Page 13 of Hateful Games

“Something like that.”

Jasmine is two years older than me and unlike her sister, blessed with a sunny disposition. The girl has always been kind, compassionate, and cheerful. Somehow, she made it likable, instead of annoying like most people. As if secretly making up for her sister’s lack of people skills.

“So, Rosa tells me,” Jasmine says, glaring at me, “you are a dick, Nova. I thought she was joking but I guess she was right.”

My bad. I spoke too soon.

“You tattled to your big sister?” I focus on Rosalie, whose cheeks are tinged red in anger. “How mature.”

“Jas!” hisses Rosalie. “I can fight my own battles.”

“Can you?” I taunt with a smirk.

“Okay… whoa,” mumbles Nathan, stepping in Rosalie’s path when she steps forward. I wink, making her fume. “No need to come to blows. Save some for the wedding day.”

“Why are you even here if you’re only going to antagonize her?” accuses Jasmine sharply. “Hell, why did you agree to marry Rosa?”

“I give your sister an out. She’s the one who didn’t take it.”

“Oh please, you and I both know that’s bullshit. Like our fathers would ever listen to her wishes.”

“Not my problem.”

“Say no to the marriage, Nova.”

I direct my gaze to my reluctant bride. “Rosalie knows what to do.”

“Let it go, Jas,” Rosalie speaks, a taunt underlying her words. “My fiancé isn’t man enough to fight his own battles.”

“Then why don’t you go find someone who is?”

“Maybe I will.”

At the blatant insinuation, I glare at her. Even though it will solve all my problems for her to be some other man’s trouble. “Do it fast before you’re tied to me.”

The words taste sour as soon as they’re out.

Nathan and Jasmine watch us as we stare each other down. Their worry about us not getting along quite obvious.

“This was a waste of time, I’m going back to my room,” Rosa informs us in annoyance before flicking her hair behind her ear when one strand blows in her face. Giving me a sneer full of attitude, she taunts, “I’m sure you can bribe someone to show you the way out.”

Before she can scramble away, her mother’s voice sounds from behind as she approaches the group. “Kids.”

I stand when she joins our little circle, servers trailing behind her. The server quietly places a tray loaded with snacks while another sets down an assortment of drinks. If Lily senses the tension in the air, she chooses to ignore it.

“Why are you all standing?” she asks, frowning in confusion.

“Nova and Nathan were just leaving,” replies Rosalie.

“Why? They just got here, Rosa.”

“I have a headache, Ma,” Rosalie lies smoothly. “We’ll do a rain check.”

Lily looks between us, not believing her. However, my little fiancée quickly scurries away. Her sashaying hips taunting me all the way until she disappears around the corner. I avert my eyes and smooth my features into one of boredom when I notice Jasmine watching me carefully, having caught me checking out her little sister’s ass.

“I’m so sorry about Rosa, Nova,” mutters Lily apologetically. “I wish she’d told me so I would’ve canceled.”

“It’s okay.”

---