Page 43 of Hitched to My Enemy
"His father overextended on other investments, expecting our deal to resolve his debts. When I paid fair market value rather than his inflated expectations, everything collapsed." Genuine regret colored his tone. "I learned about his circumstances afterward. Too late to intervene."
I studied his face, finding no deception. "Do you regret your actions?"
"I regret their suffering. I don't regret making sound business decisions with available information." His fingers traced my cheek. "That represents who I was then—focused on victory without always considering human consequences. I've evolved since."
"You have," I affirmed, recalling how he managed Bryce's betrayal—decisive but compassionate, firm but not vindictive.
He kissed me softly, silently acknowledging my faith in him. "What else did Enzo claim?"
"That you'd destroy my career once I served your purpose. Like others who trusted you." My tone remained casual, but the question carried weight.
Easton's expression darkened. "Classic manipulation—sowing doubt during vulnerability." His embrace tightened. "I'vemade mistakes, Harlow. I've prioritized business over people too frequently. But I've never deliberately destroyed someone who placed faith in me. And I certainly don't consider you a temporary convenience."
I believed him. Despite logical reasons for skepticism, I trusted the man holding me more than whispered warnings from someone with transparent motives.
"I know," I assured him, settling against his chest. "What comes next? For us?"
"The marriage paperwork is complete, which simplifies matters," he teased, resuming his gentle exploration of my skin. "But I want a proper ceremony after the grand opening. Something celebrating what we've chosen rather than what happened accidentally."
"I'd like that," I admitted, surprising myself with my sincerity. "And professionally?"
"You develop your oversight program. I operate Vegas's most compliant casino. We maintain appropriate public boundaries until after opening." His voice carried both conviction and tenderness. "We've embraced honesty in everything else—time to acknowledge this too."
"No more pretense," I agreed, feeling the rightness of our decision.
"No more pretense," he echoed, kissing my temple. "Just us, building something meaningful. Together."
As sleep beckoned, secure in my husband's embrace, I marveled at our journey—from professional adversaries to reluctant allies to genuine partners. What initially seemed life's greatest misstep had somehow become its greatest gift.
"From enemies to lovers to partners," I murmured drowsily. "Who would have predicted this?"
Easton's soft laughter was the last sound I registered before surrendering to sleep. "Vegas, baby. Where the house doesn't always win—but sometimes everyone does."
Chapter Ten
Easton
Dawn painted the penthouse in liquid gold as sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I'd been awake for hours, mind cycling through contingency plans and countless details demanding attention on the most significant day of my career. At noon, the Jade Petal would open its doors to the public. Three years of rebuilding from humiliation, all culminating in these next twelve hours.
Beside me, Harlow stirred, her hair like a silk fan across the pillow as she blinked into consciousness. Even half-asleep, she radiated the quiet competence that had once made her my nemesis and now served as my anchor.
"You've been up for hours, haven't you?" she murmured, voice husky with sleep as she shifted closer.
"Just mental checklists." I brushed a strand of hair from her face, still marveling at how natural this felt—waking besideher, sharing thoughts without strategic calculation. "We still have time before heading downstairs."
Her fingers traced a path across my chest. "Nervous?"
"Terrified," I admitted with a candor I'd never have shown anyone else. "Everything I've rebuilt goes on display today. If anything goes wrong—"
"It won't." The certainty in her voice steadied me. "The systems are flawless, the staff impeccably trained, and you've anticipated every contingency." She propped herself up, fully awake now. "And if something unexpected happens, you'll handle it. That's what you do best."
I caught her hand, pressing my lips to her palm. "When exactly did you become my champion? I distinctly recall you shutting down my first operation without hesitation."
"Because it deserved shutting down." Her smile softened the words. "This one doesn't. You've built something exceptional, Easton. Something worthy of your vision."
Three months ago, those words from Harlow Clarke would have seemed impossible. Now, they formed the foundation beneath everything I'd built.
"I had help," I said quietly. "Your standards elevated the Jade Petal."
