Something Like Hate: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance

by Harloe Rae

  I wouldn’t consider crossing this line if he hadn’t already propositioned me on several occasions. Do I dare? That’s not even a question. It’s just my hand, and maybe a shoe if I want to get creative. I can sanitize the infected parts later.

  When my palm lands on his thigh, Landon lurches upward, crashing his knee into the table. Our drinks rattle, but thankfully don’t tip. My friends exchange a glance. I wiggle my brows at them before addressing Landon’s reaction.

  “Problem?” I blink in rapid succession while sliding my hand higher.

  “What are you doing?” The question grinds out from behind his clenching teeth.

  “Is my point not clear enough for you?” I tighten my hold on his leg, squeezing him in a sultry vise.

  He flexes beneath my touch. “You really wanna go there?”

  A few millimeters separate my pinky and his family jewels. Backing down isn’t an option. “We’re well on the way. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Will you ladies excuse us?” His grip is already fastened around my upper arm.

  My friends nod. Clea goes so far as to make a shooing motion. “By all means, go blow off some steam.”

  “Thanks for the moral support,” I grumble as Landon tugs me from the booth.

  Clea delivers a humble farewell from her seat, firmly planted in the safe zone. “You’ll thank me later.”

  Somehow, I highly doubt that.

  This bar is swanky enough to include several hidden spots for when the mood strikes. Or a certain woman drives a guy to the brink, and they don’t want to hash it out with an audience present. Whatever the reason, there are spaces available.

  A darkened alcove cut into the far wall catches my attention. I guide Vannah with a palm notched at her lower back, although she follows willingly enough. She matches my long stride with her own fast pace, stiletto heels clicking along the tile floor. Perhaps she’s just as eager to release the tension balloon between us.

  The hallway is quiet, narrow, and secluded enough for my liking. After passing the restrooms, I steer her to a far corner to give us more privacy. I release my hold and step away. Gaining a moment’s peace with her against me is an impossible feat. A single second to regain control is all I need. But no, she can’t even grant me that small token. Vannah crosses her arms while propping along the wall, no doubt waiting for me to get my shit together.

  You and me both, sugar.

  The fog in my brain won’t relent. She invades my senses without remorse like a bad habit I can’t seem to kick. I can’t even breathe freely without her cloying at me. Being this close to her is fucking with my mind. A few feet separate us, but her flowery scent still assaults me. The air is less toxic after another calculated retreat. That mere foot might as well be a mile for the freedom it gives me.

  Regardless of the turmoil coursing through me, my glare hasn’t strayed from hers. “What the hell was that?”

  Vannah lifts her chin, defiance sparking bright as ever in her eyes. “It was my turn to deliver the shock value.”

  “That’s a steep incline.”

  She winks like the saucy seductress she’s portraying. “I figured you’d appreciate a care package.”

  If only it came without stipulations sopping in vengeance. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

  A shrug greets my crackling hostility. “Do you have a better term?”

  “Strutting a razor-thin line,” I offer.

  “It’s a strategic move to prove my point.” Her left shoe crosses the right, as if she’s demonstrating.

  I raise a brow. “That you’re finally ready to fuck?”

  She cringes, but a blush stains her freckled cheeks. “I’m not scared to push boundaries, Lannie.”

  I clench my empty hands into tight fists against the detrimental urge, waging an internal battle. Her touch set fire to my veins in a way I’ve never experienced. The last thing I need is to get hooked on her.

  “By fondling my balls?” The harsh accusation should boom louder.

  She sniffs, taking a lazy perusal down my rigid stance. Her gaze pauses at the bulge behind my zipper. A sizzle from her palm still burns just below there. “I didn’t get that far.”

  “Are you upset that I stopped you?” It felt like a wicked game of chicken. Still does as our stares clash with resounding force.

  Her lips form a flat line. “I’m pissed about you stealing me away from my friends.”

  The visual she paints is almost amusing. “This isn’t the playground, sugar. You don’t go anywhere without wanting to. Let’s not pretend otherwise.”

  Vannah huffs with undisguised frustration. “I’m standing here talking to you, aren’t I? Being captured in the dark isn’t really my kink.”

  “It’s dim at worst, and you’re hardly stuck.” But send me straight to damnation for wanting her to be. This woman is my Everest, and I’m ready to conquer the impossible feat.

  “You’re fancy with semantics,” she spits.

  “How am I the bad guy? Your hand was dangerously close to my dick.” Even from this distance, my height towers over her.

  Vannah cocks her hip, not the least bit intimidated by our difference in stature. “That’s what you get for trying to push my buttons.”

  Hunger builds inside my gut, snapping its elongated incisors. “I’m trying to do a lot more than that.”

  “Fat chance, Lannie. You’re not equipped with what it takes to hold my interest.” A storm brews in her green pools. “I don’t appreciate you using sweet sentiments and romance against me.”

  “Too bad there aren’t any rules. We’re a long ways off from establishing a truce.” I prowl forward until she’s nearly pinned to the wall with my fervency.

  “That will never—”

  With a meaningful palm on her hip, I give a strong jerk to erase the space between us. The movement silences her before she can spew more contempt. But that’s not compelling enough as her expression pinches. She’s not pushing me away, though. Her mouth is lush and soft, drawing me in with the promise of losing myself. I could use a moment to escape the bland and dull. The red gloss might be a deterrent to some, but I won’t mind wearing this vixen’s mark.

  I slam my lips against hers, the motion a fluid wave crashing into stone. Vannah is stiff and vibrating against me. Our mouths meet for no more than five seconds—then she wrenches from my impulsive decision.

  Her gasp ricochets against me. “Why did you do that?”

  “Just checking.” In all honesty, I didn’t plan this. The opportunity dropped into my lap and I had to take advantage.

  “I might regret asking, but for what?”

  “If you’d be willing.” More so to disprove our chemistry, which was an epic fail on my part.

  Her gaze is wild as she searches mine. “What leverage are you trying to gain?”

  “None, in this moment.” Only truth rings from my statement, which will certainly bite me in the ass later.

  “I’m not falling for this swoony routine you’re trying to pull. You can take the sexy allure and shove it.”

  I create a cage with my arms, leaning in until our noses almost touch. “Where do you suggest I put this?”

  “Holy shit. Are you talking dirty to me?” She sputters when I roll my hips along hers. There’s no mistaking the solid ridge for anything other than the fiery need that’s pumping through me. “Oh, you’re making a big play with all that.”

  I lick my lower lip, biting the edge when her gaze follows the wet path. “You started it.”

  Vannah is well aware she can escape, but makes no move to break free. Her chest is rising and falling with labored breaths. She stares at my mouth, desire shimmering in her green gaze. “Oh, what the hell.”

  She fists the front of my shirt and hauls me in. Our lips reunite with a mutual groan. She doesn’t hesitate in deepening the kiss, parting her lips for me with a seductive purr. The sound lulls me in a hypnotic daze, much like her tongue sliding along mine. Heat infuses our connection ins

tantly, flooding through me in a molten rush. The feverish spike has me craving more.

  I bury my fingers in her hair and guide our position to opposing angles for wider access. In return, her nails dig into my shoulder with piercing force. The meaning is simple—any power I’m trying to wield is shared with this bombshell.

  This isn’t a taste. This is quenching weeks of thirst, gorging ourselves until the fire snuffs out.

  I lash at her while she nips my bottom lip. Vannah’s previous resistance melts from her limbs as she clutches onto me. Passion bleeds between us, spilling from her mouth to mine. With an arm cinching her waist, I meld our bodies together for maximum impact. The effect is heady and zaps straight to my balls. Warmth flares from my groin and spirals outward. My cock is demanding and refuses to be ignored, tenting the fabric below my belt. I press the throbbing ache against her, shoving us farther into the corner where we’re met with shadows. She moans when I apply more direct pressure to her squirming pelvis. Her wanton desire fuels my own. I drift an open palm down her side, over grooves and dips, to reach the supple curve of her ass. My initial assessment all those weeks ago was correct—she’s round and firm as fuck.

  Another husky sound rasps from her throat. I’m nearly dizzy from blood loss as she presses into my touch. Vannah fights for control, yanking my hair at the roots. There’s not a shy bone in this girl’s body. She kisses with the same intensity as she argues—bold, deliberate, captivating, and without remorse. I might’ve initiated this, but she will be the one to stop. There’s no pumping the breaks for me. I’ll take her against this wall if she lets me.

  Vannah wraps a leg around me, piercing my calf with her heel. I barely notice the sting as she clings to me with a passion fit for lovers. All that exists between us is barely contained loathing. It would seem, for this brief moment, that our feud is on a temporary hiatus.

  I’ve lost track of who I’m trying to convince, or what’s being accomplished, other than my cock demanding entry to a no-fucking zone. We’re tumbling down a slippery slope into a complex vortex. She’s determined to put me under her spell. I’ll allow her to believe she has it in this instance. This woman is taking what she wants, and I’m happy to assist in the downward spiral.

  “Dude, is there an admission fee?”

  I break apart from Vannah with a snarl directed at our intruder. Jordan is standing there with a jaw so slack, it’s nearly touching his collarbone. My vision narrows into lethal slits as I glare at him. If I were capable of incinerating a man, he would be bursting into flames right about now.

  “Fuck off,” I growl.

  He releases a shrill whistle. “Well, hot damn. I saw you vacate that booth, but figured you ditched us for a better location. Turns out you found one, eh?”

  “Hey, Peeping Tom. Mind your business.” I gnash my teeth like a rabid dog, all sense of composure annihilated by the woman still clutching onto me.

  His smile glows in the dim lighting. “Me? You’re making out at the bar like two horny college coeds.”

  He’s not wrong, but fuck him anyway. “Just give me a damn minute, yeah?”

  “Uh-huh.” Jordan chuckles. “You’ll need more than that.”

  With amusement bouncing his shoulders, he saunters off to harass someone else. I drag my focus to Vannah and assess the damage, preparing for the worst. Her lips are wet and swollen, any trace of that red gloss long gone. That badge of honor will stick with her for at least an hour—maybe more if she comes back for seconds. The sight manages to rejuvenate my deflating arousal, thrumming through me with renewed energy.

  She peels herself off the wall with a harsh exhale. “Well, that was embarrassing.”

  “Why? Displaying affection in public is commonplace.” It’s frequent enough that even I witness it on a daily basis. Catching a couple slobbering over one another is debasement in its rawest form. I’ve never understood the temptation. Falling victim to a woman’s charms is laughable. It’s safe to admit that surrendering my wits to this degree is very uncharted territory. There will be more adequate opportunities to contemplate this uncharacteristic whim later.

  Vannah untangles a section of snarls from her hair. “Yeah, that’s all fine and dandy and not the issue. He caught me kissing you.”

  A gruff scoff rips from me. “Are you ashamed of me?”

  “More so in myself,” she admits.

  “Regrets?” I can’t seem to dredge any up regardless of her response. The drop in my gut is a disturbing sensation. To counteract that odd feeling, I smooth my features and mask any notable reaction.

  A twitch at her mouth reveals her twisted sense of humor. “Never, but this doesn’t mean I like you.”

  “I’m well aware, and the feeling is entirely mutual.” Which reminds me to cut the power supply surging from my cock. I need blood to regain a normal flow to the brain in my skull. This agenda won’t get back on track otherwise. “Shall we return to our friends?”

  Vannah quirks a brow. “Oh, are you finished with whatever this little stint was meant to achieve?”

  “Our business is far from done, sugar. We just need a change of scenery.” I wave a hand forward. “Ladies first.”

  She snorts. “It’s a little late to start acting like a gentleman, Lannie.”

  I rest my hand at the base of her spine as we walk down the hallway. “I’m just trying it on for size. It might bode well with my new improvements.”

  Her eyes roll to the mirrored panels along the ceiling. “I won’t hold my breath.”

  I steer her toward Brance and Jordan before she can protest. They stand from their stools as we approach. Jordan is still grinning wider than a clown at the fucking carnival. His broody counterpart is scowling like someone pissed in his whiskey. Business as usual, it seems.

  “Apologies for being late,” I mutter to no one in particular.

  “Not a problem.” Jordan’s gaze bounces from Vannah to me. “You’ve been well occupied.”

  Brance is squinting at the redhead standing rigid beside me. “Have we met?”

  Vannah offers a tight smile. “My father is Phillip Simons.”

  Recognition relaxes his expression. “Ah, yes. Savannah, right?”

  “Just Vannah,” she corrects.

  I smirk at her. “That depends on who you’re talking to.”

  “Yes,” she hisses. “You’re proving to be a very special case.”

  Brance lifts his chin at me. “This is the girl?”

  Vannah’s eyes swing between us. “What am I missing?”

  “Nothing of value,” I reply to her, choosing to ignore Brance.

  He focuses his attention on her. “Your boyfriend is a hothead.”

  “First of all”—she holds up a finger—“he’s not my anything with a positive connotation attached. Second, I’m well aware that Landon has anger issues.”

  “Only when you piss me off,” I retort.

  “Which is every other second,” she volleys.

  “Maybe you could try being less annoying.”

  Brance and Jordan exchange a glance. They nod in unison but say nothing. Jordan’s smile manages to stretch wider. “Fine, I’ll be the loudmouth. Get a room, you two.”

  “Wow, that’s clever.” I check my watch, already running out of patience.

  “So,” Jordan drawls with his focus pointed at Vannah. “How do you know Landon?”

  I intercept just as she parts her lips. The possibilities that could pop from her mouth are too unpredictable. “She’s my commercial realtor.”

  “Which makes this situation even more awkward,” she grumbles.

  “I think you need a better title.”

  She tips her head toward me. “Oh?”

  “Calling you my real estate agent is too basic.” Especially for someone as brazen as her.

  “What do you suggest?” A twinkle in her eyes leads me to believe she’s not taking this seriously.

  I decide to go big—it seems fitting. “Property investment advisor.”
<br />   “That has a fancy ring to it.”

  “Glad you agree.”

  Jordan laughs. “I had no clue that position came with added—”

  “Shut up, Hughes.” Brance slaps his nape. “Being a dick isn’t your specialty.”

  He grunts and rubs the back of his neck. “Afraid I’ll wear it better than you?”

  Brance snorts. “Not possible.”

  “You’re right,” he grumbles.

  Vannah is silently fuming beside me. That quiet fury is skewering Jordan with a glare more fiery than the heat flushing to her cheeks. “Do you have an issue with women owning their sexuality? Would you rather I lower my gaze and cower?”

  He looks like a shoe has literally been shoved into his mouth. “Not at all.”

  “Then don’t judge me for kissing this asshole.” She hikes a thumb at me, as if there’s another man in question.

  “Well, I can see the appeal. She doesn’t put up with your shit, Winters.” This comes from Brance, surprisingly enough. I didn’t think he was capable of providing compliments.

  “This was a mistake,” I mutter.

  “I warned you,” Vannah coos in that patronizing fashion she should trademark.

  Now would be a good time to drop my next bomb. I don’t even bother bracing for the impact. “Vannah is accompanying me on my return to Chicago tomorrow.”

  She chokes on her tongue, but recovers well enough with a coy grin. “I don’t recall receiving any travel plans from you.”

  “This is a last-minute trip.”

  “No shit,” she mutters. “What if my schedule doesn’t allow for it?”

  “I’ve already checked with Vince. He informed me that you’re available and can work from my office.”

  “Why?”

  “I want to show you my city.” And regain the footing I’ve lost today.

  She makes a noncommittal noise. “I’ve seen it.”

  “Not with me.”

  Her brow furrows. “How different could it be?”

  I drag in a long breath to stem the simmer in my gut. “Must you fight me on everything?”

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