Page 144 of My Ruthless Opponent

I blink at him in surprise. There is no hostility in his eyes. No stiffness in his demeanor.

I wasn’t sure but now I am. He didn’t hear anything. He didn’t listen to me crying out loud about my fake relationship.

My eyes are watering again. This time with relief. That was a close call.

I am so relieved I can dance. I am about to insist that I am in good condition to join him for lunch but his phone rings.

Victor pushes to his feet and I move to stand but Raleigh stops me with his hand on my thigh and a glare. I huff in frustration but stay put.

“Victor, I wanted to speak to you about Round Two.” Raleigh stands.

“It’s tonight, yes?”

“Yes, it was scheduled for tonight but I want to postpone it for tomorrow. I won’t be compromising Hannah’s health for anything. Not even for this campaign. I hope you don’t mind.”

My jaw is on the floor. Nobody talks to your client like that. He demanded instead of requesting.

For heaven’s sake, I can walk. I am not crippled. Yes, my limbs are a bit sore but it is not a big deal to postpone Round Two.

And we shouldn’t push our luck. We are already gambling with our lives here. He shouldn’t play with our futures like that. Because if Victor calls this deal off, we are practically finished.

He didn’t hear anything, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be extra careful.

And when will Raleigh learn to discuss things with me before making decisions? I don’t think it’ll happen in this lifetime.

I chance a glance at Victor. He doesn’t look offended in the least.

My brows crease when his lips turn up, smiling at Raleigh appreciatively. “Very well. You take care of your fiancée, young man.”

He extends his hand and Raleigh takes it then stares down at me. “I will.”

“I’ll take your leave. Take care, Hannah.” He nods at me and I give him a faint smile. He leaves then.

Raleigh follows, seeing him to the door. I hear them sharing some words and laughing.

As soon as I hear the soft click of the front door closing, I jump to my feet.

“Are you crazy?” I whisper-shout. Because yeah, I am sill paranoid.

Raleigh’s brow lifts. His eyes dropping to my feet.

Yeah, I am not going to follow your orders, RJ. What are you going to do about it? I convey my thoughts with a defiant tilt of my chin.

He comes at me with purpose then.

I take a few steps back. “You shouldn’t have talked to him like that, Raleigh.”

He says nothing when he reaches me. He pulls me against him and buries his face in my hair. “Why don’t you do as you’re told?”

How can I stay angry when he smells so damn good and gives me such tight hugs?

My hands wrap around his waist. His lips find my neck and I sigh in contentment.

“Why did you postpone the round?” I ask, my eyes closing. I want to stay in his arms forever.

“So eager to see me on one knee.” I feel his smile against my skin.

I slide my hand inside his t-shirt and pinch him.

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