Page 134 of Hateful Games

“It didn’t take you long.”

I jump at Nova’s smooth yet amused voice and face him just as he hovers near the entrance. His frame encased in that pristine charcoal suit stealing my breath right away. All morning, I’ve been fighting to not stare too long.

“Why am I not surprised?” he teases.

“I would like the keys of this room.”

He crosses his arms and leans against the doorframe with his ankles crossed. My stomach tightens with the unwelcome attraction at how sexy he looks. Especially seeing his messy black hair slicked back stylishly. “Still scared I might destroy your books?”

“You’re quite an arsonist around my belongings.”

“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, Rose.”

“You inspired me.”

“I won’t touch your precious book porn,” he replies, straightening to his full height. “Also, no lock in this room.”

My jaw drops. He must have done it on purpose, I’m sure. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Be thankful there’s a library, at least.”

I’m so close to throttling him, I swear. Shoving past him, I walk back toward the living room and ask over my shoulder, “Are Bunny, Maggie, and Fire back?”

“Yes.” Nova’s footsteps follow me.

“Where are they?” I question, not finding them inside.

“Outside playing near the pool.”

We both stop near the spiral staircase leading upstairs. I can make out Bunny swimming in the pool. I swear he’s never sitting idle. Meanwhile, my little ones lounge outside, watching the third of their trio.

“We need to discuss our sleeping arrangements,” Nova says with a scowl. “I will not have a repeat of last night.”

“Sure. I would like a separate bedroom.”

“And I would like a divorce,” he all but growls the words. “Neither is happening.”

I cross my arms and unflinchingly say, “My dogs sleep with me.”

“Elders say dogs are supposed to stay outside of the main house.”

“Then how come you stay inside?”

His scowl deepens as he reins in his temper.

Ignoring him, I make my way into the kitchen, feeling thirsty. Once again, Nova follows as if we’re magnets. I sigh in annoyance and turn. “Weren’t you late for the office?”

“I am. Before I leave, my mom’s assistant will come by in the afternoon to discuss your calendar and the charities and events you’ll need to attend. You can let her know your interests.”

Of course, he expects me to become a typical socialite wife living off her rich husband’s money. I have half a mind to throw in his face that I have my own life and work to keep myself busy. But it will come at the cost of revealing what I actually do, and I simply will not risk it. He will make a mockery of it. So, I swallow my pride and let him believe that I’m a spoiled heiress.

“Sure, I’ll meet her.”

He seems taken aback when I don’t argue but recovers fast. Grabbing a water bottle from the fridge, I take a long swig while wondering about my lunch plans. I’ll probably need to order dog food online.

“What?” I ask Nova when he still doesn’t leave.

“Forgot something.”

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