The Billionaire's Dangerous Obsession (Nivera) novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209

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Alejandro stood before the floor–to–ceiling mirror, adjusting the cufflinks on his crisp navy blue shirt. The early light poured through the wide glass windows, painting silver streaks across the penthouse floor.

He looked every inch the man people feared and envied–sharp, composed, and in control. But his eyes softened when he caught sight of the reflection behind him.

Nivera sat on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a white bathrobe. Her damp hair clung to her neck, the faint scent of her shampoo mingling with the coffee brewing on the counter. She watched him quietly, chin propped on her palm. There was something intimate about mornings like this–the quiet before the world intruded, before his phone started buzzing with problems and demands.

He caught her staring. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll be late, Cabezota,” he murmured, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

She rolled her eyes, feigning nonchalance. “You already are, Alejandro.”

‘It’s just a harmless shower,’ he had said. There was nothing, however harmless, about what he had done to her in the bathroom, as now, her voice was a bit hoarse from the screaming.

“And knowing what Cabezota means, don’t call me that,” she pursed her lips.

He chuckled, stepping toward the dresser where his tie lay waiting. “You still hate it, yet you blush every time I say it.”

“I do not blush.”

His brow arched, clearly unconvinced, but he didn’t comment any further.

Nivera sighed dramatically, then let her eyes trail over him again. The navy–blue suit he’d chosen molded perfectly to his frame, accentuating the strength of his shoulders and the precision of his posture.

He made power look effortless, and yet in that moment, he wasn’t the ruthless man the world saw–he was just Alejandro, the man who had whispered “I love you” into her skin only moments ago as he emptied himself inside her.

Speaking of that, she needed to begin birth control, as she didn’t want to be taken by surprise.

“Need help with that?” she asked softly when he picked up his tie and began fumbling with the knot,

“I can manage.”

She smiled faintly. “You say that, but you look like you’re about to strangle yourself with it.”

His gaze flicked to her, amusement dancing there. “If I did, at least I’d die looking well put–together.”

Alejandro stepped closer, holding the tie out to her. She rose from the bed, the robe brushing against her bare legs as she approached him.

10:51 Thu, Oct 16

Chapter 209

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He stood still, lowering his chin so she could reach. Her fingers brushed the collar of his shirt, cool and delicate against the warmth of his skin. He could smell the faint sweetness of her lotion that made him want to call in sick and spend the day with her.

As she worked, looping the silk fabric with focused precision, Alejandro watched her–really watched her. Her lashes fluttered slightly, her lips pursed in concentration.

Her fingers brushed against his chest as she straightened the fabric, sliding it beneath his collar. The air between them thickened, their breaths syncing almost unconsciously. Alejandro’s hands found her waist–not pulling her closer, not yet, just resting there like he couldn’t help himself.

“You’re quiet,” she murmured, glancing up briefly.

“I’m thinking,” he replied, voice low.

“About?”

His gaze lingered on the curve of her neck, then drifted back to her eyes. “What’s your schedule today?”

“I’m supposed to meet with Celeste and the team to go over the upcoming shoot schedules,” she stated.

Alejandro’s jaw flexed, and the warmth in his eyes dimmed into something darker. ” “The last time you stepped outside, you got shot. And Martins still hasn’t gotten anything useful from the men we captured.”

She finished the knot and smoothed it down over his chest, her fingers tracing the faint texture of the tie before resting there. “He’s trying,” she said softly.

“I can’t stay locked up here forever, Alejandro. I have a career, a life. I’m not going to let fear or whoever’s behind that attack dictate where I go.”

He exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening slightly at her waist. “If it were up to me, you wouldn’t be leaving this penthouse until I had answers.”

“I know,” she said softly. Besides, Martins must be doing his best. Don’t be angry with him for what he can’t control.”

“His best isn’t enough.” He huffed a humorless laugh. “That’s the problem, Cabezota. I hate things I can’t control.”

Nivera tilted her head, meeting his eyes. “You can’t control everything, Alejandro.”

Nivera reached up, brushing her fingers along his jawline in a tender, grounding gesture.

Her touch disarmed him. For a man who spent years hiding emotions behind strategy and command, she had a way of slicing right through the armor. He exhaled slowly, letting his forehead drop lightly against hers.

“I know,” he admitted quietly. “And it’s fucking annoying.”

She smiled, brushing her thumb across his jawline. “Then trust me a little.”

“I do trust you,” he countered immediately. “It’s everyone else I don’t trust.”

10:51 Thu, Oct 16

Chapter 209

Her laughter was soft and melodic. “I’ll be careful.”

:.

“You said that last time,” he muttered, eyes narrowing slightly.

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“And I mean it this time,” she teased. “Besides, we’ll just increase my security detail. I’ll have Martins hovering like a hawk. You know he takes his job seriously. Last time, he didn’t let the bullet go through me.”

That earned her a sharp look, though it was more protective than angry. He leaned in close enough that his breath brushed her cheek. “You love testing my patience, don’t you?”

“Maybe.” She grinned, mischief glinting in her eyes. “Someone has to keep you human.”

He groaned under his breath but couldn’t stop the corner of his mouth from curving upward. “You’ll be the death of me, Cabezota.”

“Maybe,” she whispered, echoing his tone, and he chuckled.

He stepped back slightly, reaching for his jacket. As he slipped it on, she asked, “What’s your plan for today?”

His expression shifted back to business–sharp, composed, and dangerous. “Antonio and I are going to clean up the mess from his arrest. The money–laundering investigation was a failure on the police’s part, but it still left a stain on the family name. We can’t afford any loose ends.”

Nivera crossed her arms loosely, watching him button his jacket. “You’ll fix it. You always do.”

“That’s the plan,” he said simply. “But I won’t lie–it’ll take more than charm this time.”

She smiled faintly. “You underestimate your charm.”

He shot her a teasing look. “Of course I do; after all, that’s what you fell for?”

“Part of it,” she admitted. “The other part is the annoying cocky one I always feel like strangling.”

“You’re very much free to do so, but make sure to do it while I’m underneath you and you ride my big fat…”

“Alejandro!” Nivera exhaled sharply, clearly embarrassed by his words and what he would have said had she not stopped him.

“What?!” Alejandro chuckled, and she hit his chest lightly.

For a moment, silence filled the space between them–a comfortable kind of quiet, like they were both aware this peace wouldn’t last once he stepped out that door. The city outside was already humming to life, distant sirens mixing with the rush of traffic far below.

He turned back toward her, and for a brief second, the façade of the powerful businessman slipped. His eyes softened again, and he reached up to brush a strand of hair from her face.

“Stay inside until Martins gets back with your clothes,” he said. “And don’t open the door for anyone unless it’s him. The guards have strict orders not to let anyone in unless you give your permission.”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, mock–saluting him.

10:51 Thu, Oct 16

Chapter 209

“I’m serious, Nivera.”

“I know.” She smiled gently. “You don’t have to keep reminding me that you care.”

He hesitated, thumb grazing her cheek. “That’s not something I’ll ever stop reminding you.”

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The air between them grew heavy–not with tension, but with affection that neither needed to name anymore. She stood on her toes, pressing a light kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Go,” she murmured. “Before Antonio gets impatient and comes here himself.”

Alejandro chuckled, his hand sliding to the back of her neck, drawing her closer for a deeper kiss. It was unhurried, yet it carried everything words couldn’t–possession, love, and the silent promise of return.

When they finally broke apart, she looked up at him with soft eyes. “Come back soon.”

He rested his forehead against hers once more. “Always.”

He lingered there for another heartbeat before stepping back. His hand trailed down her arm, fingers brushing over her wrist–right where her pulse beat fast beneath the skin.

“I love you,” he said, voice rough but certain.

The words still made her heart skip. “I know,” she whispered, smiling. “I love you too. Now go to work.”

Alejandro pressed one last kiss to her forehead before turning toward the door. The sound of his shoes echoed across the marble floor, steady and deliberate. When the door finally clicked shut behind him, the penthouse felt too large, too quiet.

Nivera stood for a long moment, fingers still touching the place where his lips had been. A small smile curved her lips, but beneath it lingered worry.

She had acted all brave in front of Alejandro, but the truth was that she was a bit terrified. What if she was attacked again, and this time, what if the bullet didn’t graze her but went all the way through?

She turned back toward the window, watching the city stretch awake below. Somewhere out there, danger still lurked. But for now, in the aftermath of whispered confessions and promises wrapped in kisses, she allowed herself to believe that love could be stronger than fear.

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