Page 205 of My Ruthless Opponent

Does he know?Archer had asked. He was insinuating about my past.

“I wanted to know the secret he was hinting at. Because you were deathly pale when he asked that question. Knowing your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses is vital for me. So I did some digging. I was shocked when I found out about your family. I realized how inaccurate my opinions were of you. You were wronged in the cruelest way possible. So I decided to step in. Without telling you, I began working on it. I had few contacts in New York. I called in few favors and tracked that bastard.”

I stare up at him. “It wasn’t your place to interfere. You put yourself at risk.”

“It wasn’t but I am not sorry for that. Not even a bit. That man belongs behind the bars. I just used the wrong path in landing him there.”

I tighten my grip on his t-shirt. “And now you are quitting your job.”

“Yes.”

My voice wobbles as I speak. “You took the fall. You ruined your reputation so I could get the promotion.”

“Yes.” He says without any hesitance.

My head bows down. “Why?”

He places two fingers under my chin and lifts my face. “Because I love you.”

I hit his chest with a closed fist. “I heard you talking to Summer. I was a pawn in your game.”

He bends his head and stares deeply into my eyes. “You should’ve stayed longer to hear the full conversation then. You heard half of it and took off, didn’t you?”

“How could I have stayed after listening to that? Anyway, that doesn’t matter anymore. You love me?”

He brushes a strand off my face and kisses my forehead. “Very much.”

“You would have contacted me if you did. You wouldn’t be leaving me like this.”

“I was busy with Baron’s case. And I am not leaving you, princess. I am leaving this job.” His fingers slide in my hair. “I love you and I know you are not there yet. But it doesn’t matter. Because I am going to wait for you. For as long as it takes. I am going to court you until you cave and give me a chance to show you that I am worthy of your love.” The corner of his mouth tugs in a smirk. “I am RJ after all. I am going to win your heart. Just wait and watch.”

I chuckle and shake my head. Blinking back the tears, I frame his face in my hands. “You silly, silly man. I came to your suite on our wedding day to confess my love.”

My heart soars when his baby blue eyes—which were dimmed because of the fatigue—light up. “I love you.” I kiss his nose. “I love you so much Raleigh. You are in my blood. This past week I felt so hollow because you weren’t there with me.”

His lips part as if to speak. I press my lips to his. “Don’t talk.”

He raises his brow, his arms coming around me. He pulls me to his chest but stays silent. “I couldn’t pretend and lie anymore, Raleigh. That’s why I left. I want the real deal with you.”

“Real deal, huh?”

I roll my eyes at his smirk. “Shut up. I am being serious.”

“Damn, Hannah Lockwood is serious about me.” He grins, his dimple showing. I press a hard long kiss over his dimple.

I sober up. “I won’t let you quit.”

He sighs. “I am not arguing about this. You are the Creative Director of KIM Advertising. End of discussion. I already gave my resignation.”

I snort. “Me too. I just submitted mine.”

He narrows his eyes. “This isn’t funny. Go take it back.”

I lift my chin. “No.”

He groans and crashes his lips to mine. He kisses me deeply for a few minutes before pulling back. “Why are you so stubborn?”

“Stop pretending. You love it when I am stubborn. Or angry.”

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