Page 343 of Hateful Games

A warm feeling washing over me when Nova laughs and bends to hug them. Fire demanding extra attention, who Nova pulls onto his lap. They don’t let him up until he eventually has to push them away.

This is what you could have every day.

“Settle down, heathens,” he affectionately tells them, and they listen. “Inside. Now.”

I’m unprepared for the intimate and adoring look he gives me when our eyes lock.

“Hi,” I whisper.

With the backs of his knuckles, he strokes my cheek. “Hey.”

The gray hoodie molds to his chest and washboard abs, while jeans fit against his strong legs. His hair is a sexy mess as if he ran his fingers through it one too many times. As much as I fawn over his casual looks, I miss his power suits just as equally.

“Sorry I came by unannounced.” His mouth says one thing but his mischievous gaze says the opposite. Both of us aware but I don’t call him out on it. “But I wanted to congratulate you in person.”

I frown in confusion.

He chuckles. “You don’t know, do you?”

“Know what?”

“Your latest book made it on the bestseller list, Rose,” he reveals proudly. “It has been there for two weeks now and is still climbing.”

My gaze widens in disbelief. I must’ve missed my agent’s email since I’m back in the writing cave. A giddy and shocked smile hurts my cheeks as I squeal, “Really? I didn’t know.”

Before I know it, I’m throwing myself into Nova’s arms in pure joy. Two of my past books have also been bestsellers on reputable lists but the feeling of hearing it again never gets old.

“I can’t believe this.”

“It’s very much true, sweetheart.”

His voice in my ear brings into focus that my curves, hidden in a thin camisole and lacy shorts, are pressed against him. Shyness sinks in while air sizzles with sexual tension as I slowly pull back. He doesn’t let go, his fingers spanning my waist so I’m stretched on my toes and leaning on him.

Our lips are inches apart when I peer up at him. Yet he makes no move to kiss me or close the gap. I murmur, “Thank you for telling me.”

“I also told your friends. They’re taking you out tomorrow to celebrate.”

“You came all the way here to tell me that?”

“I’ll never waste a chance to come see you, Rose.” Kissing my forehead, he sets me down on my feet. I feel off-kilter, fingers twitching to reach for him. Hovering near the doorway, he turns one last time and smirks devilishly. “Just so you know, I finished the book last night. It’s my favorite one now.”

Fuck. How did I forget?

I didn’t kill his character in my book this time.

Winking at my blushing face, he leaves with a smile.

(February)

It’s Saturday and I’m surprisingly up at nine in the morning. It’s because I kept tossing and turning last night. Today, the judge will announce the results of my father’s case. I chose not to go to the hearing. After an investigation was launched into my father, a lot of horrific crimes done by him came to light. My late uncle a part of half of them. His death a farce so no one suspected them. Apparently, Teresa and the innocent cab driver aren’t their only victims.

I’m going to be jittery all day until I hear the ruling that he’s locked away forever.

At ten, there’s a knock at my door.

I trail after Bunny, who runs ahead. Nova stands on the other side with a grocery bag in one hand. Lifting it out of reach, he greets Bunny. Then the others, before entering my apartment like he belongs there. Although this is only the second time he’s been here.

“What’s the occasion today?” I ask sarcastically. Pretty sure he’s here to distract me from obsessing over my father’s case. Nova also spoke on the stand regarding the blackmailing and threats from my dad.

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