Page 205 of Hateful Games

“At least wipe the grin off your face,” grunts Nathan. “You’re a real bastard, you know that?”

“You’re just saying that because there’s finally someone who doesn’t like you.”

He flips me off.

“Why are you here anyways?”

“I thought we’d go for a drink at The Mirage. Didn’t know I’d be running into Martha Stewart instead.”

Punching his shoulder, I reply, “Let me feed the little ones and we’ll go.”

“You’re just begging me to yank your chain.”

“Rose will kill me if I let them starve, once she finds out I didn’t let them stay with her former bodyguard, Raghu.”

“What count is it now?” He hums as we stroll inside. “Her trying to kill you?”

“She did it once,” I irritably reply. The incident still impresses and terrifies me in equal measures. “I believe it’s her love language.”

“By trying to kill you.”

“Almost killing me.”

“Boy, you’re falling fast and hard.”

The sharp denial never falls from my lips. When months ago, it would have.

***

The Mirage, an elite gentlemen’s club, is as alive with debauchery and high-stakes games as it always is. A frequent hanging out spot for Nathan and I. Although lately, I haven’t felt like coming here. Had Rosalie been at home, I sure as hell wouldn’t have accepted Nathan’s invitation.

My wife is far more bewitching and sexier to watch.

I could never get bored.

The last time I had been in here was last year when Rosalie had sneaked in with Bianca after I ruined her phony date. She lived to step on my toes, making me chase her around town and giving the bodyguards hell.

We’ve always been at each other’s throats.

We still are.

But the nature of games has changed and become tempting.

I take a cursory glance around the room, making out familiar faces. The semi-darkness doesn’t allow them to see Nathan and me, which is good because I’m in no mood for business talk. Every conversation inevitably leads to it.

Nathan and I are sitting in a shaded and private booth. Him sipping on scotch while I’m having a non-alcoholic beer.

“So, it was the assistant all along?” asks Nathan.

“Yeah. He had been holding a grudge because I fired him,” I reply. “Found files and copies of them at his place during our search. He’s pleaded guilty. My lawyers are handling it.”

“Why don’t you look relieved then?”

“This co-owning of the port with Mihir isn’t sitting right with me. My gut is saying he’s going to sabotage us somehow.”

“Has he done anything suspicious?”

“Not yet.”

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