Page 41 of Beautiful Enemy

On the way, I get lost and run into a distinguished-looking man in his seventies.

“Good evening. We haven’t met,” he says, reaching for my hand.

I let him take it, press a dry kiss to the back. “I was just looking for a bathroom,” I say when he releases me.

“Bien sûr. This is my house, and I can show you the way.”

“Oh! Mr. Geroux.”

“Christian, please.” He graciously spreads his hands. “Make yourself at home. I do enjoy hosting, and I’ll have fewer opportunities when I retire.”

“Then why retire at all?”

“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, and it’s not about the designer dress.

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

I have people I’m interested in spending time with.

And tonight…

I have a date.

My shoes are rubbing in all the wrong places, but I don’t care.

I head down the hallway, intent on finding Harrison.

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