Page 184 of Hateful Games

To have another person read it is like baring my soul one layer at a time. Sharing it with someone close to you is a thousand times scarier than with strangers. And Nova—he comes in neither category.

So, my anxiety is at an all-time high.

I even fruitlessly tried to search for the copy in the bedroom while he was asleep after I came back to bed. But he had smartly hid it. Dejected, I fell asleep and made sure to keep Fire and Maggie as a wall between us.

Since I’ve formed a very deathly habit of snuggling with him.

When morning came, the asshole made sure I saw my novel in his hand as he left for the office.

After setting me on the chair like a child and feeding me breakfast. I couldn’t put up a fight because our cook, Tanu, was right there. I couldn’t be rude to her. Although, Nova saw it as a victory and under the same pretense, kissed me and left with a skip in his step.

He broke my two-day winning streak.

Once I was alone, I tried distracting myself to no avail. I swam, I binge-watched a documentary, I read, and when none of that worked, I went straight to the animal shelter.

I forgot my predicament for a while.

Especially when I found out that Sami was able to hire both a doctor and two nurses. But that’s not what made my heart burst with joy, it was learning Veer was making progress. After my first visit, I brought in an independent doctor and it helped a lot.

In a couple more weeks, I can bring him home.

Around seven in the evening, I’m free and I settle behind the driver’s seat to go home. As I swerve through post-rush-hour traffic, my previous jitters return. I scold myself for putting too much pressure on myself.

Who cares if he doesn’t like my book?

He probably hasn’t read a whole book in the span of a day in his whole life.

With that thought confidently cemented in my mind, I take the turn to our street and few minutes later, pull into our driveway. I haven’t missed how none of the guards are in the backyard every time I’ve gone for swimming in the pool.

If flaunting in front of other men makes me get my way, I should do it often.

I smirk, imagining Nova having a coronary due to his jealousy.

One of his cars—a sleek Lamborghini—which he took this morning, is sitting in the garage when I park mine next to it. His collection of luxurious sports cars is worthy of envy. I swear I drool a little as I brush my fingers over the hoods as I move past them.

If I’m unhealthily obsessed with books, he’s the same with cars.

Hefting my purse higher on my shoulder, I enter the house. My babies come running at the sound, almost knocking me out. With a laugh, I bend and pepper them with hugs and kisses. Maggie lays on the ground, throwing all four legs up in the air. I scratch her belly. Meanwhile, my face is smothered with eager tongues licking my cheeks.

“I missed you guys too,” I coo in a baby voice. “Yes, I did.”

“You killed me,” booms an angry voice from down the short hallway.

With a start, I stand upright and gaze into a hurt Nova. His lips pressed into a thin line and my novel hanging off his hand. I take in his broad shoulders sans his suit jacket and tie. Hair ruffled as though he’s been running his hand through it in frustration.

His tanned skin peeking through the open collar of his shirt has me clenching my thighs. My lips ache to press a kiss and trail them over his Adam’s apple and reach his enticing lips.

Why do men look sexy when they’re pissed?

I realize I’m staring until he clears his throat and crosses his arms, waiting for my response. I barely hold back my laughter while faking confusion. “Pardon?”

Coming closer, he waves the book in my face. “You can’t write a character with my name and then just kill him, Rose. It’s a crime.”

“Why don’t you file a case then?”

“Not funny.”

“I write a character named Nova in every one of my books.”

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