Page 104 of Hateful Games

“You’re not fooling me.”

Catching my bloodhound expression—named by Bianca—that can’t be wavered, Iris sighs loudly. “Nothing gets past you, does it?”

“Start talking,” I demand, then take a sip of my martini. “I wouldn’t mind a distraction right now.”

“My editor wants me to write a story on Kian’s company.”

“Oh fuck.”

“By working closely with him.”

“Double fuck.”

“And I don’t know how to tell Nathan.”

“Jesus.”

Her shoulders slump and downs her drink in one gulp before crying out, “What do I do?”

“Of all the companies in the world to choose from, you had to pick your boyfriend’s enemy’s?” I don’t know whether to be concerned or laugh at her predicament.

“I didn’t pick!”

“Boy, then you have the shittiest luck.”

“That doesn’t help.”

“When did I say it will?”

“You’re enjoying this.”

“Too much,” I tease. “Little Miss is finally in a moral dilemma like the rest of us. Forget about Nathan, I’m more surprised Kian has allowed you to follow him around. The man is private as fuck, almost in a creepy way. Hell, he makes Dash look like fucking sunshine.”

Glaring at me for pointing out the obvious, she signals the bartender for another drink. Then nonchalantly blurts out, “I kinda told my boss I already asked Kian and he has agreed.”

“Are you kidding me? What are you planning to do then? Stalk Kian?” Her face is flushed red in embarrassment. “Oh my god. You are.”

“Journalists do it all the time.”

“And get sued. Or fired.” Shaking my head, I tease, “Since you’re a perfectionist, you’ll do both.”

“Shut up.” A faraway and worried look crosses her eyes. “I’m scared to tell Nathan. He never talks about Kian and will certainly not like me getting close to him, even in a professional capacity. So, either I hurt him or pass up on this internship.”

“You will do no such thing, Iris,” I fiercely say, my protective instincts rising. “Nathan is a grown man who will need to put his personal vendetta aside and not be a hurdle in your career. So, just talk to him and say there’s no swaying your decision, in case he tries.”

Nodding, she sits up straight. “You’re right.”

“If he still does, I have no shortage of methods to make grown men cry.”

“Still causing chaos, I see.”

I shiver at the interruption from the familiar, deep accented voice. Whirling on my stool, I come face to face with the man who took my virginity at a masquerade party. He doesn’t even know the floodgates he had opened or that he had arisen a dark desire within me that was better left dormant.

“Malcolm,” I gasp, blinking back in shock, and stand.

“Trouble.”

“You’re… here,” I dumbly blurt out. He steps forward, causing my head to tilt. The years haven’t lessened the force of his intimidating beauty. Except it doesn’t cause my heart to flutter. It never did, not even in the past.

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