The Billionaire Heiress Strikes Back (Veronica and Carter) novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Livestream

Carter’s POV

One night.

It wouldn’t hurt, right? I mean, what was the worse that could happen? Besides, I needed something to distract me from the whole Meghan issue.

“What do you say?” She asked again.

“Let’s do it,” I accepted and her eyes lit up immediately.

“Really?” She asked.

“Sure, why not? I need a release anyway so let’s do it,” I said and she immediately got off the stool and dragged me off with her.

“Arie, calm down,” I chuckled. “I thought we were going to have drinks first?”

“Drinks can wait. We can always get them in the room,” she said.

“Did you book somewhere already?” I asked, a little surprised. She shrugged and my eyes widened. “How did you know that I was going to take the offer?”

“What can I say? I am really good at guessing,” she winked and I shook my head with a smile. My phone suddenly started blowing up with notifications and I fished for my phone in my pockets. I needed to know what was going on.

“Carter watch out!” Arie yelled, yanking me forward with her just as the car horned. I blinked in shock while she glared at me. “Can you put that away, until we are sure we won’t be getting killed?”

I pocketed the phone. “Sorry,” I mumbled but she simply turned without acknowledging my apology. We got to the reception and I must confess, the hotel was indeed refreshing.

Arie strutted confidently to the front desk, flashing a charming smile at the receptionist. “Reservation under Arie Mensah,” she said smoothly.

The woman behind the counter barely glanced up before handing her a keycard. “Penthouse suite. Enjoy your stay.”

I raised a brow. “Penthouse, huh? You really went all out.”

Arie turned to me with a smirk. “Only the best for my one–night distraction.”

I scoffed but followed her toward the elevator. The air between us was charged with anticipation, but something about this felt too… Out of place?

I eyed her as we stepped inside the elevator. “You sure you’re not setting me up for something?”

She gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Carter, I am offended by your lack of trust.”

I chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. But seriously, how did you know I’d say yes?”

She shrugged, watching the elevator doors close. “Because you needed this. And I’m really good at reading people.”

The way she said it made something stir in my chest. There was

something about her confidence, the way she carried herself like she knew exactly what she was doing.

And yet. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t just doing this for

fun.

The elevator dinged, and we stepped out into the lavish penthouse. Floor- to–ceiling windows overlooked the city, casting soft reflections of the two of us in the glass. A bar sat in the corner, fully stocked. The bed, massive and covered in beautiful floral sheets, stood in the center of the room like an invitation.

It was one of the best suites I have seen.

Arie kicked off her heels and stretched. “So, Carter…” She turned to face me. her expression mischievous and taunting, “Are you backing out?”

I hesitated, staring at her.

Was I?

My phone buzzed again in my pocket, and I was tempted to check it, but I forced myself to ignore it.

Not tonight.

I stepped forward, closing the space between us. “No.”

Her smirk widened. “Good.”

She reached for the bottle of whiskey on the bar, pouring two glasses. “Then let’s make this night worth it.”

I took the glass from her, our fingers brushing slightly.

One night.

No strings.

Nothing could go wrong… right?

I clinked my glass against hers, watching as she downed her drink in one go. The amber liquid burned as it slid down my throat, but it wasn’t nearly enough to drown out the chaos in my mind.

Arie set her glass down and arched a brow. “You’re thinking too much.”

I let out a short laugh. “That obvious?”

She stepped closer, tilting her head as she studied me. “Yeah. But that’s not what tonight is about, is it?”

Her fingers trailed down my chest, a slow, deliberate touch that sent a shiver down my spine. She was right. Tonight wasn’t about thinking. It was about escape.

I exhaled sharply, setting my glass down beside hers. “You’re trouble, you know that?”

She grinned, biting her lip. “And yet, you’re still here.”

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed again, more insistent this time. Arie sighed dramatically and snatched it from my pocket before I could

react.

“Aric…”

“Relax, I’m just saving you from whatever nonsense is trying to ruin your night.” She waved the phone in front of me, her expression playful. “Or we could just toss this aside.”

She dropped my phone and got on top of me. My shoulders immediately

Chapter 14

tensed and I began rethinking my decision to do this.

“You overthink too much, Carter,” she leaned against my face until our lips were just inches apart. “It’s not sexy.”

“And you are not thinking enough,” I muttered under the same breath and her eyes flickered to mine.

“I guess that’s why we balance each other out,” she whispered. She swiped her tongue gently over my lips and they parted slowly.