Page 341 of Hateful Games

“I’ll do it,” says Nova and nods toward the bench in the corner. “Go rest.”

His expression leaving no room for an argument.

I observe him for the next half hour, gathering my thoughts while guessing what his end goal is. Mainly, how did he know that I’d be here? Was it a coincidence? Quite a big one, considering he’s never volunteered or been around any shelter.

Speaking of shelters, Nova hasn’t taken his offer back to construct the bigger one with all the world-class amenities as I’d envisioned. I thought for sure he would attend the meetings I have with Justin as well as his own team I’m working side by side with. The first time I entered his office building, I was a nervous wreck about running into him. But he never once came to visit, even though he must’ve received updates.

“Anything else?” he asks, once finished.

“What did you mean you can’t stay away?” I blurt out instead. “Should I expect you to show up everywhere I go?”

“Unlikely, since you hardly go out unless it’s to Bianca’s place or lunch with your friends. Don’t think they’d be welcoming to me.”

I narrow my eyes in suspicion and stand, cocking one hip to the side. “Have you been stalking me all these months?”

“I kept my distance, as you asked,” he replies before admitting unapologetically, “I never said I’d stop watching over or loving you. I’m giving you time and space—well, space now—until you’re ready to be mine again.”

“What if I never am?”

Pain flashes in his eyes but his lips curve into a smile as he confesses, “I’ll keep trying and begging until you are.” Invading my personal space, his arm circles my waist to pull me flush against him. I don’t push him away and he notices. “Six months ago, you wouldn’t have spent seconds alone with me, but today you did. I count that as a win.”

“That’s because I needed the help,” I stubbornly lie. “I would’ve kicked you out otherwise.”

His tempting and lush mouth tilts higher at my feeble resistance. His brown eyes turn warm, bright with love and adoration that hits me square in the chest. “I miss you, Rose. I miss waking up and sleeping next to my wife. I miss our dogs, who I love just as much as you. I miss our little family. You, me, and them. Because that’s what we are. What kind of a man would I be if I didn’t fight for mine?”

My breath hitches, emotions clogging my throat at him calling me his family.

“So fair warning, my beautiful wife, I’m going to be around… a lot.”

Chapter Eighty-nine

Rosalie

(December)

My tenacious husband, intent on winning me back, has become a regular volunteer at the shelter ever since that day. It doesn’t matter if I take the morning, afternoon, or evening shift, he’s always there when I am. Winning over everyone with his charm while I’ve been referred to as a moody grump.

Doesn’t he have his own company to run or something?

Billionaire extraordinaire by day and stalker by night.

What did you expect, Rose? He’s nothing if not a man of his word. One time when I had frustratingly snapped after failing to get rid of him, all he reminded me was that he did give me a warning. I gave him the silent treatment for the rest of the day, which was a task in itself.

He was unperturbed and highly amused.

He’s enjoying our little war.

Except, this isn’t about hate. Completely the opposite.

Although, I haven’t made it entirely easy on him. Since I’m usually in charge during my shifts, I give him the tasks the others turn their noses at. Hoping he’ll get annoyed and be on his merry way. But it becomes a flop show every time.

I would start to feel bad, low-key feeling like a bully, only to recall his confession about stalking me from afar. I was under the impression he was moving on, except he had been keeping tabs on me via Nathan, who gets his information from Iris.

I wasn’t as mad as I should’ve been.

And that pisses me off even more.

Pushing thoughts of him out of my mind, I focus on giving meds to one of the sick dogs with a little fever. I mix it in his food because unlike some, he doesn’t easily take the pills without spitting them out. Once done, I give in to the temptation to find Nova. He came here an hour ago and I sent him to clean the backyard with poop and all.