Page 282 of Hateful Games

I freeze at the image that pops up on the screen, which actually is a footage of the cafeteria. I already know who the group of formally dressed men are. Nova hits play. Despite knowing what’s coming, it stings harder all over again as I hear their taunting jibes and cruel insults.

Nova’s fingers dig painfully into my thigh as I bury my face into his neck.

Every inch of him is as rigid as an unyielding rock while he quietly listens. Until the very end. I tune them out before they make remarks about fucking me. The pounding in my ears is so high I can barely hear anything else, much less what other revolting stuff they said after I ran.

I only come to my senses when Nova secures me tighter against the comforting heat of his body.

“Shhh,” he murmurs in my hair, kissing the top of my head. His gentle but strong voice ensures me calmly, “None of it is true. Their idiocy was doing the talking. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, wrong with you. You’re perfect, Rose.”

“I don’t know why it hurts,” I mumble against his skin. “I don’t understand why I’m letting them get to me.”

“Because no matter how strong you are, sometimes words still have the power to hurt.” Tilting my head, his lips ghost over my wet ones. “That doesn’t make you weak or their words any true.”

“I know.”

“I’ll deal with them later,” he informs me. Though it sounds like an ominous threat. Before I can ask what he really means, he distracts me by kissing me. “I’m taking you home and we’re going to make you forget this happened.”

I nod wordlessly, trusting him to do just that without a single doubt.

Setting me to my feet, he stands and slides on his suit jacket. On our way out, he informs his assistant he’s taking the rest of the day off and to cancel his meetings. Taking the private elevator that leads straight to the parking lot, we reach his car.

His hand holds mine all the way home.

We haven’t even crossed the threshold when Maggie, Bunny, and Fire come barreling down to greet us. Their gazes lightening up at the sight of Nova, who has to brace me from falling when the trio slam into my body. His hand remains perch on my waist as I bend and pick up an eager Maggie.

I’m smothered with kisses.

Meanwhile, Fire and Bunny receive pats and caresses from Nova.

I look over my shoulder at him and suggest, “Want to watch a show with me?”

“Which do you have in mind?”

“The Office. Have you seen it?”

“No.”

My jaw goes slack, mirth flashing on his face. “Have you at least heard of it?”

“I don’t watch shows or movies often.”

“That’s so boring.” I wrinkle my nose. He laughs. “Do you even realize what you’re missing out on?”

“I watch sports. Far from boring.”

“Yeah, ’cause it’s lame.”

“Oh yeah?” he quips. Picking me up while I clutch Maggie, he carries me to the upstairs. “Then let’s see what’s so special about The Office that I’m missing out on.”

After a quick change, our dogs and I settle in the theater room. Meanwhile, Nova goes and makes us popcorn, and with it chips and drinks. By the time he’s back, I’m cozy under a blanket. My gaze lingers on my husband’s sculpted abs visible above the waistband of his low sweats, roaming upward to his face as he sets the snack tray on a table before us.

I’ve never been a cuddly or clingy type of girl.

But with him, I ache to glue myself to him permanently.

As soon as he sits beside me, I scooch and press a kiss against his mouth. He freezes for a long lingering second, surprised by the innocent gesture, and I hide my smile. Throwing one leg over his, I snuggle against him. His arm automatically reaching to play with my hair.

The contented sigh that he lets out sends my heart fluttering.

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