Page 237 of Enemies

“Correct. This, in a way, is our one-year anniversary. On our second, I’ll accompany you in a T-shirt?—“

“That’s not much of a promise.”

“—to the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco.”

“They have a dress code.”

“I’ll break it.”

I suck in a breath. That does sound promising.

He shows me to the table, holding my chair while I take a seat.

The waiter brings our menus, and I read down the list, freezing.

Sandwiches, like the one I made him on his mother’s birthday after he got drunk the first night we bonded.

Tacos, like we had on the beach in LA.

Paella, like we made after I lost a gig.

“I can’t believe you even remembered all of these.”

He sets his menu on the table, staring calmly at me. “Raegan, I remember everything.”

I’ve been the subject of Harrison’s intention and intensity. He’s seduced me with his will, but this is new.

Every piece of tonight, every look he gives me, feels as if it’s without his typical agenda.

He’s not beating at my walls. Instead, he’s wearing them down, like season after season of rain and erosion. Relentless. Unstoppable.

I want to let him in because I’ve never had anyone love me like he has.

I’ve also never had anyone hurt me like he has, and as much as I want to believe he’s more committed to me than to his vengeance, a few gestures can’t make me forget months of aching for him.

I opt for paella because it feels like a crime to order tacos or sandwiches at this great restaurant.

“So, what do you have planned for these other anniversaries?” I can’t resist asking after the waiter takes our order.

“Not telling.”

Impatience tugs at me. “Not even one?”

“No. But I have them planned for a good long time.”

“Three years? Five?”

He shakes his head. “More. You’ll have to stay with me to find out.”

I’m stunned silent. We both know that’s longer than I’ve stuck around anywhere.

“But we’ll start small. Your birthday.”

“I have birthday plans.”

“As long as they include me.”

I take a long drink, eyeing him over the rim.

---