Page 46 of My Ruthless Opponent

I don’t like backing off from this. It feels like admitting defeat. Swallowing my pride, I release him and push him away.

“I can’t stand you.” I glare at his arrogant face, gritting my teeth when his lips curl into an amused grin.

“You’re not my favorite person either.”

“Good!” I snap.

“Great.” He grins, the dimples popping on his cheeks taunting me.

I was half-expecting Raleigh to have a decent conversation with me.

Having a discussion without getting a rise out of me wouldn’t sit well with Raleigh now, would it? I think he is constantly looking for ways to torment me.

Raleigh checks his silver watch. “I am waiting, princess.” He looks at me. Then, “I thought you wanted to talk to me. Isn’t that the reason why you dragged me? Away from others.”

I open my mouth but he isn’t finished. “Or…” He tilts his head, leaning into me. A slow grin appears on his face, “is there an ulterior motive to have me all alone with you?”

I scoff and push him again. He chuckles. The sound is full of arrogance and it grates on my nerves. See? He enjoys doing this to me.

It’s a good thing I have a good poker face. I can hide my body’s reaction to his closeness.

“Even thinking about you and me together in my mind gives me nausea.”

His jaw hardens at that. Good. I can’t help my urge to hurt him when he bullies me like that.

The need to get back at him drives me crazy. And the more hurtful things I say, the more it fuels him to hate me. The endless cycle continues.

“You have five minutes. Talk.” He crosses his hands over his broad chest.

“You’re giving me the ultimatum? That should be my line.” I glare.

“Well, you’re the one who has issues with my presence, princess. I am being thoughtful here.” His tone is mocking. But his eyes are hard on me.

I shake off the feeling of guilt.

Raleigh Jackson cannot get hurt by my taunts. He doesn’t give a damn about what I think about him.

I might be pissing him off with the insults and jabs but that’s about it. No need to feel guilty. He is an asshole, I remind myself.

“All right. Let’s talk. What was that?” I jab a finger toward the closed door, indicating the stunt he pulled in front of Mr. Smith.

“What was what?” He asks coolly. And I lose it.

“You know exactly what I am talking about.” I snap and jump down from the counter but my uneven heels make me wobble.

Raleigh’s arms slide to my waist and stabilize me.

I end up being plastered against him. My braless breasts pressed to his hard planes.

My pulse skitters and my breath catch when my hardening nipples scrape against his solid chest.

I try to shuffle backward, trying to create some space between us, but he tightens his arms around my waist.

“Stay still.” His nose bumps my forehead. I look up and find the pools of blue eyes darkening.

Up close, I notice his high cheekbones and how sharp his jawline is.

Wait!NO. I shouldn’t be fucking ogling this bastard.

---