Page 212 of My Ruthless Opponent

“Enough.” Archer cuts me off.

He stares at me with an undecipherable expression for a beat then pulls me in a hug.

For a moment, I freeze. Then I reach up and hug him back. We slap each other’s back. “Is this what they call bromance?” I joke to lighten the mood.

He laughs but doesn’t pull back. “You are not alone, you hear me?”

My throat closes. I nod.

“Brothers for life.” He swears.

“Brothers for life,” I promise.

Hannah pokes my arm. “Umm, guys.”

We pull back and stare at her. She gives a sheepish smile. “Can I join?”

I look at Archer. He stares at her for a second, then breaks into a smile before tugging her into a group hug.

After a few minutes, we break apart, still emotional.

Hannah looks at Archer. “I am sorry—”

Archer shakes his head. “I never told you why I hate lies. It’s a subject I don’t like to touch. But…” He pauses as if he is in pain. “Please don’t lie to me again.”

“I won’t, I promise.” Hannah clasps my hand. “We won’t.” She says and I can’t help but smile. I love the way she included me. Like we are a team. Like we are one unit.

Archer smiles, then says, “Oh. By the way, your resignations,”

We look at him.

“Are not accepted.” He bends his head down a bit and gives us a serious look. “Get your asses at work tomorrow.”

“But the merge?” Hannah asks, voicing my dilemma.

“Is still happening. And you both will be leading the merged team by sharing the job title of Creative Director.”

Hannah and I turn to stare at each other.

“Now that you both are officially dating, you shouldn’t have any problem sharing an office, right?” Archer asks.

I smirk at Hannah. “Are you ready to stare at my handsome face all day long, princess?”

She chuckles and takes a step closer to me.

Grabbing the lapel of my leather jacket, she jerks me closer. “Can’t wait.”

Epilogue

Five years later

“Idon’t like it,” I grumble as Hannah adjusts the knot of my tie.

Hannah rolls her eyes. “You wore suits and tuxedos numerous times.”

“Doesn’t mean I like them. It doesn’t suit my bad boy image, you know.” I splay my hands.

Her eyes snap up, all fiery. And I fall in love with my wife all over again.

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