Page 113 of My Ruthless Opponent

I had to wrap my legs around him while I tipped my head back until my hair teased the water. One hand clasped in Raleigh’s hand while the other floats on the surface of the glimmering water.

During the entire photoshoot, I felt his erection pressing into me. Sometimes against my lower belly. Sometimes it nestled in the small of my back.

It was difficult to cling to my anger when he looked so hot and kept touching me.

The light touches of his fingers and the feather-like graze of his lips on my skin were torture.

Every time I had to touch him or glide my palms over the hard muscles and planes of his body, I struggled.

I struggled to keep my breathing in control. I struggled to remember I caught him face-timing some woman. A gorgeous woman, might I add.

In one single move, Raleigh betrayed my trust. I’m not shallow to condemn him from talking to other girls.

He is into me. I am into him. Yes, we had a pact to not see other people until after we divorced but he wasn’t technically cheating on me. It doesn’t mean I wasn’t hurt. I was.

But what hurt the most was when he told her about our arrangement.

I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but when I heard him mention my name I couldn’t move.

Raleigh broke our vow of secrecy.

We weren’t supposed to tell anyone about our fake engagement.

He was unbothered when it came to me because I had no one to share that information with.

I expected the same from him. He may not be loyal to me but I assumed he would be loyal toward his job.

Who was this girl anyway? Raleigh was explaining our sleeping arrangement and stuff to her. I felt humiliation and rage. Mixed with hurt.

It saddened me to see him reassuring some girl about us. She had to be someone important to him. Because I have never seen Raleigh explaining himself to others. He is an unapologetic jerk to everyone.

So witnessing him trying to convince her about the true nature of our relationship cut me deep.

Then I recalled him mentioning his best friend. Summer or Winter. I don’t fucking care what her name is. All I care about is that Raleigh had no right to disclose our secret to anyone. Best friend or not.

I was a fool to trust him.

I get out of the pool and take the robe Brielle had for me.

“We can clear this area for you guys in two minutes,” Brielle smirks before guiding one of the crew members to get the plates of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Yeah, we had to feed each other strawberries in the swimming pool.

It was just how a perfect dreamy date should be. Relaxation with a sensual touch.

Only, I couldn’t enjoy it like I thought I would.

I pause, my hands still gripping the robe as I frown at her.

“Thanks, Brielle.” Raleigh appears by my side, still shirtless and very wet from the pool.

He winks at her before snaking his arm around me so I am pressed against his side.

Brielle winks back and my jaw drops. Since when did she start liking Raleigh?

“I’ll tell everyone not to wander around here.” She giggles and my frown deepens.

“But send her to us in an hour or two, kay? We have to email the shortlisted pictures of Round One to Mr. Smith tonight.” She reminds us before walking away. But not before winking at me one more time.

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