Page 307 of Hateful Games

In the midst of swaying and the warmth of the night, his deep voice reaches into my heart and makes itself home. “Most of all… I hate how easily you made me fall in love with you, Rose.”

Chapter Seventy-seven

Rosalie

Nova is nowhere to be seen.

After we danced, letting our wandering hands and lips do the talking, he received a call he had to take. Meanwhile, I hung out with Iris and Bianca and the others. It was peaceful but not enough to distract my head from playing Nova’s heartfelt admission in a loop. Regret sinks in that I didn’t confess my own.

That was an hour ago and there’s still no sign of him.

I’m searching for him inside the resort when Nathan approaches me. His face masked in impassiveness. “Nova had an urgent matter to attend to, Rosalie. Iris and I will drop you at home.”

His tone doesn’t sit right with me.

Neither does the tension in his body.

Besides, Nova wouldn’t leave without telling me himself. The fact he left so abruptly in the first place is troubling. After everything that happened tonight, he wouldn’t spend a minute apart from me unless something terrible has gone down.

A bad premonition stirs in my gut.

“Where is he?”

“I don’t know,” he lies. “But he said he’ll be back soon.”

“Take me to him, Nathan.”

A crack in his indifference. “Rosalie.”

“I don’t care what he told you,” I sharply say. “Either you tell me where he went or take me there yourself.”

A war wages on his features as he contemplates whether or not to betray his friend’s trust. I’m not above guilt-tripping him into revealing Nova’s whereabouts. I have to know my husband is okay.

Does this have to do with his guarded behavior?

“Or you can wait until morning to hear from him?” he counters before sighing, “He doesn’t want to burden you, Rosalie.”

“I’m his wife,” I snap.

“Who tried to kill my best friend in front of my eyes. Are you saying you care for him now? I don’t trust you not to stab him in the back.”

“Fuck you, Nathan.”

“He’s blinded by you, I am not.” Vehemence drips from his mouth.

I shove past him, slamming my shoulder into his. “Never mind, I’ll find him myself.”

Except, I have no clue where to start.

Plus, my phone is with him.

I hear footsteps chase after me. Nathan brushes past, mumbling, “Let’s go.”

Instead of taunting him, I bite my tongue about what changed his mind. Reaching Nova my only priority. “Where’s Iris?”

“I’ll come get her later,” he curtly replies, unlocking his car. “Get in.”

Sliding into the passenger seat, I resist twisting my fingers in my dress as I gaze out the window. My mind running amok with dangerous and horrible thoughts. It cannot be related to work. It wouldn’t make him abruptly leave.

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