Page 46 of Darkest Deception

“I hate him. God, I hate him so much. His eyes remind me of a snake that would literally suffocate you. His hair constantly falls into his eyes, and even that annoys me. Not to mention his disgusting smile, which he frequently throws my way.” I let out a big sigh, closing my eyes before opening them again.

Talia is looking at me with her lips rolled in, a glint of amusement in her eyes.

“What?”

Her eyes flick over my shoulder, then back to me.

I freeze.

My whole body ignites as a trail of heat prickles across the back of my head.

“Is there anything else you hate about me, Emerald?” The deep, smooth gravel voice caresses my ears, and goosebumps erupt on my skin. I straighten my spine.

A ghost of a touch skims over my arm.

Something flicks my earring, and I snap my head to the side.

And there he stands.

Helia Nashwood.

A playful grin plays on his lips. His black hair is slicked to perfection, and his emerald eyes are hypnotic. Standing tall and proud, he towers over me, even in my heels. I watch as he slides his attention to Talia, whose gaze is darting back and forth between us.

“Helia Nashwood.” He grabs her hand and places a kiss on it.

Her eyes widen at me, as if saying He’s a gentleman. After what you just said?

I twist my mouth in a frown. Yeah, he is a manipulator.

“Talia Lanon,” she replies.

“A beautiful name,” he says smoothly.

Standing up straight, he looks over at me again. And somehow, my mind manages to admire the way he looks tonight. Dashing. Handsome.

“Do enlighten me. What else your friend here has been saying about me?” he asks her, keeping his eyes on me the whole time.

I feel a weird twist in my stomach at his presence, at his close proximity. Especially when his hand keeps grazing mine every so often.

“Just describing my hate for you after what happened the last time we were in the office together,” I grit out, my hands clenching into fists at my side.

“Last time? You should have been careful with what you said, Emerald.” He shakes his head, and a lock of black hair falls into his eyes.

My hand twitches, and I fight the urge to tuck it back in his hair.

“What happened last time?” Talia so intelligently asks.

“Nothing.”

“She tried to kiss me.”

We both answer at the same time, and Talia bursts out laughing, placing a hand in front of her mouth.

I glare at Helia, who is smiling at me, his eyes wide. He looks just about ready to laugh out loud, too.

“Are you serious?!” I snap at him, then spin to glare at Talia. “And why are you laughing? It’s not true!”

Helia wraps an arm around my shoulder, but I shove him off.

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