Page 163 of Hateful Games

“I don’t mind, Aunty,” I reply, smiling. “I’m happy to help and you’re way better company than him.”

It’s true. Teresa’s lightheartedness and delightful nature hasn’t made me feel as though I’m in a stranger’s house. As soon as she brought me in, she gave me a tour of the gigantic place, regaling me with funny stories of Nova. Indeed, he was a very clumsy boy.

She says he was a menace, always raising a ruckus around the house.

There was no mention of the alleged kidnapping. Although, there was a moment when the light disappeared from her eyes, replaced by sadness.

“One of these days, I’m going to make you call me Mom,” she promises with a wink. I see where Nova gets his mischievousness from. “I also meant it that I’ll join you with volunteering at the animal shelter once you return from your honeymoon. My therapist says any kind of exercise is good for me.”

Nova’s extreme concern for his mother finally clicks into place.

Teresa was very open about her painful journey of going through severe depression both as a young teen as well as after failing to get pregnant a second time. It took a toll on her physical health because she hardly ate or slept.

It hurts my heart to see a wonderful woman like her go through such a hard phase. Even for Nova, who must have witnessed it too.

“I would absolutely love that,” I reply. “I’ll also take you up on those cooking sessions.”

After today’s fiasco, I’m determined to show Nova I’m capable of cooking.

“We’re glad to have you in our family, Rosalie,” Teresa warmly professes, giving my cheek a pat. “Danish is a man of few words but so is he.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

“Come on, don’t want the dinner to get cold.”

Carrying the box of hot chapatis, I follow Teresa to the dining room. Danish sits at the head of the table while Nova sits on his right. I almost lose my balance when I see him casually reading my Kindle. Out there in the open. Didn’t believe he actually meant it.

God! I want to die on the spot.

The last book I was reading was straight-up smut with minimal plot. And a why choose, no less. At this rate, he’ll think I have an insatiable appetite for sex.

He probably loves it.

Maybe I should download a couple of thrillers in there.

Both men glance up as we approach. Nova is a carbon copy of his broody father with his mother’s eyes. Smirking, he turns my Kindle off and puts it aside.

As soon as I’m close, Nova takes the crockery from me and places it on the table.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

He slides my chair out so I can sit. Instead of lifting his arm, he stretches it across the back of my chair. A second later, he begins to play with my hair. The little and intimate gesture makes me feel shy and girlish.

Having never had a boyfriend, all of this is a first for me.

How ironic that he’s to blame for my lack of dating life yet I’m still blushing and fighting the urge to not lean into his touch.

“I hope you like your food a bit spicy, Rosalie. I didn’t know your favorite dish so I cooked a few options.”

The table is laid with paneer and kebab starters. Dal tadka and Manchurian. Both with gravy as well as dry. Served with chapatis and rice. Everything is making my mouth water, especially knowing it’s homemade.

“It all looks delicious,” I answer. “I can’t wait to dig in.”

“I’m glad. Next time, you can tell me in advance and I’ll make that.”

On cue, Nova starts to serve me a little of everything.

“I can do it,” I whisper to him.

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