Page 260 of Hateful Games

Her head gingerly lifts, her glistening black eyes connecting with mine. The pain still shining strong. Licking her lips, she says, “I’m sorry.”

“Who did you lose?”

“Veer.”

Past the shock of hearing a man’s name fall from her mouth, I conceal my envy and not make judgements or assumptions. “Who is he?”

A silent tear falls, as she brokenly whispers, “He was a puppy we were treating at the shelter. Someone had burnt and left him on the side of the road.”

Fuck. Rosalie is connected to animals, especially dogs, in a way a mother is to their child. She feels their pain as her own, fiercely protective. I can’t even imagine the agony she must’ve felt when she found out the news.

Guilt is written all over face, even though it’s not her fault.

“I’m so sorry, Rose.” I brush the wetness from her cheeks.

“As if that wasn’t enough, we had two more cases brought in today. They didn’t make it either.” She crumbles again, shaking her head. “How can anyone be so pitiless to them? I ca-can’t ta-take it.”

Feeling helpless, I can only embrace her again.

“Half of the world is heartless, Rose. You need to be strong and help as many as you can. I wish everyone had a heart as big as yours.” I kiss her forehead, her tears. “Please don’t cry, Rose. You had a bad day, there will be good days, too, where you save more.”

“There’s only so much I can do, Nova. Money doesn’t solve everything. I try to donate as much as I can. But what these shelters need is more space, food, resources that they aren’t going to lose. Laws that don’t allow people to skate away without even a slap on the wrist. Sometimes I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle.”

“You’re making a difference, sweetheart,” I honestly tell her. It’s the truth. “You’re brave and gracious for caring so deeply. It’ll get better, I promise.”

Without another word, I lift her in my arms while she clings to me. I call out for the trio as I take Rosalie upstairs to our bedroom. They quietly follow us.

“I can walk, Nova.”

I tighten my grip. “Let me take care of you, Rose.”

She melts into my arms and whispers, “You came home early.”

“I told you I would.”

“I’m sorry I ruined dinner.”

Threading my fingers in her hair, I pull her head back. “Don’t ever apologize for being sad or hurting. Next time, you call me when you’re feeling low. I want to know if you’re having a bad day so I can be there for you. Promise me.”

She nods, gaze clogged with emotions.

“You’ve gone through enough tough times all alone. Not anymore. Now you have me. I’m never busy if you need me.”

“I have you.”

I kiss her lips. “Always.”

Entering the bedroom, I point our dogs toward the bed to wait for us there. I carry Rosalie into the bathroom and sit her on the counter. Locking the door, I make a bath for her while she observes me. I feel those dark eyes following me as I check the temperature of the water until it’s warm enough.

Once done, I reach her.

Untying her hair from the messy bun, I let them tumble down her back in rivulets. Trusting me, she lets me remove her simple black shirt. Goosebumps rise on her soft skin when I unhook her lacy bra, then her satin shorts and matching panties. Until every beautiful inch of her naked flesh, marked with my hickeys and fingerprints, is bare.

Her right arm goes around my neck when I pick her up again.

“Why aren’t you naked?” she murmurs, brushing her hand over my tie.

Carrying her to the tub, I help her into it until her body is submerged under the bubbles. Lowering to my knees, I cup her cheek and answer, “I’ll join you next time. While you relax and enjoy your bath, I’ll go feed Bunny and the others. Then heat up our dinner.”

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