All Chapters of Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

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

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

Heat coils traitorously in my core as his words spark illicit images in my mind. I force it down, keeping my tone even. “Whatever you and Willow have going on behind closed doors is your business, not mine.”“I thought being good at PR meant you had to be a pro at lying,” he muses, smirking at me infuriatingly. “Is that why they keep you hidden away from us important clients?”I bristle, stung. “You don’t know a thing about me,” I snap. “I work hard and do my job well.”“Oh, I don’t doubt your capabilities, Lexi. But I do know how to get under that prickly exterior of yours.” His eyes gleam knowingly as he reclines, manspreading his thick thighs. No need to remind me you have a penis. I remember. But please, continue lounging there, airing out the family jewels.I tense, trying to regain some control here. “Let’s focus on the campaign for now, shall we?” I tap my pen on my notebook. “Why don’t we find some common ground between your interests and the senator’s campaigns. Tell me about

Killian shoots me an irritated look. “Maybe not, but the senator’s daughter?”Fair point.“All right, I really screwed up. But some of those headlines are just abusive.”Clodagh tilts her head pensively. “I think it’s jealousy. Men hate you because they ain’t you. And women hate you because they want you but can’t have you.”I blink in surprise. “Damn, Clodagh, that’s dark for you.”She just shrugs. “I’ve been around your world a while now. It’s not all glam. I hate the tabloids—feels like they’re waiting to snap me falling on my ass if I go out.”Killian’s expression sours. “I’ll kill any of them that do that.” His eyes meet mine grimly. “Heads-up . . . Mom listened to the recording too.”“What?” I choke on my wine, balls shriveling. “Why the hell would Mom listen to that?”“Her friends were all talking about it. Guess curiosity got the best of her,” he says, leafing through a cookbook nonchalantly while dropping this bombshell on me.“What the hell,” I mutter. “I’m going to need a s

SIXTEENLexiVicky and Brooke zero in on me like assassins.“He wants you.” Vicky shakes her head. “I don’t like this one bit.”My pulse goes wild. I thought I had the all-clear. I thought my involvement could stay behind the scenes now. The guy kicked me out of his office for god’s sake, and now he wants me back?“He asked for me specifically?” I wheeze, wondering if this is what a panic stroke feels like.“Yes,” Brooke hisses, her usual cool facade gone. “What’s the deal with you two? And don’t feed me that cousin crap.”Vicky’s eyes bore into me as she aggressively crunches on a carrot stick like it’s a dick that’s wronged her. Cocaine, champagne, carrots—the holy trinity of the Vicky Diet.“Maybe he’s into Lexi?” Kayla pipes up from her desk.Vicky and Brooke burst out laughing so loud, it fills the office. Seriously?“Did he say why he wants me specifically?” I ask carefully.“No.”I shrug, playing it cool. “Well, then it’s anybody’s guess.”“You have to do the school shoot with