Page 103 of Hateful Games

“Only you’ll perceive a woman’s rejection as a challenge.”

“How come you’re not pushing me away then, Rose?”

I freeze at the feel of my palms resting on his shoulders and holding on to him. With a furious glare, I shove him away. He lets me go with a chuckle.

“You’re so desperate for touch, all it takes is a few seconds of running my hands all over your skin to have you putty in my hands.” Running his hand over his smooth jaw, he drags his cold gaze down my body. “I won’t even have to seduce you to have you begging for my cock.”

“Your cock isn’t the only one to choose from, Nova.”

His entire demeanor changes in a flash and his lips curl in a snarl. “My bad. To you, any will do.”

The vehemence and rage in his insult makes me flinch. Once again proving how little he thinks of me. Steeling my spine, I deliver my parting words with all the hatred I feel in my veins for him, “Claim me as your wife all you want in front of the world, Nova, but you’ll only ever see me as a Kapoor. The daughter of the man you despise the most.”

“What does that make me to you?”

“My villain.”

He doesn’t deny it and I just know utter devastation will descend upon us in the coming months. Who will remain standing?

Only time will tell.

Leaving him standing there, I turn and exit. Inside near the ballroom, Bianca and Iris run into me and instantly, they read my deflated mood.

“What did he do?” Bianca demands furiously.

“Just being a usual jerk. Nothing I can’t handle.”

“I really don’t understand how Nathan talks so trustingly about the same man who gets off on bullying you,” says Iris with a scowl.

Iris stares over my shoulder and I know it’s Nova entering behind me. His scent envelops me as he breezes past us in a confident strut and into the crowded ballroom.

“I need a drink,” I mutter.

“Then let’s get you one,” says Iris, intertwining our arms.

“Why don’t you guys go ahead to the bar,” suggests Bianca. “I’m going to go find Dash. We ran into my parents earlier and I would rather he didn’t kill my dad.”

“They still haven’t gotten their heads out of their asses?”

“Afraid not.” Bianca gives me a sad smile. “Seeing us together has only infuriated them more.”

“Are you okay?” My tone is concerned. “You have to know if it was up to me, I wouldn’t have invited them.”

“Of course, Ro. I’ve made my peace with them and don’t let them get to me anymore.”

“Good.” Smirking, I tell her, “Do let lover boy know you’re staying with me tonight. No knocking on our doors if he gets scared during the night.”

“As long as you haven’t left any deathly surprises waiting for him.”

“No promises.”

Laughing at my antics, she blends into the crowd. Iris is like a Tinker Bell compared to me, even in her high heels. The top of her head reaches my shoulders. No wonder she can’t handle her liquor. But that never stops her.

Also, you know what everyone says… nothing makes two girls quite like best friends without a height difference. It’s very true, which is why I know Iris isn’t being herself today.

“You’ve been quiet the whole day, Iris,” I casually remark, as we take seats at the bar that offers the world’s most expensive alcoholic beverages. We order ours and I expectantly wait for Iris’s reply as the bartender makes our drinks.

“Have I?” she lies. “I didn’t notice.”

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