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Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 18
I don’t miss Willow’s grateful smile his way. My hands clench the laptop harder.“What kind of man preys on a young woman like her?” The senator is working himself into an impressive frenzy now, looking like someone should hook him up to a blood pressure cuff.Tense silence follows, everyone assuming it’s rhetorical. We stay frozen, as if sudden motions might set either of them off.The guy next to me crosses his arms, and I hear a weird squelching sound from his armpit. I hope to god everyone knows that wasn’t me.Even I have to admit, the man’s going overboard. Willow’s not exactly a kid—she’s what, twenty-four? Two years younger than me. But she just sits there, not moving a muscle.Vicky opens and closes her mouth wordlessly.“She’s too good for you, Quinn!” He jabs a sausage finger Connor’s way, trying to spear him from across the table. “Who do you think you are?” Each word is punctuated with spit flying across the table.“I don’t argue that,” Connor grits out. “Your daughter’s
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 19
I’m about to parrot Brooke’s scripted apology-plus-donations tactic when defiance grips me. Maybe it’s the steel in Connor’s glare, like he’s daring me to challenge him.I shut my laptop and clasp my hands together, trying to project calm.“Sure, throwing money at the problem might help optics,” I say evenly. “But people see through publicity stunts these days. We need a game plan that’s more about rewriting the story than just hiding the messy parts.”With a fake smile, I float my next idea to the group. “Now, we all know Connor’s got this . . . reputation. Why not use that to our advantage?”Vicky gasps, looking ready to pass out. But Connor silences her, laser-focused on me. I feel sweat pooling in my pits, but I keep my chin raised.“Let’s leverage the extremes of their public images,” I say, smiling at Willow. “The public sees you as a wholesome role model—Harvard grad, Miss America, human rights advocate. A paragon of virtue.”“Now I’m a bad meme,” Willow whimpers.I smile sympa
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 20
TWELVEConnor“Dad, let’s give them some privacy, shall we?” Willow guides her father out, shooting me a sweet smile.“Appreciate it, Willow,” I say, my gratitude genuine.Vicky and Brooke look ready to piss themselves as I shut the door, leaving me alone with Little Miss Thief. She’s clearly not trotted out for major clients often.“Sit.”She bristles. “I’m not a dog.”“No, you’re more of a sneaky little honey badger stealing what isn’t yours.”Panic flashes in those expressive eyes before she quickly masks it. “I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.”“I think you do. Sit down.”Reluctantly, she perches on the edge of her chair, laptop balanced precariously on her lap.I position myself between her and any possible escape route, casually leaning against the table.Is this all part of some setup? The car, the leaked audio, her sudden appearance on Willow’s team . . . What the hell is really going on here? Is one of our competitors trying to screw me over in some elaborate scheme?
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 21
Can’t believe I’m half-hard over this conniving woman.Her eyes follow my movements, like they’re about to pop out of her skull.“Let’s see if you’ll get down on your knees and suck my cock in exchange for your freedom. Finish what we started off that night,” I taunt with a smirk. “I’ll even let you enjoy it.”“Go to hell!” She jumps up, eyes shining with angry tears. “You’re an asshole. If someone took your precious car, then good for them!”I brace against the pull of her tears, reminding myself who she is. I despise a woman’s tears as much as any man. I clench my jaw, clinging to my anger by a fraying thread.Yeah, maybe I am being an asshole. But she had the nerve to fuck with me at my lowest, too wasted to tell which way was up.Fuzzy memories taunt me—grabbing her hips for support in the bathroom, words slurring together. Kneeling before this deceitful siren. Humiliating details made hazy by booze, yet that shame still burns relentless.But she brought this on herself by stealin
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 22
When she finally storms off, I let out a huge sigh of relief. Crisis dodged, at least for the moment. I was half convinced I’d have to dramatically faint.Alone, I stare at my computer screen. It’s as if the universe took a good look at my life and decided “Yep, let’s crank up the misery to the max for this one.”Connor’s cruel words echo through my mind on a torturous loop. “At least hookers are honest about screwing men. You’re worse.” Just what every girl wants to hear.What a monumental jerk. I get he’s upset about his car, but nothing justifies that cruelty.Standing there smirking, like he’s the center of the universe. As if he’s so far above me that I should be grateful just for the chance to drop and suck him off right there.I swallow hard, blinking back tears to see my screen.Deep breath.So, Connor’s a grade-A ass. And Deano definitely swiped his car. But the fact is that Connor hasn’t called the cops on me. He must not have solid evidence against me. And even with all his
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 23
There was a time my life had balance—thought-provoking psych talks, happy hours that led to happier nights, hobbies not involving penny-pinching. Remember eating, sleeping, and sex for the fun of it? Good times.Lately, it feels like my whole life’s been one big grind, just trying to keep us above water financially. These last few years, with credit cards hitting their limits and debt stacking higher and higher, feel like a never-ending series of IOUs.A night to cut loose, to feel more like a woman—or even just a human—might actually do me some good. It’s been ages since I was properly laid. What harm could there be in seeing if Brad can help scratch that itch?“Conference room, now!” Vicky’s shrill voice slices through the office. She snaps her fingers at us.Kayla and I shoot each other an Oh boy, here we go glance and hurry into the meeting, sliding into our chairs.Vicky paces at the head of the table, heels striking the floor like she’s summoning a demon—or becoming one.“Listen
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 24
By eight fifteen, I’ve chewed my nails to bits. Every little noise has me jumping. Even the receptionist shoots me pitying glances. At this rate, I’ll be starting on my toenails next.At long last, the elevator doors slide open and out strides Connor. My stomach swoops violently with nerves. I think the bastard got better looking overnight just to torment me.He looks fresh from the shower, hair still damp and tousled. His top buttons are undone, just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of chest hair. Not an Austin Powers rug situation, but enough dark fuzz to spark the imagination about what else is hiding under that perfectly tailored shirt.He flings a tie around his neck but leaves it hanging. He looks like he just sauntered off a GQ cover, and I hate that I’m not immune.“Morning, Mary,” he purrs at the receptionist, who instantly melts. Seems he reserves that charm for everyone but me.I stand up, all stiff and awkward. Just when I think he’ll breeze past, he stops dead. Thos
Last Updated : 2024-12-03Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 25
Call. His. Bluff. Don’t let him see you sweat.He said they were interesting. Interesting doesn’t equal evidence.Despite the intensity of his stare sending shivers down my spine, I hang on to my sass for dear life. And damn, despite everything, I can’t help but notice he’s got the longest, most beautiful eyelashes I’ve ever seen. Lashes a giraffe would envy. It’s not really fair given his ruthless personality.Time to double down.“Connor, they’re just pics of me unwinding at a bar,” I say evenly. “I’m pretty appalled you’d jump to absurd conclusions based on that. Is it really such a crime for a woman to enjoy a night out solo?” I force a breezy laugh. “You should hang some of these shots up. They’d give your macho office a bit of flair.”I catch his jaw tightening, but I press on. “And it’s Lexi, not Alexa. I wouldn’t want your digital Alexa getting the wrong idea and ordering ‘How not to be a naughty rake’ during our meeting.”He actually growls at that, a sound straight out of th
Last Updated : 2024-12-03
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Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 116
Six months laterLexiI love visiting Connor’s Irish cottage.This place is special to me, and not just because it’s where I accidentally flashed a funeral party. Sure, that’s pretty unforgettable, but it’s not the only reason this place holds a special place in my heart.Streaking aside, this cottage is where Connor and I fell in love, even if it took a bit of separation anxiety to realize it.Now, we’re back for a mini-vacation, but this time we’ve brought the whole crew: Grace, Clodagh, Killian, Teagan, and Connor’s mom.We’ve just stuffed our faces with Guinness stew and bowls of seafood chowder, in a small quaint Irish pub, and everything feels perfect. My belly, my soul, and my heart are all content.There’s something about Irish pubs that sets them apart, making them the best in the world. The Irish sure know how to have a good time.The traditional band is absolutely killing it tonight. The fiddler is playing like his life depends on it, and the guy with the tambourine-looking
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One year laterConnorI guide Lexi along the street, her hand clutching my arm as I lead her to the surprise. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little on edge here.“Connor, the last time you blindfolded me, we ended up on a different continent. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it was amazing. But it’d be great if I could pack my bags for myself.”I smirk. “That’s not entirely accurate. The last time I blindfolded you, I had you bent over my bed, begging for mercy.”“Okay, fine,” she says, smirking under the blindfold. “The last time in public. I sure hope no one on the street heard you say that.”“Come on, just a few more steps.”I slowly slide the blindfold off, watching her face closely for her reaction.She blinks, taking in the Fifth Avenue townhouse we’re standing in front of.“Wait, are we at Killian’s place? No, hold on . . . Killian’s is farther down, isn’t it?”I feel a grin tugging at my lips. “It’s ours, Lexi. If you want it, that is.”Her eyes go wide, jaw dropping. “What? You bought t
Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 114
My fingers dance over his stomach, tracing the lines of his abs and hipbones and the trail of hair that leads down to his cock.He chuckles, his muscles jumping under my touch. “Hey, that tickles.”“Sorry,” I laugh, but I’m not sorry at all.I can’t stop touching him. Or looking at him.I want to watch him sleep all night. I want to see those long, giraffe-like lashes flutter, those lips part in silent dreams, and that ridiculously sexy wolf tattoo heave with every breath.I’ll be disappointed in myself if I fall asleep.Christ, I sound like a psycho.We’ve fucked maybe one billion times tonight, and it must be 4 a.m. What a night.Connor looks just as exhausted but blissfully happy as me.He’s sprawled out next to me, one arm propped behind his head like he’s posing for a Calvin Klein ad and the other slung possessively around me.And I swear to god, I’m so happy to be in his arms, so content, that I could almost kiss his armpit with its dark fuzz.That’s how deeply I’ve fallen for t
Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 113
EPILOGUELater that nightLexiThere’s something about elevators that really gets me going. Makes me feel naughty.It’s the forced proximity, the way you’re locked into this tiny metal cube with someone; your personal space nonexistent.It’s the sensation of that lurch in your stomach as you shoot up or drop down.It’s the fact that it’s a moving box that feels like you’re in a private little world while still being in a space that’s open to anyone who has the audacity to hit the button and interrupt your moment.But most of all, it’s the fact that you’re time-boxed. You’ve got forty seconds, if you’re lucky, to do all the things you’ve been dying to do.So when Connor and I finally escape the police investigation and step into the elevator that will take us to his penthouse, it’s like every over-the-top movie elevator scene brought to life, where the characters can’t keep their hands to themselves.Our hands are all over each other, our mouths are all over each other, our noises are
Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 112
“Connor,” Grace squeaks.“Connor,” I rasp, staring at him.He’s here. In his tux. Looking like James Bond and the hot felon model guy rolled into one ridiculously handsome package.“Don’t hurt them,” Connor says, his gaze fixed on Deano as if I’m not even there.I want to run into his arms, to bury my face in his chest and just breathe him in. To replace the stench of Deano’s stale cigarette breath with the intoxicating scent of Connor.His chest rises and falls with each labored breath, his jaw locked tight, eyes burning with fierce resolve. “This has nothing to do with Lexi or Grace. I’m the one who got you locked up. Your problem’s with me. Point that thing my way,” he says slowly and deliberately.He takes a step toward Deano, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender.Deano keeps his gun aimed right at me.“Shoot me. You know you want to. I’m right here, buddy, yours for the taking. Why go near Lexi when you can have me?” Connor’s voice is steady, but I can hear the undercurrent
Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 111
“Ask me about him. I won’t mention him unless you do.”Fuck. She hasn’t even said his name, and the pang is sharp. It’s harder in New York than in Maryland. Because I know he’s here, I know he’s out there breathing the same New York air, gazing up at the same sky.I could make a run for it, sprint those twenty blocks like my life depended on it, just to catch a glimpse of him. I know exactly where he is right now.I could drag Grace back to her staff party and face my heartache head-on, because I’m a glutton for punishment. Maybe seeing him in the flesh would finally be the pain I need to forget him entirely. To stamp out that teeny tiny sliver of hope that’s stubbornly clinging to my soul.It’s ridiculous. The dull pain has lasted longer now than the fling itself. It’s not supposed to be that way. I’m supposed to be over him, moved on.And Tom’s great. Funny, handsome, uncomplicated. He’s the antithesis of a brooding billionaire type. Tom is the kind of guy who belongs in my world, t
Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman 110
Lexi turns to hug her sister. That moment—catching sight of her heart-shaped face, the one I’ve tried to shove into the deepest corners of my memory—it hits me like a punch to the gut.There she is. In the flesh. So damn close.She smiles at Grace, says something that makes her laugh, and then throws her head back in laughter—a sound I can almost hear in my head.Then she’s gone. She’s gone before I can do something reckless like vault over the balcony and shatter both legs getting to that taxi.I slump against the railing, feeling this sharp pain in my chest, like I’ve been shot. After all this time, just catching a fleeting glimpse of her undoes me completely.It felt like hours, drinking in every detail. But it must’ve only been a minute, maybe less.I don’t have many regrets in life, but the haunting memory of letting her walk away that night at Killian’s house might just be my biggest.It’s a deep cut that won’t heal, keeping me up at night as I stare at the ceiling, my vision sw
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“Someone I used to know,” I say numbly.My chest tightens.Because the woman she’s unintentionally channeling tonight? There’s a very real chance she might be there in the flesh.◆◆◆One of the cons about coming out about my hearing condition is that people have taken to shouting at me, like I can’t hear at all. It’s enough to give me a headache worse than when I was straining to hear people.Even the flirtatious attempt by the marketing department’s latest addition, who loudly declared her single status and interest, felt more like a yell meant for a stadium than a failed-attempt at seduction. If there’s one way to blow your career at my company, it’s to think I’m interested in having a fling with someone on my staff.Yet, there’s one individual who seems determined to keep her distance, the young intern with the heart-shaped face from Yonkers. Our eyes have met several times, but each encounter is met with her quick retreat, a clear avoidance that speaks volumes more than the overt
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I find myself glancing away, checking the sad state of my herb garden through the window. The basil’s dead. It makes me want to cry, I tried so hard with it. Some things just aren’t meant to thrive, I guess.When I glance back at the screen, Connor and the stunning professor are bantering so easily, so effortlessly, that I hit pause, unsure if I can stomach more.Despite the deep ache in my chest, I realize part of me is actually happy for him.All this time, I’ve avoided thinking about him, pushed him out of my life and my heart. Yet he’s still managed to find his way into my thoughts.Is he drinking and partying? Is he alone? Is he isolated, pushing everyone away like he did with me? When I lay awake some nights and think about how he pushed me away, how he pushed his family away, I imagine his condition making matters worse.I even wonder, pathetically, if he ever thinks of me anymore. If he’s ever regretted how we fell apart or thought about what we could have been.But seeing him
