Page 161 of Hateful Games

I’ve always admired how she’s comfortable in her own skin, the view of the rest of the world be damned. She wears a fierce shell but underneath lies a deeply emphatic woman, whose softness and vulnerability shines through when least expected.

I thought we were different.

But I was wrong. Because she’s surprised me at every turn.

We’re both hiding secrets that’ll only tear us apart rather than bring us closer, if brought to light. A part of me wonders if I should’ve taken her offer of keeping our lives separate behind closed doors.

However, the thought has my vision turning black.

I crave her thorns too much.

“Eyes on the road, hubby,” she teases.

I lift my gaze from her bare thigh to her face and scowl. “Did you really have to bring your Kindle? We’re not on a road trip.”

Luckily, we’re on my parents’ street, about to reach my childhood home in a few minutes. It’s the first time Rosalie will be visiting, which I’m only realizing now.

“Of course.”

She’s more attached to her e-reader than her phone, which I’ve kept in my pocket after I saw her forgetting to grab it. Not that she knows.

“You aren’t even reading,” I point out.

“I’m not in the mood right now.”

“Then why bring it?”

“In case I wanted to.”

I shake my head at her logic. “Also, how come you’re a foodie and you can’t even cook?”

“A foodie is a person who loves to eat, not cook,” comes her sassy response.

“Why couldn’t you tell me this before?” I ask, just as we reach my home. The security guard opens the gate and I speed down the driveway. Switching off the ignition, I twist toward Rosalie. “Had your grand plan worked, how long do you think you could’ve kept up the act?”

“Not long.” She smirks. “Since I have no intention of spending the rest of my life with you.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m going to make you bow and beg to be mine forever,” I vow. “I won’t stop until I’ve possessed every morsel of you, Rose. Until I’m the very air you breathe.”

Stealing a kiss, I grab her Kindle and step out of the car.

Rosalie slams the passenger door and shouts over the hood, “Give it back.”

“You’ll be the focus of my parents tonight, little hellion. I would rather read your fave book porn than be bored.”

“It’s called spicy romance, you condescending prick.”

“I thought food was supposed to be spicy.”

She throws up her hands while taking an exasperated breath. “I can’t with you.”

When I circle to her, as expected, she attempts to grab her precious Kindle but I lift it out of reach. “Haven’t I told you sharing is caring?”

“You’re a hypocrite and a thief.”

“Lower your voice before my parents hear you insulting your husband,” I scold as I intertwine our hands. “I haven’t told them they have a hellcat for a daughter-in-law.” Wisely, she obeys and lets me guide her up the short stairs. Just as I knock, I pat her ass and sternly warn, “Behave.”

My mother opens the door and a bright smile lights up her face upon seeing us. Behind her, I see my dad hovering with his hands in his pockets. Even though I’ve taken over as the CEO, he still has an active role in our company. It’s why I knew my mom was not lying when she said he’s spending more time with her.

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