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

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Something Like Hate: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance Page 20

by Harloe Rae


  The sounds we’re making are obscene. We’re two beings chasing relief without care for shame. The twin beats of grunts and slapping flesh drum in my ears. I’m not the only one slippery when wet. A sting attacks my cheeks and I’m sure the blush rising there is fierce. Damn my freckled skin for being so transparent.

  He pins my wrists to the mattress. I relinquish control like he demanded, arching into our sizzling connection. My clit is still sensitive from his ministrations earlier, so each touch, regardless of how slight, sends a shock through me. His grip forces me to accept the pressure, but I’m more than willing. Our bodies press together with each gliding movement, ratcheting the intensity up another degree.

  Just as the tingles begin rushing to my core, I swat his hip and encourage him to flip us. We switch positions without disconnecting. I rest my palms on his chest and begin riding him at a fast pace. The definition in his torso flexes beneath my touch.

  “My turn.” I groan when he strikes that special area that makes my vision grow hazy.

  “Fuck, you’re sexy.” He palms a breast with one hand while the other dives between my legs, flicking my clit. “This is the hottest sight I’ve ever seen.”

  I bite my lip while snapping my hips harder. “This is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

  With a curled palm to my nape, he hauls me down until our lips crash together. The kiss is a flurry of teeth and tongue as we fight for control. His fingers tunnel in my hair, yanking to the tilt he desires. I break from his mouth when he presses my ass down, grinding until stars blot out my sight.

  “You make me feel so full like this,” I whine.

  “Use me, baby. I wanna see you fall apart.”

  With a muffled protest, I straighten and resume rocking us to release. “Your cock makes it easy.”

  “It gets me harder when you say shit like that.” He pinches my nipple, sending a jolt straight to my slit.

  “Oh, sweet Jesus. That’s the spot.” I’m a vocal person in general and sex is no different.

  “You’re a damn vise, sugar. Trying to kill me?” Landon bucks his pelvis while I gyrate against him.

  “Maybe,” I pant.

  His thumb on my clit swirls in rapid circles and I claw at him, the spasms taking hold of me. “Yes, yes, keep going.”

  “Nothing could stop me.” He clamps onto my throbbing bundle and my core flutters.

  “I’m gonna come.” My voice slurs with passion.

  He keeps humping into me at a furious pace. “Get there faster.”

  I open my mouth with a silent scream as the shatter takes over. The simmer rockets into a boiling explosion as I twitch on top of him. I fracture into a blazing inferno. My pulse is hammering to deafening volumes, booming and thrashing, as the climax claims me. I’m lost to the stimulation at my center, barely aware that Landon has gone rigid beneath me. At some point, I collapse against his chest with aftershocks quaking my limbs. My body rises and falls with his labored breaths.

  A thought crosses my groggy mind as the dust settles. “You’re not just going to up and leave now that we’re done, right?”

  “Oh, sweet Savannah. I’ve already told you.” His amusement puffs a hot stream against my temple. “We’re far from done.”

  With a shrug, I slip into my tuxedo jacket and smooth the lapels. Normally, I wouldn’t be caught dead in yesterday’s clothes—but Vannah is worth another punch to my dignity. She’s lying sprawled across the white sheets, toned limbs and fiery hair spread in all directions. The air is rich with musk and sated desire, yet I could take her again. I stare at her for far longer than appropriate. Creeper status sinks in as another minute ticks by.

  Vannah blew my rules out of the atmosphere. We fucked until exhaustion took hold and dragged her from my clutches. It’s just after five in the morning. The dawn hasn’t yet crept over the horizon, allowing deep midnight to protect our sins. That endless black contrasts the vision I’m leaving behind in bed. I should’ve woken her for a quickie. There are always spare moments for that.

  Karl is waiting for me along the curb as I exit the hotel. My appearance is mostly concealed by darkness. I avoid the spotlights with purposeful steps. No one will have the opportunity to gossip about me leaving the Waldorf before sunrise, donning the same tux I’d been wearing at the fundraiser.

  “Take me to Global Winters.” My instructions are a sharp clip as I slide into the car.

  His nod is visible from the rearview mirror. “Right away, sir.”

  It’s not rare for me to arrive directly at the office from a sleepless overnight. I hadn’t been lying to Vannah about providing entertainment for my visiting guests. But those evenings typically consist of too much booze and droning conversations—not the company of a beautiful woman.

  It takes less than thirty minutes for me to shower, shave, and tug on a crisp suit. My routine is reliable and automatic, unlike certain aspects as of late. I swipe at my damp hair while leaving the executive lounge. Walt is already at his desk.

  He stands as I approach. “How was the planetarium, sir?”

  I straighten my tie. “Was that the location? I barely noticed.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me.” He passes me his tablet, open to a popular entertainment column. The site features an article about the fundraiser. “She’s making headlines as the one to capture you.”

  There’s a picture of us from the gala, posing as the main attraction. Vannah is smiling at me, which isn’t shocking. What has my stomach knotting is the grin I’m giving to her in return. We look like a fucking couple, happily embracing while sharing a private joke. I predicted this result, but seeing the evidence doesn’t make the impact easy to swallow. It seems Vannah will be feeding them fodder for weeks to come.

  I shove the screen from view. “That’s out of context, not to mention disturbing.”

  “Is it, though?”

  “Offensively.”

  “You seem different. Less hateful.” He tilts his head while continuing his examination.

  “Fuck off, Walt.” I stomp into my personal domain where privacy is expected.

  My assistant follows over the threshold without hesitation. “She’s changing you.”

  “For the worst. I’m well aware.” I jut my chin at his beloved device.

  His dark eyes widen. “No, this is good. Very good.”

  “This discussion’s expiration date hit before it even started.” I drop onto my chair with a snarl.

  “I know that look, Landon. That’s the look of a man in lust.” Walt is gay, so I suppose that means something coming from him.

  I jiggle my mouse to avoid wringing his neck. “Why are you still standing here?”

  “Would you like me to send a car to fetch her from the hotel?”

  The glow from my computer illuminates the dim room. “Sure, if that’s what it takes to get you out of my face. Coffee and some decent lighting would be good too.”

  “You got it, boss.” Walt dashes off to do my bidding, flicking a switch on his way out.

  I lose track of time rather quickly. My flow is just hitting optimal efficiency when a noticeable shift boots me from the numb headspace. Vannah sweeps into the room with a force that knocks me immobile. Well, not every part of me. My cock leaps to attention as she prowls closer. The straining frustration from our illicit photograph dulls as another catalyst rushes in. Her appearance is wreaking immediate havoc on my newfound resolve. That’s when I notice her legs.

  “Fishnets aren’t appropriate office attire.” My tone booms louder than I intend it to.

  Halfway in her pursuit to my desk, Vannah pauses and stabs me with a glare. She skims a finger along the snug hem of her dress. “Are you making rules now?”

  I grunt at her brazen display. “Wouldn’t dream of it. You just seem like the type of woman who prefers being taken seriously.”

  “And this outfit offends you?” She still hasn’t relented in her attempts at exposing my weaknesses.

  A flare in my nostrils
is all she gets. “I’d have to care in order for that to be true.”

  Vannah rolls her eyes. “It seems someone is reverting back to Angry Lannie. I was wondering when he’d make a reappearance.”

  “I just needed a reminder why being nice is overrated.”

  She pinches the useless material clinging to her thigh. “It’s a tad vampy for my regular taste, but I’m feeling extra saucy this morning.”

  “You look it.” The bulge in my slacks agrees, pushing the zipper to its limit. This battle against my arousal is turning into a nonstop affair. A smolder erupts in my veins, aiming south at an alarming rate. I need to get my reaction to her under control before real damage can be done. I can’t afford to slip.

  “And here I thought we were making some progress.” Her wink lashes at the fire racing beneath my skin.

  “Certain disputes are being handled quite well. We’ve laid the worst to rest,” I mutter.

  “You have a talent for making everything sound like an innuendo.” Her answering laugh is a twinkling tune.

  “I’m glad my point is coming across.”

  “Oh?” She struts to the windows, turning her focus on the awakening city.

  The image of us joining as one in that exact spot cements in my brain. Everything else I’d planned to accomplish grinds into useless pulp. That demise happened quicker than I care to admit. “I need you again.”

  She peeks at me from over her shoulder. “Already?”

  I’m standing in the next beat, all other agendas forgotten. “You should be glad I left without sinking between those welcoming thighs again. The idea was tempting.”

  Her fiery hair is collected into a loose bun, exposing her slender throat. I can almost see the chaotic thrum of her pulse from here. “You think I’ll let you back in after that lacking reception?”

  “My apologies. I’m a bit out of sorts.” Granting her that confession cramps my gut.

  “Why might that be?” She toys with a stray tendril that escaped her tangled knot.

  “You’ve managed to unnerve me.” If she wants to reveal a fault in my game, I just handed her one.

  “Is that so?”

  “I can’t stop thinking about making you come around my cock for all of Chicago to see.”

  She taps on the mirrored wall. “This is tinted, or I’d never consider it.”

  “Just the illusion is plenty.” The thunder beating against my chest is proof. I want to take her in front of millions. “Christen my office with me.”

  Vannah quirks a brow. “You’ve never…?”

  “I didn’t have the urge until very recently,” I admit.

  She bites the lush flesh on her bottom lip. “I do really like your view.”

  “That sounds promising.” I have enough sense left to grab protection, stalking toward her with a solitary mission.

  A hum escapes her when I eliminate the space between us. “I’m taking advantage of your schmoozing, remember?”

  “And I’m committed to delivering the best.” I lift Vannah’s dress, grip the seam at her pussy, and rip a hole more than big enough for me to fit.

  Her reflection pins me with a glare. “I liked these stockings.”

  “Feel free to wear them around me whenever you’d like.” The clank from my belt fills the thrumming silence. After tearing the foil and wrapping up, I grab her hips in a firm hold. She squirms against me, her thighs rubbing together, seeking the friction I’ll provide momentarily.

  “Crotchless isn’t my style.”

  That reminds me. With a single yank, I rip her thong out of my way. “You won’t be needing that.”

  I’m balls-deep in the next breath before she can spew a retort. A hitch in her exhale announces my arrival at the hilt. “Fuck, you’re too big for that.”

  “Doesn’t stop you from letting me in.” I slide out until just my tip kisses her hole, only to drive straight in with equal force.

  Vannah’s hands slap on the glass and she bends forward. “Shit, that’s too good.”

  “Were you craving this dick?” I pound hard enough to lift her heels from the floor. “Missing me when you woke up empty and alone?”

  Her head bobbles with my erratic thrusts. “Uh-huh, I wanted this for breakfast.”

  “Is that why you wore this outfit?” I tug at the bunched fabric.

  “Yes.” She squeals when I punch deep. “You seem to have a thing for me in skirts.”

  “Mostly for hiking them around these luscious hips.” I grip onto her harder for emphasis, doubling the speed of my strokes.

  “Oh, yes… there. More. Faster.” Vannah spreads her legs, granting me wider access. “I hate giving you compliments, but you’re very talented at this.”

  The fact that she’s still able to speak in full sentences means I’m not doing her praise justice. I move a hand to her shoulder for more leverage, slamming forward with enough momentum that she falters. An erratic rhythm starts from there. She’s chanting nonsense within seconds. It’s depraved and animalistic, but my restraint is nonexistent when it comes to this woman. She has me reckless more often than not.

  I wrap an arm around her waist, seeking the little button that will detonate her orgasm. She thrashes against me when I rub at her clit with furious spirals. My balls tighten with a pulsing throb. Tingles gather a moment later, just as she clamps around me with her release. We tumble off the cliff together, jerky twitches and disjointed jabs stealing our mobility.

  An idea takes root, spreading its poison until I’m blinded by the notion. I’m still hard inside her when my raspy demand flutters the loose hairs sticking to her nape. “Marry me.”

  Vannah goes stiff in my arms, and I immediately regret giving voice to the toxicity in my blood. “Did I hear you right?”

  “No.” My denial is met with stone silence.

  I pull out and turn away, storming to the trash can to dispose of this mistake. The space is necessary to sort through the dumpster fire in my head. As if on cue, a sharp ache pierces my temples. The words slipped out without conscious thought, but I meant them all the same. She could be the solution I didn’t realize was even an option.

  Once I’ve sealed the cracks in my composure, I face Vannah with cool indifference. This is just another argument between us. She’s already fixed her clothing and pivoted in my direction, but remains rooted in place by the window. Realization has swooped in and melted the bliss from her features. All that’s left is a rosy hue on her flushed cheeks.

  She crosses her arms in a defensive gesture. “Repeat what you said. I need to know that you didn’t just propose with your dick still inside me.”

  This is a fatal mistake of the bullshit variety. “Let’s forget it.”

  Her laugh is hollow, void of any amusement. “I would, if you didn’t just ask me to be your wife.”

  “It was in the heat of the moment.” Which hasn’t completely passed, if my lingering semi is any indication.

  “You can’t pretend it didn’t happen.”

  “It’s better if we do.” But my reasoning falls on deaf ears.

  Vannah’s eyes flash, the green appearing more vibrant. “Where the hell is this coming from? We don’t even like each other.”

  It takes great effort to stave off a sneer. “There’s an article from the event last night, and it got me thinking.”

  “That you should propose?” Her tone is drenched in disbelief.

  I glare at her. “That we could be a couple.”

  “But not an actual one. Just for show, right?” Maybe she’s actually buying into this.

  A nod confirms her assumption. “You’d fit well enough.”

  “Into a trophy wife mold? How sweet.” She polishes her sarcasm off with a huff.

  There goes my theory. Digging my heels in is a specialty. “You know damn well we’d be good together.”

  “Have you been on happy pills since we met? All we do is fight. The only thing we do well together is sex, and you can bet your billions that’s never happe
ning again.”

  “I shouldn’t have asked.”

  She snorts. “You didn’t, really. It was more of a demand.”

  “Don’t bother with proper sentence structure right now,” I spit.

  Vannah spreads her arms wide. “Then don’t try to use me as part of your arranged marriage sham.”

  “We’d be good together,” I repeat.

  “But in what capacity?”

  “The ones that matter. We have chemistry. You can put up with my shit. I need a reliable partner by my side to run this empire.”

  She taps her lips, pretending to think. Then a scowl puckers her beautiful features. “That’s gonna be a no from me.”

  “You could be my greatest rebellion.”

  Once the words leave my mouth, her expression morphs into pure outrage. A red trail splices up her neck, matching the fire in her hair. “Fuck you, Landon. I refuse to be a pawn in your game.”

  Her fury feeds my own. I widen my stance, preparing for this battle to get bloody. “You’d rather have me never call again? Fuck and dump?”

  Vannah shakes her head. “Real classy. Here come your true colors. I wondered when the shine would wash off.”

  “Excuse me for trying to be decent.” I feel my pulse spiking, getting high off this fight.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” She pauses to suck in a deep breath. “Have you been grooming me for this fucked-up role? I won’t portray a happily wedded wife for you. Find someone else. There are probably dozens waiting on your doorstep.”

  I ignore her barb, letting it roll off my shoulders with the rest. “There are specific qualities I deem necessary. You meet them.”

  A hand flutters to her chest in a dramatic flair. “Oh, it’s like winning the lottery.”

  The pounding against my skull intensifies. I need to get this sorted before my head explodes. “I’d compensate you more than generously. Think about it, sugar. You’d never want for anything.”

  “Yes, I certainly would. Nothing would stop me from wanting a real marriage.” She punctuates each word with a stab in the air. Like daggers flinging right through me.

 

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