Page 40 of Enemies

“Because I have children who require me unlike any business. For some of us, it’s a pleasure to build and acquire and possess. A game. For others, it’s their life—they need to prove themselves, to redeem themselves.”

Christian’s eyes gleam. “My ventures are like my children. I will miss certain ones more than others. La Mer is a once-in-a-lifetime place.”

My heart kicks. “You own La Mer?”

“For thirty years. You’ve heard of it.” He looks genuinely pleased.

“It’s exquisite. I’ve always wanted to—” I cut myself off before saying “play there.” “Attend.”

“You must while you are here. As my guest, before I sell to one of its many suitors.” He hands me a card. “Give this to the men at the door, and we will let you in.” He pats my arm as we arrive at the bathroom door.

But as I thank him and head inside, my head is spinning.

Harrison’s here to see the man who owns La Mer, which can only mean one thing—he’s here trying to buy it.

This is what he’s been working on all week while he’s been avoiding me. Judging by how big this deal must be, I bet he’s been working on it far longer than that.

And what of his rival? Does the Ivanov family want La Mer just as much?

I know what it’s like to have your past snapping at your heels, but it’s bigger for Harrison.

If tonight is as important as it sounds, why did he go to such lengths to bring me as his date?

The only thing I can think is that I’d be a distraction for the other partygoers. A tacky novelty.

Except I remember the way his hand felt on my back. How genuine he sounded when he wanted to make sure I was okay.

Everything I learn about him makes me more confused, and more drawn to him.

I touch up my lipstick in the mirror, still surprised by the woman looking back at me.

She might not be a goddess, but she’s different than she was two weeks ago.

I have a career again. A club that’s starting to feel like mine, that’s doing better thanks to me.

I have people to smile and laugh with.

And tonight…

I have a date with a man who’s complicated and sexy and a worthy opponent.

Why not enjoy it a little?

My shoes are rubbing in all the wrong places as I head down the hallway, intent on finding Harrison.

His voice reaches my ears at the same time as the music far away. I can’t make out the words, but I spot him in a corner, speaking to a stunning blonde. She’s statuesque, like an old movie star with perfect hair and perfect curves.

It’s her voice I make out first. “It’s not the same without you.”

When she reaches for him, laying a hand on his face—that coolly untouchable face—every thought evaporates.

I watch them for a minute, my chest aching in protest as he murmurs a response too low to hear.

For a moment, on his arm, I felt as if this world was mine too. To borrow, if not to own.

But seeing Harrison in a moment of obvious intimacy with the woman I assume is his ex reminds me I’m an outsider.

I don’t know this man. I can’t, and I shouldn’t want to. Just because he’s capable of being close with someone doesn’t mean I should expect him to do anything other than hurt me or disappoint me.

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