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

by Harloe Rae

  “Could be worse, like a baseball stadium.” Her throaty laugh sends a ripple through me.

  Or a fucking boat cruise.

  But this isn’t the time to digress about stupid shit.

  As predicted, heads snap in our direction as we exit the limo. Hushed murmurs follow us inside, growing in intensity as we enter the throng. Vannah rolls her shoulders back, accentuating the sway in her hips.

  “You’re going to create a buzz that’ll last all year.” The warning should shake her from this rebellion.

  A gleam twinkles in her eyes and she blows me a kiss. “Good.”

  We stride forward, linked at the elbow. Vannah’s smile is bright enough to battle the sun. She’s determined to make a scene, push my limits, and shove until I snap. There’s no chance I’ll lay claim to her, but that doesn’t mean another guy can swoop in and try his luck. Fuck that. She’s mine tonight. I’ll chase every other bastard off if need be.

  She shoots me a sly grin, tacking a wink on top. “I like to consider myself a conversationalist. Providing them with a topic to discuss is my due diligence. This will be fun.”

  There goes our fun discrepancy again. “You don’t owe them anything. The vultures in this circle can be brutal.”

  She tosses her head, sending red curls to cascade from left to right. The motion exposes her naked back. This is further proof that her gown is a torture device against men. “Have you met me? I can handle it.”

  She certainly can, which is a talent most will never achieve. Why the fuck am I concerning myself over her anyway? This woman is getting under my skin and I need to get her out.

  A familiar face rushes over to accost us before we’ve even found a place to stand. “I never thought I’d see the day, Winters. You’re finally settling down.”

  Synchronized croaks catapult from us in the same second as if we planned the shocked display. Vannah recovers with a demure grin pointed at our intruder, who’s currently invading her personal space. He’s probably trying to ogle her breasts. Not that I blame him, but that doesn’t stop a sneer from curling my lip. I haven’t feasted on her tits yet. This joker certainly isn’t getting an eyeful before me.

  I cough loud enough to redirect his gaze. It has the desired effect as he looks at me while I finish adjusting my tie. “Always a riot chatting with you, Danvers.”

  He preens like that’s an actual compliment. Hell, my hand stings from the backhand. “We’re sharing the top slots for donations again this quarter.”

  “That’s compelling news. If only I had a drink to properly commensurate the occasion.”

  He pays my subtle hint little mind. Too busy eye-fucking Vannah. “Who is this lovely woman on your arm? I wasn’t aware you were bringing a plus-one.”

  Does he have nothing better to do than check on my status?

  But again, I can’t ridicule him too aggressively. She looks good beside me, drawing more attention than I already receive on my own.

  “This isn’t a date.” The vehement rebuttal in her voice is a strike to my ego. Lucky for me, I have plenty to spare.

  “Savannah Simons is my… property investment advisor.” My pause is pregnant on purpose, entirely for raising suspicion.

  “We’re together strictly for business-related services,” she adds.

  His eyebrows wag in an undignified fashion. “You don’t have to lie, honey.”

  Vannah narrows her eyes, the flames rising to the surface in those green pools. “I’m not, trust me.”

  “She’ll come around to accepting her place eventually.” He pats me on the shoulder.

  I shift sideways until his arm drops away from me. With another measured step, I turn to my non-date. “By the way, this is Charles Danvers. He’s also a founding sponsor.”

  “It’s lovely to make your acquaintance.” The blatant fib pinches her mouth.

  “Likewise.” His gaze passes over her in a slow perusal that has me moving to act as a shield. “You always have the best at your disposal, Winters. Let me know when you’re ready to share her.”

  Vannah shudders beside me and parts her lips with a gasp. I snarl on her behalf, the noise loud enough to drown any peep she planned to make. “That I do, but this one isn’t going anywhere.”

  Charles rocks on his heels. “Ah, I see.”

  “Be sure you do. If you’ll excuse us, my lady is parched.” I hide my curling fist behind Vannah’s ass. The storm roaring in my gut won’t be concealed for another minute against that douche.

  She doesn’t protest as I steer her toward the bar. “Trying to pass me off as your girlfriend?”

  A grunt streams from my flaring nostrils. “I avoid answering pointless questions. Besides, even if I were, no one would believe me.”

  “Yeah, that guy seemed shocked. He was… pleasant.”

  “You mispronounced disgusting.”

  Another shiver wracks her limbs. “I wasn’t going to degrade one of your friends.”

  I grip her elbow, stopping us in our tracks. “That pig definitely isn’t connected to me beyond these events.”

  He’d been quite close to my father. The similarities have never been lost on me. For whatever reason, Charles believes I’ll swoop in and replace his fallen comrade. I should probably be more discouraging if this recent interaction is any indication.

  Vannah exhales, the breath whooshing from her. “Speaking of, were you aware of this posh shindig when you invited me to Chicago?”

  I pass her a flute of champagne, taking the bourbon for myself. “Yes, it’s been on my calendar for a year. I hadn’t decided to attend, though. It’s not like I would’ve been missed so long as my donation arrived. They host an event every season in our honor, but it’s really an excuse to collect more money. Works like the well-established system this fundraiser is.”

  “That’s super for the cause. For once, I don’t mind your wealth being flaunted.” She sips from her glass. “Although, this is beyond the normal realm of treating an associate to a night on the town.”

  “It’s safe to confirm we’ve surpassed that point. Does it bother you?” I won’t admit to the tightness spreading in my chest while waiting for her answer.

  The diamonds in her necklace glitter when she shrugs. “I’m choosing to let it slide until further notice.”

  I rest a possessive touch on her hip, directing us to our assigned table. “We only have to stay through dinner.”

  “Are you in a hurry to get somewhere else?”

  “We’ll see, right?”

  “Indeed.” A pink hue blooms in her cheeks.

  The overpriced meal is served and devoured without incident, as usual. These hoity affairs leave little room for error. I make the mistake of giving Vannah free rein at the silent auction. She’s not being shy spending my money, entering astronomical amounts. I lift a brow at her bidding habits.

  She turns to see me peeking over her shoulder. “It’s for a good cause.”

  I hold up my palms. “I didn’t say anything.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “Claiming to know me so well you can read my thoughts?”

  “Yep.” She smacks her lips while studying me. “Like right now you’re picturing me naked, wondering how long it will take to leave, and if I’m willing to do the horizontal slide.”

  I duck my chin to hide a smile. “Wow, you should join the circus. They need more fortune-tellers.”

  “I’ll get right on that,” she muses while jotting down another lofty bid.

  When the jazz band begins setting up, I press a palm to her naked back and lean in. “Ready to go?”

  Her gaze drifts to the stage. “You don’t want to dance?”

  “Oh, we’re going to grind. I’d just prefer if we were alone for that portion of the evening.”

  “No longer an exhibitionist?”

  “There’s bound to be a mirror in your room.” On the ceiling would be a great location.

  Her mouth forms a small circle as she raises her brows. “Kin
ky.”

  I drift my fingers down her spine. “That’s just the beginning. Let’s see what other trouble you can cause.”

  Vannah gestures toward the front door. “Lead the way, Lannie.”

  The limo retraces our route to my hotel at a lazy pace. Bright lights from the passing buildings illuminate the night sky, flickering across Landon’s stony features. We haven’t spoken since getting settled in the backseat. Our silence is a weighted tension, squeezing my lungs until I’m jittery to escape these cloying restraints. It’s ridiculous to feel anything but carnal attraction and festering aggravation while sitting next to this man. He’s the same guy who’s been my worst nightmare for this past month.

  Changes in our dynamic have crawled in the gaps we allowed to exist. I can tolerate him for the sake of more orgasms. He’s damn good at delivering those. If I’m being fair and honest, Landon has been less broody with me recently. There’s not much that will convince me he’s being nice for keeps, though.

  Refusing to accept this shift between us is wasted energy that can be better spent elsewhere. A swirling heat curls around my ankles, traveling along smooth skin and questionable loyalties. Morals probably belong in that slinky incline too. I can keep emotion locked out, especially with Landon. There are no qualms about what this would be if I allow it to happen.

  My hand is clutched within the confines of his. The gesture is almost protective, which is silly. Landon wants nothing more than to exchange erotic gratification. A girl is allowed to treat herself to pleasure, even if it’s served on a platinum platter by her enemy. This entire evening has been a spectacle to behold, one I’ll never see again. I’m caught up in this whimsical fantasy, the glamor, and charm. That level of fanfare is top-notch. I want to ride the wave until it spits me out, or reality crashes down. Whichever comes first.

  Landon isn’t pushing the issue. Perhaps that warms me to him more. He’s done the task of weakening my defenses against him. Landon Winters—billionaire extraordinaire—is within my grasp. How many people can claim that? But that’s not the real excuse I’m leaning on. This crackling chemistry needs to vacate our systems so we can move on… professionally. I’ll resurrect my armor tomorrow. Or the next day.

  The precious few seconds to decide tick by when Karl parks in front of the picturesque building. This is my choice to make. I peek at Landon from under my heavily coated eyelashes. “Do you want to come up?”

  An animalistic growl rumbles from his chest. “Fuck, sugar. You just made this night even better.”

  I flick his bow tie. “I’m sure there’s still room for improvement.”

  Before stepping out, Landon addresses his driver. “I’ll call when I need a ride.”

  “Yes, Mr. Winters. Enjoy your evening.”

  “Oh, we will.” He practically scoops me from the vehicle, getting my feet planted onto the stone walkway in a single move.

  We stride into the lobby connected at the arm, but I break apart from him with a twirl. I cut a backward path to the elevator, crooking my finger at him. “Come and get me.”

  He prowls forward with a fierce smirk slanting his lips. “Don’t tempt the beast, sugar.”

  “You won’t hurt me.” I wiggle my hips to accentuate the taunt.

  Landon corners me against the metal walls as we travel to my floor. His mouth seals over mine, our tongues colliding in the next breath. I dig my fingers into his firm ass, pressing him against me. A growl escapes him as I nip his bottom lip. The elevator slides open with a whoosh and we exit with the same frantic speed.

  I tug him toward the door by his jacket lapels, tripping over my own feet in the process. We tumble into the room in a tangle of knotted limbs and rising desire. The background fades into a blur as we stumble farther into the suite. Desperation scents the space like a fresh cloud ripe with rain. I’m ready to burst and he’s barely touched me.

  “This is easy access.” Landon slides his hand into my dress from behind, wandering upward until he cups my breast.

  Thank you, designer of the backless style.

  I groan when he tweaks my nipple. “Oh, that feels so good.”

  “Only gets better from here.” He adds his other palm into the mix, paying titillating attention to both sides.

  “Yes, please.” A squirm has me rocking against the hard ridge in his pants. He’s raring to go, but prodding at the wrong entrance. That salacious tease stokes foreign embers deep within me. Never say never.

  “I like hearing your polite mouth, but I’ll love seeing you full of my cock.”

  “Let’s hope I don’t choke.” I bump into that impressive package again.

  He rumbles low in his chest. “We’ll see if you can handle it.”

  Damn, he really is filthy. This dirty talk is getting my engine purring like a fat cat in a sunny window. I rub my legs together in an attempt to alleviate the ache. All that does is make the fire spread faster.

  He plucks at me for another moment before abandoning my chest. A clasp between my shoulder blades is all that’s holding the dress in place. With a flick, Landon releases the hook and slinky material pools around my feet. Cool air fondles my nipples and the peaks pebble at being exposed. I shiver, but not from the cold. Whispers of fabric being removed tickle my ears. I turn to find Landon slipping off his jacket.

  He rips at his tie, undoing the bow with a haste that rattles my bones. His fingers start popping shirt buttons while I unfasten his belt. Within a few beats, he’s left in just a pair of black boxer briefs. The shorts cling to his jutting length, giving me a thick preview.

  I’d been right about his clothes hiding a toned physique. Landon’s body is sculpted and cut, but not overly bulky like a gym rat. The deep grooves of muscle in his abs drifts down to make a sinful shape between his hips. A very happy trail leads to the only place left hidden from view. I want to trace that point with my tongue. My mouth waters at the idea. Maybe I will. Later.

  His thumbs dip into the elastic at his waist, giving a snap for added impact. Then Landon shucks his boxers down with a shove.

  “Oh,” I gasp. “Is that all for me?”

  He gestures to his cock, which is giving me a standing ovation. “You’re welcome.”

  “It’s so generous of you to share.” I grip his arousal in a tight fist, rolling my wrist to slide down the engorged shaft. His girth twitches in my grasp, all but begging for relief. The tip is almost purple and looks pained. I bite my lip, setting a steady pace.

  He lets me jack him with slow strokes for all of thirty seconds. His palm rests over mine, squeezing our joined hands over his dick. “Get on the bed.”

  I glare at him, his command an abrasive scratch on my flesh. “Only if I want to. The bossy attitude isn’t foreplay for me.”

  “You’ll enjoy giving me control in this.” The promise booms across the otherwise quiet room.

  “Doubtful.” But I take a tentative step.

  “How about we take turns, and I go first?” His hands flex at his sides, empty and perhaps not wanting to be.

  That macho attitude isn’t the least bit shocking. “But I get to come first.”

  Landon’s chuckle is more gritty than his plans for me. “Always. You’ll never have to worry about me leaving you hanging.”

  I ditch my thong with a quick shimmy and hop onto the silk comforter. “Saddle up, big boy.”

  He takes a moment to dig out a condom and roll the rubber on. Then he’s crawling onto the mattress to cover my body with his. With a delicate finger, he sweeps some stray hair from my forehead. “You’re beautiful, Savannah.”

  I’m not sure what I was expecting from Landon in regard to sex, but sweet nothings and slow motions definitely weren’t on the list. To tip the scale in a more comfortable favor, I pepper kisses along the short stubble dusting his jaw. “And you don’t need to score more brownie points. I’m already naked.”

  A devilish glint sweeps through his gaze. “That you are.”

  Then he enters me with a punishing thru
st. No warning beyond the windup in his hips. Landon plunges in, slamming to the hilt without pause. My muscles burn at the abrupt intrusion and I clench around him. That dry spell wasn’t a joke, leaving me rather shocked by his sizeable invasion. I slap a palm to his broad back, digging my nails in. Lucky for him, I was already slick and ready to wrestle. Otherwise, this asshole would be getting a tongue lashing for that stunt.

  “Holy shit,” I wheeze.

  He nips at me, alternating between pecks and nibbles down my throat. “Yeah, sugar. Take it all in one go.”

  I shift underneath him to alleviate the sting in my core. “I should’ve known you’d be a dick in the sack.”

  He grinds into me, swiveling his pelvis better than a rock star. My eyelids flutter while warmth spreads from tit to toe. His laughter is mocking. “Not complaining now.”

  “Fucker.” The curse would be more believable if it didn’t come out as a moan.

  “With pleasure.” Landon pulls out and slams back in, repeating the cycle until I’m dizzy and breathless. All I can do is hitch my legs around him and hold on.

  He clamps his jaw shut while picking up speed. The bed creaks from the blasting momentum. My heart is punching a staccato beat as he pistons deeper. The stretch at my opening aches, but the pinch only elevates the blistering warmth. His usual finesse and frosty indifference melts away as he begins to really move. Each powerful glide steals more composure until his eyes shimmer with pure lust. His motions are rhythmic yet chaotic. I have to cinch around him so I don’t bash into the headboard. He’s wild in the throes of passion, untamed and savage. This is a hidden version of the man not many will have the pleasure to meet. Sucks for them.

  Landon’s biceps flex from the strain of propping over me. Sweat glistens along his hairline, cutting an alluring trail along his chiseled features. I want to trace that shiny path with my tongue, but settle for lapping at his Adam’s apple instead. He growls at my affections, sending a buzz along my lips. Another surge pumps potent heat into me as his efforts seem to double. I bite at his shoulder while grabbing a handful of his ass. A girl might as well take advantage.