Page 101 of Hateful Games

The feeling of being powerless under him still lingers as if it were just yesterday.

Except that day in London has never happened again.

Because his hatred deepened like barbwire around my neck.

“Congratulations, kids,” says Teresa, hugging us both.

“Welcome to the family, Rosalie,” warmly says Danish, his presence intimidating.

“Thank you!”

My parents are next to congratulate us and it soon turns to all of us clicking several pictures together. Then comes our close relatives, and Nova takes the lead in making small talk. His suave business persona shining through, charming everyone like bees to honey.

Tamana pushes her way through the crowd and stops before us.

“Would you both come with me?” she asks. “The photographer from the wedding magazine is waiting to begin the shoot.”

“Do w—”

“Of course,” Nova cuts me off. “Where?”

“In the garden near the maze.”

He nods, smiling. “We’ll be there in a minute.”

Once she disappears, he grabs my hand and excuses us to guide me out to the hallway I came from earlier. It’s deserted and I quickly yank my hand free from his. “I’m not in the mood for photos, Nova.”

“I am.”

“Quit lying.”

“I’m not.” He invades my personal space, making my head tilt despite the four-inch heels I’m wearing. I hold my ground, letting my annoyance show. Grasping my left hand, he lifts it between us, thumb caressing the dazzling diamond, and drowns me in his chocolaty eyes. “Do you like your ring?”

“It’ll do,” I answer him, sounding unimpressed.

“It’s a twenty-carat ring, Rose.”

Jesus Christ. “Show-off,” I huff.

Smirking, he demands, “Will my wife like more?”

“Still a day left to call me your wife.”

“Not a day. Few hours.” Dropping his voice until it’s rough and deep, he murmurs, “And they make no difference. You’re a D’Cruz now, Rose. The world knows it. It’s time you accepted it too.”

Not forever… I vow.

Chapter Twenty-eight

Rosalie

“How about one with a kiss?”

I lurch back from Nova and glare at the hotshot photographer. “Absolutely not.”

“Couples kiss, Miss Kapoor,” he says with a bold laugh. “No need to be shy.”

“It’s Mrs. D’Cruz,” growls Nova possessively.

---