Page 303 of Hateful Games

“Pig,” I insult. He scowls, offended. Jeez. Pot meet kettle.

“They aren’t complaining. Why are you?”

“This is going to bite you in the ass,” I warn, sipping my drink.

His face etches into a flirtatious smile, and he drawls, “I have other pleasant ways to end my night.”

Chapter Seventy-six

Rosalie

“I can’t believe they’ve been gossiping about me,” I whisper to Nova.

“I’m sure they aren’t saying anything bad.”

Our group of close friends and Bianca’s closest cousins are seated on an elegantly long table, lit with candles and flowing with different delicacies from around the world. The setting is romantic and opulent.

Dash and Bianca are sitting in the middle across from us. Iris and Nathan on their right. While Nova and I are next to Justin and his two dates. Oh yes, he’s impressively managed to turn it into a party of three instead of perpetrating a catfight.

Everybody is aware how his night is going to end.

Nova has his arm stretched on the back of my chair, fingers absently drawing patterns on my shoulder and neck. I’m twisted toward him as he feeds me bites from his plate while intently listening to my complaints about my best friends.

“I know,” I reply, running my fingers over his tie. “Since it’s about me, shouldn’t I be a part of it?”

“Not how gossiping works, Rose.” Amusement is heavy in his low tone.

“They have a bet going on too. Can you believe it?”

“I wonder what’s it about.”

I purse my lips at his calmness while he patiently listens. Brown eyes staring down at me adoringly. “You’re pretty chill for someone whose wife is being gossiped about?”

“They’re your best friends.” After feeding me another bite of rice, he teases, “And they’re just pulling your leg.”

I swallow and sip water before admitting, “It’s working.”

“For all you know, they aren’t even talking. Have the three of you ever kept secrets from each other?”

“No.” At the same time, I catch them inching closer and whispering to each other with matching grins. I narrow my gaze in suspicion and ask Nova, “Text Nathan and ask him what they said just now.”

Nova nods at the waiter to take our plates and bring dessert. Giving me a stern look, he drawls, “I’m not asking him to spy for you.”

“Give me your phone, I’ll do it.”

I shiver when his fingers grab the back of my neck and leaning into my ear, he warns, “Behave, Rose.”

My thighs squeeze together at the domineering tone.

His eyes flare, catching the movement.

I’m saved by the waiter bringing our dessert. At the sight of the scrumptious tiramisu, I forget all about my plans and pick up my spoon. Digging in, I moan at the first bite. I take another before cutting a small bite and lifting it to Nova’s mouth.

“Here, you have to try,” I excitedly tell him.

He accepts and chews slowly.

It takes me a second to notice the pin-drop silence descending on our side of the table. Glancing up, I lock eyes with Bianca and Iris, who are watching me like I’m an alien hijacking their party.