Tempted (The Dark Billionaire, #5) by L.N. Pearl

with me.”
    “It’s too sudden, Enzo. I can’t decide just like that. I need time.”
    “Do you want to be happy?”
    “Of course.”
    “So stop seeing him. Be free again. His life is too complex for you. It’s not the same world. I’m not rich but I can make you happy. You know what they say; money doesn’t buy happiness. You two are the perfect example...”
    Jennifer shook her head, fighting to stay in control. “It’s not always that bad. It’s just... now.”
    Enzo didn’t insist. Their eyes were locked and Jennifer considered his last words: money doesn’t buy happiness. Bruce himself, a billionaire, wasn’t really happy. He was always fighting for something and it seemed like he could never rest; never take a break. Would she have to go through this roller-coaster of emotions forever? All these constant ups and downs if she accepted to become his wife?
    Enzo kissed her one more time, his lips softly connecting with hers, and he caressed her hair. “I’m hungry,” he said. “Let’s enjoy the time we have together.” He bent forward and picked up the bunch of roses.
    “I’m sorry,” she said as they walked. “I shouldn’t have let you see me weak.”
    “I’m sorry there’s nothing I can do.”
    Jennifer and Enzo spent the afternoon together. She showed him around, and made him try all sort of foods that he couldn’t find in Thailand. He took pictures of the city, pictures of himself and pictures of them together.
    It took Jennifer a while to let go and feel really comfortable, but eventually, she relaxed and allowed herself to have fun. Enzo didn’t try to kiss her again. He didn’t mention about leaving the country with him anymore. He acted like a gentleman, like a friend and kept his distance, giving her the space she needed and the attention she was craving for.
    Before she knew it, it was already night time. Her mind started to drift and her pulse accelerated. It was about to come to an end... but what kind of ending? Was it the very last time she was spending time with Enzo? Or was it the beginning of something new?
    The night felt heavy, electrified with tension and anticipation. She had no idea how this would end. She thought about it; yes, she thought about following him to his hotel room and... Oh my God, she thought. Her heart skipped a bit. How could she? She shook her head. Was she really willing to go that far? She knew the answer: she wanted to know but she couldn’t.
    Enzo was standing in front of her, looking at her with intensity. He was definitely thinking about the same thing. His face was now close to hers, and she could hear him breathing heavily, panting with excitement.
    “What do you want to do?” he asked, whispering. The sound of his low voice gave her shivers and goose-bumps.
    “I don’t know...”
    “Of course, you know. You don’t want to take the lead, that’s it. You don’t want to be responsible for what happens next.”
    “Maybe.”
    “So let me take the lead. Let me be responsible for what happens between us...”
    Jennifer felt the pressure getting heavier inside her chest. The tension was dangerously rising and she felt being pushed toward the edge. She bit her lips and turned around, unable to sustain Enzo’s burning eyes.
    He didn’t let her escape that easily though, and walked around her to face her again. “Listen to me,” he said, holding her shoulders and slightly leaning forward. “I don’t want to force you to do anything you don’t really want to do. Tell me to get lost if that’s what you really want. Do it!”
    She said nothing. She stared at her feet, her knees wobbling, her shoulders heaving up and down, and her heart screaming. She couldn’t accept his invitation to go further; but she couldn’t let him go either. She was trapped, tangled in a web of contradicting and conflicting feelings. Guilt, loyalty, commitment, lust, desire, temptation... everything swirled in her heart and she felt dizzy, as if the ground was