herself off with quick, annoyed movements. Despite her frustration, he found her endearing.

When she refused his attempts to coax her back into the pool, he finally gave up and climbed out himself. After drying off, he collapsed onto the sun lounger beside her.

“When will the results from the promotion task be announced?” he asked, his tone shifting to one of casual curiosity.

“Tomorrow morning,” Aurora replied promptly.

“Good,” Xander nodded thoughtfully.

She tilted her head, curiosity lighting her eyes. “What are you planning?”

“You’ll find out tomorrow,” he replied with a mysterious smirk.

“You really enjoy being so mysterious, don’t you?” she muttered, shaking her head.

Xander chuckled and stood, offering her his hand. “Let’s go inside and shower,” he responded, clearly avoiding her question.

—

Asher’s Residence.

Abigail stirred from a restless sleep, her head pounding. Disoriented, she sat up, clutching the soft robe draped over her body. Her gaze darted around the unfamiliar room, her confusion deepening.

Before she could gather her thoughts, three soft knocks sounded on the door.

“I’m coming in,” Asher’s familiar voice called, and the door swung open moments later.

Abigail turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. “You brought me to your house after the party?” she asked as she finally put two and two together.

Asher folded his arms, leaning against the doorframe with a nonchalant expression. “Good morning to you, too,” he quipped, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

She ignored his jab, her suspicions flaring. “Did you change my clothes last night?”

A wicked grin spread across Asher’s face. “And what if I did?” he asked, his tone teasing as he suddenly decided to get a little revenge for her rude attitude seconds ago to see her reaction.

Abigail’s jaw clenched, as fury flashed in her eyes. Without a second thought, she grabbed the lamp from the nightstand and hurled it at him.

Asher uncrossed his arms and ducked just in time, the lamp smashing against the door behind him, sending shards of glass scattering across the floor.

“What the fuck!” he barked, his eyes wide in disbelief as he straightened his back. “Were you trying to kill me?” He was still in disbelief and shock at her unexpected violence.

Abigail crossed her arms, her gaze icy. “If I wanted to kill you, you’d be in the morgue by now. You wouldn’t even have the chance to ask that stupid question.”

Asher let out a disbelieving scoff as he put his hands on his waist with a straight gaze on her. “Should I be thanking you for sparing my life, then?”

Abigail smirked, tilting her head. “Yes. If you have any gratitude in you, you would have been know-towing at my feet right now.”

Asher shook his head, biting back a laugh despite himself. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re infuriating,” she shot back, though her lips twitched with the hint of a smile.

The tension between them lingered, but beneath the sharp words and fiery glares, an undeniable connection simmered, one neither was quite ready to acknowledge.