Page 28 of Loving Her Enemy

Halayna had been the one to decide to wear the engagement ring. Based on Sloane’s reaction at seeing her, she had nailed her entrance on all accounts.

“You guys should probably get going,” Reece said, pulling Halayna out of her thoughts, and apparently missing the heated conversation between Sloane and Marcella.

“Yeah, we should definitely get going,” Halayna agreed, thinking about the plans Reece and Bristol helped with. Reece had even set up a private lunch at a restaurant he owned not too far from the office. There, she and Sloane would discuss the contract over a meal.

“Are you ready to leave?” she asked Sloane.

He squeezed her hand. “Definitely, let’s get out of here, but first,” he glanced at Reece. “Escort Marcella out of the building.”

“Don’t be a jerk, Sloane. I can show myself out.” She flashed a sugary sweet smile at Halayna. “I guess I’ll be seeing you around, assuming you actually join the family. In the meantime, if you want help freshening up your outdated wardrobe, give me a call.” She held her business card out to Halayna who just stared at it.

“I’m pleased with my current stylist,” Halayna countered. “Besides, with her, I don’t have to be concerned about her trying to seduce my man.”

Sloane arched an eyebrow and slid his arm around Halayna’s waist. “Sweetheart, you’ll never have to worry about anything like that. You’re the only woman I want.” He placed a kiss against her temple and they left his office.

They stopped at Sabrina’s desk, and the executive assistant smiled and winked at Halayna. The woman had been kind and accommodating when Halayna asked about Sloane’s schedule for the day. Apparently, Reece had told her that Halayna would be reaching out soon, and she should give her whatever she wanted regarding Sloane.

Sabrina had been wonderful and to thank her for her assistance, Halayna arranged flowers to be delivered this afternoon, as well as a gift card to a boutique she and Bristol visited the other day.

“Sabrina, call Hamilton Crosby or Mason Bennett at Supreme Security,” Sloane instructed. “I’d like to set up a meeting with either one of them tomorrow if possible. We need to make changes to our security system for the top three floors. I don’t want unwanted visitors to be able to get to our offices.”

Halayna had learned that Sloane owned the glass office building and his company occupied the top floors while he leased out the rest. The building housed everything from a cafe, a dry cleaners, a law office, insurance company, and numerous other businesses that filled the remaining floors.

“I can’t stand you,” Marcella grumbled as she stomped past them, Reece following behind her.

Halayna wasn’t sure who she was talking to, but it didn’t matter. She went one way, and Sloane led Halayna in the opposite direction.

“Who is your stylist?” he asked as they boarded a private elevator at the back of the building.

“Bristol,” she said on a laugh, and Sloane grinned, the move softening the hard plains of his handsome face. “Your sister knows everything about how to impress a billionaire.”

Sloane chuckled. “Yeah, I bet she does, but you, sweetheart, had already impressed me. Even without the gorgeous dress, sexy shoes, mischievous eyes. Just you being you did it for me.”

Heat filled Halayna’s cheeks and though she was tempted to look down, she maintained eye contact. Which was something Bristol had pounded into her when giving her tips on how to carry herself around Sloane and influential people she was bound to come in contact with.

“Man, you’re good,” Halayna mumbled to Sloane who wore an arrogant smile.

He had always been a sweet talker when it came to other women. She’d witnessed him in action whenever he’d show up on campus. He often took her and Bristol to dinner, or a movie, or even shopping a few times. But to be on the receiving end of his charming ways was going to take some getting used to.

A short while later, they arrived at the restaurant, and Hershel opened the back door for them. Something else Halayna had learned while prepping for this time with Sloane was how Hershel was a major part of his security team. According to Bristol, the guy was former military and more lethal than he came across.

Since Sloane’s main driver had to be at his disposal, Bristol looped Hershel in on their plan. He had driven Halayna to Sloane’s office and agreed to be her driver for the day.

It was weird having so many people at her disposal, but it was a perk she was looking forward to. That was assuming Sloane would be receptive to the changes she wanted made to the contract.

If he wasn’t, and they couldn’t come to an agreement, Halayna had mentally prepared herself to walk away. It wouldn’t be easy, but she was done letting men run her life. She had given Owen too much control and vowed to never put herself at the mercy of someone else ever again.

When they entered the restaurant, the hostess perked up and greeted Sloane, making it clear he frequented the establishment often. She acknowledged Halayna with a friendly smile before walking them through the crowded eatery.

The appetizing scent of searing steaks, onions, garlic, and a host of other aromas made Halayna’s mouth water as the woman escorted them to a small, private room.

When Reece had told Halayna he’d take care of their reservation, she assumed they’d get a private table, but this room was better. Considering what they’d be discussing, she’d rather have as much privacy as possible.

For the next few minutes, they were treated like royalty with several servers waiting on them. Not only that, but they also didn’t seem to mind being at her and Sloane’s beck and call. No doubt Sloane, as well as Reece, were used to the attention and probably paid and tipped well.

Once they were settled into their meal, Halayna decided to get the conversation started. She was surprised Sloane hadn’t brought it up during the ride to the restaurant, but she was glad he hadn’t. Otherwise, Hershel would’ve heard, and she’d prefer no one to know about their arrangement. Well, no one except Bristol and Reece. Then again, Hershel might already know since he and Sloane were so close.

“Question,” she said and set down her fork. They were feasting on blackened salmon, small, red potatoes, and roasted vegetables.