Page 202 of Hateful Games

“Are you not happy or are you just scared?”

I switch to lying on my back and stare at the ceiling. Both of them lie sideways, leaning on their elbows to study me. “I’m scared that I am happy. His actions should smother me but they don’t. He’s attuned to my needs in a way even I’m not. A hell of a twist I didn’t see coming.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” murmurs Iris.

A humorless laugh spills from my lips. “Because I know it will end in heartbreak. We’re meant to destroy each other, not fall in love with a happily ever after.”

“It’s a choice, Ro.” Bianca rests her hand on mine, squeezing lightly. “One you need to be brave enough to make. You’ve been brainwashed to believe crafted lies about Nova’s family your entire life that is blurring your judgment. You must look past that and learn for yourself whether or not they’re true.”

“That’s the thing, Bee,” I reply in frustration. “Even if I take a leap and trust him, he won’t do the same. It’s deeper than hate what Nova feels for my father. I see the violence and wrath in his eyes. Nova is riding the high of having his enemy’s daughter under his mercy. Once it wears off, he’ll go back to hating me. I’ll be nothing less than a trophy. The spoiled remains of the war.”

“Do you know the reason?”

I shake my head.

“Maybe you should ask him,” suggests Iris. “It will make you understand him.”

“And bring you both closer. Just show him he can trust you.”

“It’d be ironic since I don’t trust him either.” Shrugging, I whisper, “He’s been cruel to me for years, crossed lines while silently making my life hell. A week with him treating me nice, giving me orgasms, doesn’t make it all go away. I even caught him telling his dad that I’m a problem thrown into his lap.”

“Behind your back?”

I nod sadly. “Still think I should give him a chance?”

“I will still advise you to talk to him, even if the outcome isn’t desirable. Miscommunication and keeping secrets are the worst ways to kill your relationship.”

Bianca’s eyes convey she’s talking about her and Dash.

“Mine isn’t a relationship, it’s an arrangement I was forced into,” I brokenly murmur.

“Whatever decision you make, Ro,” says Iris, settling her hand on top of Bianca’s and mine. “We have your back.”

Basking in their protectiveness, love, and devotion as they promise to always have my back, I feel bold and unafraid. Before I lose the courage, I confess, “I have a secret to tell you guys.”

They still in anticipation and together ask, “What is it?”

“I’m a published romance author.”

Eyes widening, they go speechless and bolt upright. “You’ve written books?”

“Yes.”

“Oh my god!” they scream, making my ears bleed. Yet I’m smiling.

“So, you’re famous?”

“My third book was a hit and made it to USA Today bestseller list. Since then, my penname has been famous.”

Looking at each other, they hoot, “Oh my god! We know someone famous.”

One second, I’m laughing, and the next, there’s a pillow flying toward my face. With a screech, I twist to the side and it hits my back.

“Why didn’t you tell us before, you bitch?”

Another slam of the pillow, followed by Iris’s fuming voice. “Who the hell keeps it a secret? And from their best friends, no less.”

“I’m sorry!”

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