Page 32 of Hateful Games

“Why do you insist on being in a loveless marriage?” she questions in a high-pitched voice. “If an heiress from a powerful family is what you’re looking for, then there are literally a ton of options out there for you. Some might even dreamily fall at your feet.”

The last sentence is spoken with disdain, making my lips twitch. She equal parts amuses and angers me. Her power to fuck with my head is still running strong two years later.

“It won’t make a difference because it will still be loveless,” I reply. Flicking my chin at her, I smirk. “At least with you, it’ll be a hateful marriage. Love is overrated anyways.”

Without waiting for her comeback, I turn and walk toward the showers. Her non-answer conveying her coming early was her mother’s doing. That woman is hell-bent on us spending time together. At one point, I was certain she had eyes on me to constantly know about my whereabouts. Because the moment I would come home during a break, she’d be ringing and arranging a date for me and Rosalie.

I could never decline unless I was in the mood for a long-ass lecture from my dad, which I never am. He and I are already walking on eggshells around each other since the engagement. He knows about my reluctance, the disgust I carry for that family, but none of that matters to him. Both of us know I will never back down from my obligations.

Our union is just that.

An obligation.

A necessary evil.

And ultimately, Mihir Kapoor’s downfall.

Too bad, my future wife will have to be collateral damage.

Chapter Nine

Nova

Tonight, the high I get post-fight is missing. Probably because I didn’t get a chance to toy with my opponent and make the most of my last fight. The second I return home after my graduation, my life will become all about future responsibilities and being groomed to take over Dad’s legacy. There will be no more shenanigans and late drunken nights at parties or raising hell. The surprising truth is, I’m actually all over it anyway. I have been for quite some time.

Meanwhile, Nathan, who actually enjoys it all, is stuck with his own dad.

Life is ironic. It never truly gives a person what they desire.

At least, not so easily.

Scheming to force us to covet others.

Angry footsteps stomp after me to the last stall before Rosa yells, “Don’t you walk away from me. I wasn’t done talking.”

I turn to face her. She stands mere feet from me with her hands on her hips.

“Communication is a two-way street, Rose. You weren’t willing to answer my questions. So, I walked away,” I reply with a shrug.

She goes to retort something insulting, only for her to eyes widen into saucers when I unashamedly drop my shorts. Her round eyes travel over my body, as if she’s never seen a naked man before. The apples of her cheeks turning a shade of pink. She snaps out of her reverie before her perusal can move even lower and she gulps.

She covers her gaze as she demands, “What the hell are you doing?”

Fuck. She’s too fucking innocent.

“Taking a shower.”

“Then give a bloody warning before going buck naked,” she grumbles. “Now I’ll have to bleach my eyes to avoid nightmares.”

“You missed the goods,” I tease, unable to resist. “And you’re confusing nightmares with wet dreams. Ever had one of those, Rose?”

“You’re a shameless piece of shit.”

“I don’t remember asking you to follow me in here,” I say over my shoulder as I step under the shower, not bothering to close the door.

“Never mind, I’m leaving.”

“Stay where you are,” I tell her firmly, more for her sake than mine. She’ll be swarmed by gossipmongers the moment she steps back out. I think we’ve fed enough fuel for the night. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are already videos of us floating around.

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