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

by Harloe Rae

  “Together,” he repeats while giving my hand a squeeze.

  My devilish man is proving to be rather affectionate. From the corner of my eye, I catch the stewardess gaping at us. I’m sure we put on quite a show compared to what she’s accustomed to seeing from him. That tilts my smile higher. “Doesn’t seem like such a bad deal.”

  “Only because you tolerate me better than most.”

  “Well, I do reap a lot of perks.”

  “I love where your mind goes when given an open prompt,” he murmurs into my hair.

  “That credit is all yours. This dirty side didn’t exist before you.”

  “I find that hard to believe.”

  “More so than being a hopeless romantic?”

  “Perhaps.” Landon ponders that for a moment. “Although, taking one for the team pairs well with that notion.”

  “Negotiating with you is sexy,” I purr into his neck.

  He stretches to give me better access. “Thank you for agreeing to split our time between cities.”

  I straighten, getting sucked into his chocolate depths. Lucky for me, that favorite is no longer ruined. “You’ve been very accommodating lately. It was my turn to comply.”

  “Your flexibility will be generously rewarded.”

  Heat centers in my lower belly. Based on the sting rushing up my throat, there’s a deep flush giving me away. “Again? You just got done testing my spread-eagle splits. That’s why we were late.”

  “And I’d do it again.”

  I glance behind us toward the sleeping quarters. “If we weren’t set to arrive in twenty minutes, I might make good on your offer. The pilot has already started our descent.”

  Landon glances toward the door sectioning off the cockpit. “That can easily be remedied.”

  “With a mere flick of your wrist, no less. I’m ready for this authentic experience you’ve been promising.”

  Since we professed our undying love to each other, Landon has been making plans to correct our missteps. And that means, dammit, I’m getting my personal tour of Chicago.

  That sobers the gleaming lust from his gaze. “Right, of course.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “No.”

  “Don’t clam up on me.” I nudge his arm.

  “It’s nothing. I just have a lot on my mind. Your distraction methods are soothing. Tell me something good.” He presses an open-mouthed kiss to my palm. There’s no denying him when he’s being sweet.

  “Other than you eating me for breakfast this morning?” I send him a saucy wink.

  His chuckle is gruff, rasping against my overactive imagination whenever he’s involved. “Yes, sugar.”

  It strikes me at that moment how much I’ve come to enjoy his term of endearment. He feels the same about his nickname, but would strongly prefer I only use it when we’re alone. What started as a taunt has grown into more. Much like us.

  I tap my lips with the champagne flute. “My dad has been making a real effort to rebuild our relationship. I wasn’t certain our temporary fix would hold, but it has so far.”

  “That’s excellent and far overdue. I look forward to meeting him.” His words don’t match the strain lining his forehead.

  A real whopper takes root in my brain. A resulting prickle tingles the base of my skull. Maybe this doozy will shake him loose. “Do you ever miss your dad?”

  If the question bothers him, he keeps any outward reaction locked down tight. “Absolutely not.”

  “Even just for the sake of gaining closure?”

  “No.” The tension lingers.

  I exhale a heavy breath. “If it were possible, would you have a conversation with him?”

  “After meeting you? Most definitely.” The barest hint of a grin twerks his lips.

  Fizzy bubbles erupt in my chest. “Why me?”

  “You’ve proven him wrong on countless matters. I’d like to see his face as that knowledge seeps in.”

  “That’s morbid and slightly romantic all at once. Only you could accomplish such an odd combination.”

  “I get paid the big bucks to be original, sugar. I can’t have it any other way.”

  “You’re definitely unique.” And too damn hot. I constantly wonder if this fiery attraction will ever ebb. “Does your mother know about me?”

  Landon scoffs as if the alternative is ludicrous. “Of course.”

  “And?”

  “She’s happy that I’m breaking the cycle and not following in her husband’s footsteps.”

  “That’s something we can agree on.”

  His chuckle goes straight to my core, stoking the embers. “You two can discuss all the ways I’m better than him in person soon. She’s planning to visit us once I give her the okay. I asked for her advice on an upcoming strategy, and she’ll be interested in hearing how it turned out.”

  “Oh? That’s ominous.”

  “On purpose.” He winks at me. “The girl of my dreams has been secured. The rest is history.”

  And just like that, the mood is lightened. I recline in my seat as the plane dips toward the ground. The crew bustles about to secure a safe landing. When the wheels touch down, I bounce in place and clutch onto Landon. He’s become an anchor of sorts. He chuckles, looping an arm around my shoulders.

  The jet rolls to a stop at his private hangar. I forgot just how wealthy he is until the reminder smacks me in the face. While holding my hand, he guides us down the stairs leading directly onto the tarmac.

  I lift a hand to shield my eyes from the sun. “Where to, boss?”

  A rumbling noise stirs from the back of his throat. “Careful, sugar. That title might go to my head.”

  “So long as it grants me some sexual favors.”

  “Soon,” he promises. “We have an important stop to make first.”

  I leave my hands covering Vannah’s eyes while drawing us to a halt. “Ready?”

  “Yes.” The certainty in her voice makes me chuckle.

  “Are you positive?” I steady us as the wooden dock beneath us rocks slightly.

  “Yes,” she repeats.

  “For real?” My pulse kicks, booming low in my ears.

  “Landon, quit teasing me.” Her fingers curl around my wrists, preparing to pry me off.

  With a kiss on her bare shoulder, I lift my palms from her face. “Surprise.”

  Vannah’s lashes flutter as she adjusts to the bright rays glittering off the water. She gasps as the view becomes clear. A blue and white monstrosity bobs in front of us on the river. The tourist trap couldn’t be more obvious if they covered the entire ship with advertisements.

  “Oh, this is very unexpected.” Her smile is dazzling, stealing the breath straight from my lungs.

  I lean in, ghosting my lips across her ear. “I want to take my fiancée on a boat cruise.”

  The hitch in her breath betrays her shock. She whips around to face me, her gaze dropping to find me down on one knee. “What are you doing?”

  “Proposing.” I dig the velvet box from my jacket, snapping the lid open to reveal its sparking contents. The solitaire emerald is encircled by ten flawless diamonds. The center stone’s rich color reminded me of Vannah’s eyes. “You’ve always been several steps ahead. I’m stealing the spotlight for a change, sugar. Is that all right?”

  Her watery gaze bounces between my eyes and the ring. She’s nodding fast enough to send her red hair flying. “Uh-huh, yes. By all means.”

  “I’d never planned to do this, so forgive me in advance for botching the speech.”

  Vannah presses a palm to her mouth, trapping a squeal. “No, this is fantastic. Keep going.”

  After a slow exhale, I grip her trembling hand in mine. “I love you. Saying those three words aloud is plenty to prove how different you are to me. This might seem fast, but I’ve learned to trust my gut instincts when it comes to you. You encourage me to be a better version of myself, while accepting I’ll never be a tender soul. We create a balance that I didn’t
recognize as vital until you came along. Sharing this life, blending our futures, will be my greatest success. If you say yes, that is.”

  Her fingers twitch in my hold as she fights the urge to fidget. “Oh, this is really happening.”

  “Yeah, sugar. You’re not getting away from me.” I lift the platinum promise from its teal pillow, holding it up for her to see. “Savannah, sworn enemy turned lover, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  “Yes, yes! A billion plus one. Slide that beauty on me.”

  I do as she so eloquently instructed, the band gliding over her delicate digit. “Perfect fit.”

  “It’s gorgeous,” she coos while thrusting her arm out for better inspection. The sun catches the facets, casting a rainbow glow in all directions.

  “Just like you.” I stand, giving her some space to enjoy the moment.

  “No way are you going anywhere.” She cuddles into my chest, exhaling the shock on a shuttering breath. “You planned this?”

  “I’ve been planning to get my claim on you for quite some time now.”

  She sniffs, moisture glistening in her gaze. “I’m totally blown away. You’re turning me into a sap.”

  “You? What about me? I just kneeled on some soggy planks in a custom Tom Ford suit.”

  Her chin rests on my sternum as she stares up at me. “Regrets?”

  I drag my thumb along her uplifted cheekbone. “Not a single one.”

  “Well, for the record, this is much better than your first attempt.”

  A groan tumbles from me as I avert my eyes. “I’d rather forget that ever happened.”

  “Wish granted.” Vannah latches herself around me in the next second, the hug fierce and possessive. “I love you, fiancé. You’re my favorite.”

  I chuckle, our chests jumping together from the amusement. “Is that because I bought you a big rock?”

  “Did you ever.” Her attention returns to the item in question over my shoulder. “Holy shit, this baby is bigger than my knuckle.”

  I don’t take my eyes from her blinding grin. “Best purchase I ever made.”

  She gnaws on her bottom lip. “What if I lose it?”

  “The stones are very well insured.”

  “I’m never taking it off,” she assures me.

  “Funny you should mention that,” I breathe into her freckled skin. “Once this river tour is done, I’m going to make love to you wearing only that.”

  She sticks out her bottom lip. “How do you expect me to think of anything else until then?”

  “Consider it foreplay, sugar.” I hoist her up in my arms and stride forward onto the crowded deck. Vannah wraps her legs around me. I press my arousal between us. We fall deeper with each passing moment.

  “Let’s see who comes out ahead.” She winks at me, shimmying her ass against me.

  I’ve met my match indeed.

  It turns out the love and happiness from another can grant me the freedom to claim my own. That’s a tale worth telling.

  “All rise.”

  The pastor’s command reaches me from my hiding spot behind the pavilion. Those two words are a direct line to my pulse, kicking the steady thumping into a deafening roar. The synchronized whoosh from our guests rising from their seats ripples across the wooden deck. I gulp at the knot cramping my windpipe. The attempt at loosening the vise is an audible gong clanging into the gentle breeze. My father noticeably tightens his grip where our arms are looped.

  “All good, Vannah?”

  I swing my focus to the man responsible for raising and molding me. We’ve managed to drop most of our emotional baggage in the months since I finally let my feelings fly. The biggest shock is his continued support while I dominate in my freelance adventure with Global Winters. Our relationship still has room for improvement, of course. It gives us a mutual goal to achieve together, like in the old days.

  After clearing the lump from my throat, I offer a jerky nod. “Couldn’t be better. Just wedding jitters, I guess.”

  A knowing gleam enters his gaze. “Oh, I remember when—”

  I press a finger to his lips. “Storytime isn’t necessary. Mom already shared in abundance.”

  He chuckles. “She’s good at that.”

  The amusement is infectious, tickling the corners of my lips. “Unfortunately.”

  Minutes before the procession began, my mother was kind enough to entertain me with sordid tales of her special day. A daughter doesn’t need to hear about her father’s unbridled lust or how the sight of him in a tuxedo makes her mom purr. She even demonstrated for added impact. I gagged while attempting to change the subject. Audria, who just got married last month, countered with far less traumatizing advice.

  But their words of wisdom vanished in a puff once they strutted off in all their bridal party glory.

  I’m not nervous in the typical sense. My faith is resolute. It’s more about the long-awaited anticipation of seeing Landon’s face when I appear in my gown. Will his face reflect unconditional adoration? Is he planning to conceal his true emotions behind thick indifference for our family and friends? My answer is mere moments away.

  The early summer air whispers along my bare shoulders, urging me forward. I lower my eyes and turn to face the crowd. Just one more deep breath until the reveal. My expanding ribs complain against the snug lace and satin confining me.

  With a smooth pivot, my dad shifts into position beside me. “Ready?”

  “Yes.” I exhale and look straight ahead.

  Landon fills my vision at the end of our makeshift aisle. His dark stare is already waiting to capture mine—unwavering and intense. Any doubt I had is whisked away as his undeniable devotion fills the gap between us. With that penetrating stare, he’s proving that I’m fidgeting and fussing over nothing. The fierce desire that shines brighter in his eyes each day is reflected for all to witness. A sigh eases the tension I didn’t realize was gathering in my chest.

  After all this time, I finally understand what this type of love feels like. Everything else fades into a muted splotch as I absorb his blatant affection. He regards me with a secret smirk that shoots molten lust into my veins. I imagine he’s picturing me in nothing but my wedding band, as he promised last night after our rehearsal. The heat in his gaze is a warm embrace on the coldest nights. I bite my lip as the fire blooms inside me.

  My lids lower on their own—heavy and sultry—beckoning him closer. His flexing fists are curling against restraint, unstoppable passion waiting to be released. My own fingers twitch against the satin ribbon cinching my bouquet. A collection of soft pink and creamy white petals brush the embellished bodice of my dress.

  A soft gust carries sweet nectar from the blossoming apple trees and flourishing gardens. We’re getting married at an orchard that Landon recently took on as an investment. To say I was shocked when he suggested this location is an understatement. The billionaire tyrant has lost a few harsh edges since we’ve been together. He’s even relinquished some of his tightly-guarded control every now and then. Emphasis, some. Not many are privileged enough to witness the true depth of his character. No, he saves those indulgences for me.

  I barely realize the space separating us is shrinking. It’s a miracle that my slow stride remains fluid when I’m not cognizant of taking a single step. The ground seems to tremble beneath my heels, paving a seamless path to my future. Soon enough, my father is passing me off to the man who owns my heart with each fluttering beat.

  Landon brings my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles with the softest kisses. “My beautiful bride has rendered me speechless. You’re simply radiant, Savannah. I’m feeling rather possessive with all these eyes watching you.”

  A blush burns along my cheeks. “And you’re very sexy in that suit, Lannie. I love your tie.”

  He runs a palm down the red silk. “I’m glad you mentioned it. This will come in handy later.”

  “Wow,” I mouth.

  “You have no idea,” he returns.


  Without further delay, Landon lifts his chin to cue the pastor. We chose a standard, albeit eloquent, ceremony program. The opening welcome drifts into the readings, which lead to our vows. No one scoffs when the pastor asks if anyone objects. Landon glares at the crowd just in case anyone dared. He’s still a hypocrite, but I love him.

  “I’d like to say a little something else if that’s all right.” His gaze is fastened on mine, waiting for the verdict.

  “You made a strict rule about staying on script. We’re not supposed to go rogue,” I remind him.

  His thumb brushes my upturned jaw. “Oh, sugar. I’ve been breaking those from the very beginning. That’s all part of the ruse.”

  A familiar buzzing fills my stomach. “And that’s very suspicious, almost-husband.”

  He clasps both my hands in his. “I just want to thank you, almost-wife.”

  This man is full of surprises. These days, it’s almost safe to assume his shock value tips toward the fantastic kind. I allow my eyes to widen, feigning the stunned reaction for our audience’s amusement. “Oh? What have I done now?”

  “Savannah,” he begins on an exhale. “Because of you, I’m marrying for love and happiness. You’ve changed me, which is a power only you possess. I was satisfied with being detached before you stormed in and forced me to feel. The moment you agreed to be mine set me on a new path I couldn’t fathom before. You’ve given me reason and purpose to be a better man, for us and our future. I used to live life thinking only about what I deserved—but you made me realize that I had to work to deserve you. Because of you, there is always more to gain. I have cause to strive and aspire. Before meeting you, I’d never truly been rich or successful. It was all a sham. Meaningless coasting tracing in circles. You broke the cycle, sugar. I’ll never allow doubt to wedge between us. Because of you, I’m actually living a life worth savoring. I owe you everything, my love. Worshiping you with each breath is only the beginning.”

  A blistering rush cascades over me as my vision blurs. Rare tears trickle down my face. He yanks the emotional sap directly from my pores. “How am I going to top that?”

  Landon’s smile is dazzling enough to bridge the widest rifts. “You already have by agreeing to marry me. Now say you will and make it official.”