All Chapters of Empire State Enemies: An Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Roman: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

I cross and uncross my legs, a little freaked out that he’s done his homework on where I live. The hairs on my neck stand straight up in warning. He must have studied that background check hard. “I’d move closer if I could just snap my fingers and magic it done. But sadly my letter to magic school got lost in the mail.” I force brightness into my tone. “Now, shall we get going?”Later I’m stress-drinking an entire bottle of wine over Connor knowing where I live. Probably my bra size too. But for now, time to work.But he’s not done needling me yet. Connor’s fingers drum a slow, deliberate rhythm on the sofa’s back, each knock of his knuckles ratcheting up my shot nerves. His icy stare spears me and I brace for fresh trauma.“Tell me, Lexi . . .” His voice drops lethally. “Would you come clean about my car if your sister’s future was on the line?”His words slam into me. I freeze, stunned. “What?”“You wonder if I worry about my family finding out about my mistakes,” he continues, his

She studies me, finally seeming to buy my integrity. “Okay.”I keep my glare locked on her. I’m itching to put this infuriating woman in her place. Teach her some manners. Maybe hate-fuck the hell out of her right now for sassing me like that.“I’m sorry,” she says softly. “I overreacted.”I give a curt nod, reining in my temper. Her protectiveness, however misguided, comes from a good place.“Your sister’s spot is secure, I give you my word,” I assure her, tearing my gaze away before it pulls me in again. “No need to stress over that.”“Okay.” She offers a small, appreciative smile. “Grace means the world to me, so I genuinely appreciate it. Thank you.”There’s an unexpected vulnerability in her voice now that’s disturbingly disarming.I clear my throat brusquely. “Come on, let me take you to lunch. A temporary cease-fire,” I hear myself say. “Before your stomach starts snarling again.”But she’s biting that lip, hesitating. “Thanks, though I better not. I’ll find my own way, but I’l

I clamp down on my rising frustration. “Right, I get it. First rule of the Billionaire’s Playbook, answer to no one,” I toss back, trying to lighten the mood and maybe crack that tough exterior of his.His lips twitch, a hint of amusement breaking through.“Look, the faster he nails these photos, the faster we can hit the road. How about trying not to look like you’re scheming someone’s downfall? Preferably not the photographer’s or, heaven forbid, mine.”“I’m pretending just fine,” Connor snaps. “Guy says smile, I smile. What’s he expecting, a Broadway performance?”I can’t suppress a laugh. “Baring your teeth isn’t smiling, Connor. Where’s that famous charm of yours?”He narrows his eyes. “It died along with my patience about an hour ago.”“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Some people have to clean the subways. You get to cuddle with a supermodel. I bet you’re still making a small fortune standing here, with hotel guests checking in all over the country. Wha

So much bullshit blah. I hit send before tossing off my glasses with a groan. What I really ought to publicize is more like:“Dear America, please accept my sincere apologies for acting like a straight-up dog at the event. Had one too many fizzy drinks and my cock did the thinking for me. The end.”Something along those lines anyway.“You gonna send my resume to Connor?” Grace pipes up.She loves that she’s on first name terms.I sigh. “I’ll get to it tomorrow, okay?” At her fallen face, I gently add, “Don’t get your hopes up too high. He may have just been mouthing off with that offer.”Never mind Grace’s resume. I’ve been busting my ass sending out my own, trying to secure a salary hike. I’ve got some interviews lined up but nothing’s concrete yet, while that looming installment bomb ticks ever closer, fraying my last nerves.I close the pyramid scheme tab giving me false hope. Desperation drives people to illogical shit, as I discovered after falling down an MLM rabbit hole.“Want

Uh-oh. I may have poked the bear a bit too hard. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to understand where the line is.Connor closes the gap between us in a few strides. For a second, I consider stepping back, but nope, I’m standing my ground.My pulse quickens as irritation ripples off him. Stretch out my hand, and I’d touch the tanned skin peeking through his partially buttoned shirt.“Forgive my oversight, I wasn’t aware you were the leading expert on romancing women,” Connor says bitingly. “Why don’t you share some of your vast knowledge then? What am I missing here?”“Hey, I’m no Dr. Ruth, but come on—having your assistant buy gifts? Why not try actually getting to know Willow first? Her dreams, what she’s passionate about, not just daddy’s press releases . . .”I trail off at his thunderous expression.His reply is deadpan. “That would require actual conversation.”I can’t help myself this time—I roll my eyes. “The brain’s the sexiest organ in the body so it’s nice to see a guy