Page 299 of Hateful Games

“Why do you call me Rose?”

The corner of his mouth curls upward. “And not little hellion?”

“That’s pretty self-explanatory.”

His low chuckle sends a shiver down my spine. Then another powerful shiver dances the same path, along with my heart pounding at the soulful intensity of his chiseled face. His magnetic and deep voice pins me to the seat.

“Because you’re like the beautiful flower. Everyone trying to pluck you away selfishly for themselves without worrying about the consequences of making you wither. I was doing the same when I met you. Until the urge shifted to protecting you while possessing you.”

He has me possessed.

Hooked.

Mesmerized.

“You do all of it and more, Nova,” I whisper just as our car pulls to a stop.

A panty-melting smile, he orders for me to wait before stepping out of the door. His hand buttoning his suit jacket as he stands. Rounding the hood, he reaches my side and opens my door like a true gentleman.

Or maybe not.

Because he doesn’t give an inch of space so my nipples, which are still healing, graze his chest as I stand. The piercings are torturing us in equal measure. The wait as painful as the memory of the sting.

“Still no regrets?” I murmur for his ears.

His gaze darkens. “None. I’m even more eager to add another.”

“What if I say no?”

“Are you?” His gravelly tone is daring.

When I say nothing, his smirk grows. Too indecent for public. Instantly making my panties damp. My body forgetting momentarily that it’s still recovering from our last romp in the sheets. Or should I say, desk.

“Let’s get you inside, my wife. Before I decide to deepen the blush on her cheeks.”

Yeah. His dirty talk is my kryptonite.

With a possessive hand on the small of my back, he leads us down the well-lit path where the arch is decorated with colorful flowers, leading to the back garden in the luxurious resort. The reception party is a cozy affair with a close-knit circle of people. I see a lot of familiar faces, including a few of Bianca’s relatives and cousins she’s genuinely connected with.

Arya, her younger sister, is nowhere to be seen.

Ever since Bianca’s cut ties with her parents, she and Arya have drifted apart too. Last I heard, Arya was engaged to her long-time boyfriend. I know it deeply hurt Bianca when she read it in the newspaper. Especially because of the sacrifice she made to make it happen.

“Ro!” shouts Iris from a yard away. Her voice sharp and loud for someone built like a pixie. Nathan walks behind her while she speedwalks toward me.

Even though we were separated for a max of fifteen minutes, she still bear hugs me as though we’re meeting after ages.

“You just saw me, Iris,” I tease.

“So?” she mutters, like I’m being silly. “Is there a limitation on hugs? Wait, don’t answer.”

“Have you been drinking?” Nova asks from behind. His body heat wrapping around as he locks one arm around my waist.

Iris doesn’t miss when I slightly lean into his embrace.

She’s worse than the paparazzi.

“She’s not allowed alcohol tonight,” answers Nathan, earning an eye roll from his girlfriend.

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