Ruthless (Enemies to Lovers 4)

Slowly, she lets her bottom lip slip from between her teeth. She moves closer, and I'm starting to think she’s going in for a kiss. But instead, she whispers wistfully, “The only itch I want to scratch is the one where I get to slap that arrogant look off your face.”

I’ve got to hand it to her, she’s brave.

I turn my face slightly, so the corners of our mouths brush. The slight touch sends sparks of awareness rippling through my body.

“Babe, if you’re into kinky shit, all you have to do is say so. I’m always willing to try new things.”

She pulls away so she can glare at me. Instead of giving me a piece of her mind, she just looks at me. She holds my eyes until it becomes uncomfortable.

Fuck, there’s no way I’ll win a staring contest with her. She’s definitely skilled in that department.

I drop my eyes to her mouth, but that only makes her reach out to me. She places her hand on my cheek and the soft touch borders on painful. It reminds me of what I want but can’t have.

This is derailing fast. Too fast. I’m losing control of the situation.

“Look at me,” she whispers.

My eyes snap back to hers, and I make sure I give her the coldest, hard look I’m capable of. Although the second our eyes meet, my control slips even more. Her brown eyes are filled with understanding and compassion. It’s a look only Jaxson has given me.

“I see you, Marcus Reed. You can pretend all you want, but I see the man hiding behind this stupid mask of arrogance.”

Shock ripples through my body and I forget about the image I’m trying to uphold. For a moment I’m flayed open, bearing my soul to her with just one look.

I try to think of something I can say that will make her angry. My mind races to find anything that will make her hate me.

Damn it! She can’t like me.

She has to be the one to walk away because there’s no way I will be able to. I’m too intrigued by her, which will be my downfall.

She pulls back her hand, and she leans forward, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

“Never treat me like one of the sluts you take to your room. I don’t deserve that kind of treatment.”

With two sentences she strips me off every trick I’ve used in the past. It has always worked on others. Everyone but Jaxson… and now Willow.

When she sits back, she holds her hand out to me.

“Even though you’ve been nothing but a dick to me, I like you. Let’s wipe the slate clean. I’d rather be your friend than your enemy.”

I look down at her hand then back to her face. She smiles at me, and I feel the first crack in what I thought was an impenetrable wall between the world and me.

Can I be friends with her?

I’ve never even considered it. I could give it a try, and if it doesn’t work out, I can end it.

Will I be able to end it?

She’s still holding out her hand, waiting for me to shake on it. I take her small hand in mine and watch how my fingers wrap around hers.

We’ll be friends. Nothing more.

At least I’ll be able to see her smile. That’s worth a try, right?

“Friends.” It’s all I can manage.

Her smile widens, making the dimple show. She pulls her hand from mine, while I’m still trying to regain control of all the unfamiliar emotions.

I watch her greet the other guys before she leaves with Evie.