Page 342 of Hateful Games

As I reach the back, I hear Sami and Iris snickering among themselves.

Curious, I make my way over and see what the fuss is about. Only to hold back my own laughter and a bit of pity.

Nova’s face is scrunched even though he’s wearing a mask and gloves as he uses the scooper to clean the small garden area before dumping its contents in the trash can to the side. Somehow, he stills looks sexy without even trying and picking up garbage.

Or maybe I’m biased.

Iris catches me staring and shakes her head. “What are you doing to that man, Ro?”

“Not giving him special treatment.”

“You aren’t scaring him away.”

I raise one eyebrow. “Are you on his side now?”

“I’m on yours,” she says, taking a pause before smirking mischievously. “And I’m all for making his life hell until whatever this is ends. Don’t miss the golden opportunity while you have him on his knees.”

“Do you think I should take him back?”

“Babe, you still haven’t divorced him, nor have you taken off the wedding ring.” Smiling softly, she murmurs, “You can’t take someone back that you never let go in the first place.”

She and Sami walk past me while I glance back to Nova, who is also making his way over. Hands clean and mask gone. His expression is intense as it runs down possessively over my leggings and cropped shirt. My go-to outfit for working here.

He stops, towering over me and shading my face from the sun. His voice like smooth silk, caressing and teasing at once. “Anything else for today, Rose?”

I shake my head, still amused over the task I set for him.

“Something funny?”

“Actually, yeah. I don’t think you’ll share the same sentiment.”

“As long as it makes you smile, I’ll be your errand boy anytime.”

Kissing my cheek, he walks inside. He’s been doing that a lot lately, much like everything else.

What do I do in return? I let him.

(January)

The winter weather reaches its peak in the first week of January, making me spend extra long hours at the shelter. Lately, my life has become all about spending time volunteering, the pet project—still working on its name—writing late at night, and hanging out with my friends.

Although, Nova has taken residence in my head twenty-four seven. Doesn’t matter if he’s around or not, I’m obsessing over him. He hasn’t pushed the topic of us being together again, but every time I find those chocolaty eyes on mine, I can read the desire and longing plain as day.

Yet, he never says anything.

I don’t even know what to call whatever this is happening between us. More than him, I’m afraid to admit my feelings to myself. Because this time, I know it’ll be forever.

A sharp knock comes at my door, jerking me from my reverie. I check the time on my laptop and it’s eleven at night. My dogs become alert at the sound. Bunny trotting behind me as I walk to the front door.

I look through the peephole and become nervous when I see it’s Nova.

Of course, he knows where I live.

Has his patience run out?

Swinging open the gate, I don’t get a chance to greet him before Bunny goes crazy happy at the sight of him. He slams his body into Nova’s, who scratches and rubs behind his ears. At Bunny’s excited yelp, the little ones come running and then it’s chaos in the hallway.

I lean against the wall as the four of them reunite.

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