Page 62 of My Ruthless Opponent

Is this how it’s going to be? First at the gala and now in the office.

“I know flowers won’t make you forgive me. I couldn’t answer your calls or messages today. I was swamped with work.” His gaze drops to my lips before it locks with mine again. “I’ll make it up to you at my place.”

What the fuck? Is this part of his plan? A plan he plotted without discussing with me. Again.

Don’t lose your temper, Hannah. Remember. You made a promise to yourself. Be the bigger person.

“I didn’t realize you two were dating,” Chris says. It is not a question.

It’s a statement. An observation.

I turn my eyes to him and that’s when I realize that the entire floor has gone silent. And they are staring at me. No. They are staring atus.

My team members. And Nina. Everyone’s dumbfounded at what they are seeing.

Me and Raleigh. Together. Bouquet.

“No wonder you were so agreeable to us dating the members from the rival team when you’re dating your opponent.” He narrows his eyes, a wicked smile curling his lips.

Raleigh is a ruthless player through and through. He didn’t warn me. I don’t like feeling unprepared.

Now, how am I going to explain to Chris that I am not dating my ruthless opponent? I am his fiancé. After all, that’s what this whole drama is about, isn’t it?

I clear my throat, thinking how to explain this to my team when Raleigh intervenes. “Baby.” He nuzzles my neck.

My eyes fall shut, the hand around my waist caressing me over my shirt.

I shouldn’t like the feel of his touch. I shouldn’t feel anything, period. I underestimated this attraction. I am so fucked.

“We better get going. I have lots of groveling to do.” My breathing picks up, the deep tenor of his voice against my neck making me dizzy.

He whisks me away from the gawking audience.

We step inside the waiting elevator and as soon as the door closes, I snap out of my stupor. I jerk out of his hold and thrust the flowers to his chest. He grabs it.

“I lack the stamina to help you get this through your thick skull, Raleigh. But I am going to try.” I crowd his personal space. “Here’s the thing, Ihatesurprises. So the next time you decide to do something like that, you better give me a heads up or—”

“Or what?” He takes a step forward and I take one back.

“Or…”

“Go on.” He tilts his head. I shouldn’t feel provoked. After all, I vowed never to get angry. I am failing it on the very first day. I shouldn’t allow him to get to me.

I take a deep breath. “Nothing. I would appreciate it if you notify me from now on.”

“I will consider it if you say please.”

My eyes snap up and find a wicked smirk tilting his lips.

He wants me to beg him? I may have opted for making adjustments and compromises with myself. I planned on keeping my temper in check and I will try my level best. But one thing I’ll not do is beg. And Raleigh seems to be in dire need of a reality check.

I place a hand on his chest, his dog tag chain pressing lightly into my palm.

Today he’s wearing a white t-shirt with dark wash jeans and a sleeveless dark green jacket.

“We need to settle one thing before we start this partnership. We are equals. You need me as much as I need you. So cut the bullshit. I am not going to beg you. For anything. Ever.”

“Ever? Hmm. Are you sure?”

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