Page 147 of Hateful Games

“Does it matter? As your wife, I should know your secrets.”

A vicious glint sharpens his face as he demands in a cold voice, “Why are you defending him? Are you so naïve or plain stupid for still showing loyalty to him after he sold you off to me without a second thought?”

“At least he doesn’t pretend to like me while plotting to stab me in the back.”

“What exactly do you think I’ll accomplish?” he questions. “To use you to hurt your father, I’d need leverage, and we both know how your father feels about you.”

His cruel words hit me like a brick.

Worthless.

That’s what he thinks I am.

“What if I could be used as a leverage?” I ask impassively. “Would you use me to get back at my father?”

His expression closes off. “I don’t play hypothetical games, Rose.”

“In other words, yes.” I draw back from him, feeling suffocated by his presence. “Do us both a favor and stop feeding me bullshit lies and painting yourself as a knight in shining armor. You might like to live in a glass house, but I don’t.”

“I’ve never lied to you.”

“You’ve also not told me a single truth either.”

“Just because it’s not what you want to hear doesn’t mean they aren’t truths. My reasons for hating your father are none of your business. It’s a can of worms you don’t want to open.” Scathing me with a dark look, he says, “Besides, you’ve already condemned me as your villain. Anything I say or do will not convince you otherwise.”

I want to shout I’m only doing it to protect myself from the inevitable. Him and his father left me no choice. Either I swim in their world like a shark or I become the sacrificial lamb.

Because Nova exists to ruin me.

It’s only a matter of time.

“Whatever vendetta you have against my dad and the day you act on it, it’ll affect me too. I won’t let you make either me or my mom collateral damage in your path to seek revenge.”

“I would tell you I’d protect you because you’re my wife but it’ll fall on deaf ears.”

He says it so sincerely that I almost believe him. Pushing away from the dining table, I take a step but he grabs my wrist. “Eat your dinner, Rose.”

“I’ve lost my appetite.”

Tugging my hand free, I stalk down the hallway. But halfway to the library, my stomach growls, reminding me I haven’t eaten since morning. The pasta did look yummy and smelled delicious. Besides, it’s not the food’s fault that my husband’s an ass.

With that self-justification, I march back down.

Nova is still seated, his plate pushed away and food untouched. I push down the flicker of guilt I feel for ruining his meal. His laser-sharp gaze sears me as I silently grab my plate, drink, and the paper bag with the dessert I also ordered to carry with me.

“Do you not know how dramatic exits work, Rose?”

And he’s back to being his usual annoying self. I don’t answer.

“Where are you going?”

“Away from you.”

“Library, then?”

“So far, it’s the only place or thing I like in this empty house,” I snap and am on my way. My dogs in tow. Except Fire. I yell, “Fire, come with me.”

He doesn’t move an inch from his perch near Nova’s feet.